Skin Tightening Treatments in Mumbai | Tighten Sagging Skin

Overview | Skin tightening treatments | Ideal candidates | Questions for the doctor | Self-care for the future

Wondering how you can make your skin look smoother and younger? Well, I am here to introduce to you a concept called non-surgical skin tightening. Gone are the days when painful and costly surgical tightening was the only option to fix loose skin. 

Nowadays, you can turn to non-invasive skin tightening treatments and contouring treatments, which are gaining immense popularity. The benefits of these treatments are also fabulous. These benefits include the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, improved lift and elasticity, no downtime, and minimal discomfort. 

Sounds interesting? 

Do read on as I take you through an overview of a few skin tightening treatments and ways to take care of your skin in the future. I will elaborate on each of these so that you get an understanding of a basic overview of skin tightening, the comfortable way. 

What are the different treatments for skin tightening?

Here is a quick look at the top non-invasive skin tightening treatments practiced by dermatologists today. 

1. Ultrasound HIFU – High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a painless and safe replacement for facelifts. It uses ultrasound energy to promote the production of collagen, which leads to firmer skin. It protects the skin’s surface and targets the deep area beyond the dermis and foundation layers with high temperatures where structural weakening starts.
   That might sound complicated, but let me tell you that HIFU involves no incisions. Also, it causes no scarring nor does it demand any recovery time. The ideal candidate is a patient who has mild-to-moderate skin laxity. At The Bombay Skin Clinic, I use the Ultraformer III to treat the entire face, neck, and body.
   The steps for this treatment include removing all makeup products and cleansing the face before the procedure. Next, the dermatologist will apply a topical anesthetic cream. Following this, an ultrasound gel is applied and the HIFU device is placed against the skin. The ultrasound energy is delivered to the target area in short pulses for around half an hour to 90 minutes, during which you may feel some heat or tingling sensations. Some swelling or redness may occur temporarily. Most of my patients see full results three months post-procedure. I recommend a repeat procedure in one or two years as the natural process of aging takes over.
2. Microneedling – I recommend microneedling as an effective treatment for loose skin and wrinkles on any area of the body. The technique involves the use of many tiny sterile needles that puncture the skin to prompt the derma, the deeper skin layer, to rebuild with the production of collagen. This keeps the skin looking firm, smooth, and youthful. You may face temporary side effects like swelling, redness, and bruising. If you have any active skin condition, keloid scarring, and active acne, I generally do not recommend this treatment for you.
   I do advise my patients to wait a few months before seeing any results from microneedling. According to the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, microneedling is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate skin and treat wrinkles. The American Academy of Dermatology also hails it as a good way to reduce stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines, and the appearance of pores. Do note that home microneedling is not recommended; so, avoid doing this. Consult with a doctor or dermatologist who is specially trained in this procedure.
   At The Bombay Skin Clinic, I use the Dermapen 4, a breakthrough in advanced microneedling technology for the best results in skin tightening for my patients.
3. Radiofrequency – Whether it is due to sun damage or aging, radiofrequency for skin tightening can renew the youthful look of your skin. It works by targeting the epidermis, which is the tissue beneath the outer layer of the skin. It does this with radiofrequency energy via a probe that generates heat and results in the production of collagen. As a result, sagging skin is tightened with minimal and bearable discomfort. According to Harvard Health Publishing, this treatment is ideal for women in their late 30s or 40s with mild skin looseness.
   At The Bombay Skin Clinic, I have used Monopolar RF to successfully remove forehead lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles around the lips and neck. While some of my patients have seen results immediately after treatment, others see them within six months. Depending on the elasticity of your skin, I would recommend multiple treatments for seeing the desired results. In general, with a good skincare routine, your results can last for up to three years. Forehead skin, eyebrow skin, the skin around the eyelids, loose skin around the jawline, and the cheeks can be treated with radiofrequency.
4. Laser skin tightening – This is a unique facial skin rejuvenation method that helps to dramatically improve the skin’s appearance by tightening loose skin. It uses an infrared light source to heat the collagen of the skin to tighten it, giving it a smoother and improved texture. Results are almost immediately noticeable with zero downtime required. Optimal results may take a few months to show. The non-ablative nature of the treatment only requires a topical anesthetic cream.
   Men and women between the ages of 30 to 60 years are ideal candidates for laser skin tightening of the abdomen, waist, neck, face, arms, back, outer and inner thighs, and hips. For the best results, brief pulses of energy are delivered to the targeted skin for three to four sessions, each usually lasting 30 minutes. Temporary side effects include mild swelling or redness. New collagen growth takes about 90 to 180 days, so up to six treatments spaced roughly three weeks apart is recommended.
5. Fillers – Facial fillers are mainly used as volumizers to lifting and plump up the cheek, chin, jawline, temple, lips, and saggy skin on the hands. I offer this treatment at The Bombay Skin Clinic to tighten skin with the use of facial fillers. It helps tackle issues of skin elasticity, volume, laxness, and facial lines. There can be some sensitivity and swelling after the treatment, but this is normal, and patients are likely to see results almost immediately
6. Hollywood Laser Facial – Used my many celebrities and also known as the Spectra carbon feel, this medi-facial is one-of-a-kind. I offer the Bombay Hollywood Laser Peel at The Bombay Skin Clinic, and it has helped many patients to rejuvenate their skin and solve signs of aging and damaged skin. It also helps tighten skin.
   The facial starts with a vitamin C cleanser followed by crystal-free hydradermabrasion. Then the carbon peel is applied, post which a Q-switched laser heats the carbon to improve brightens and clarity of skin. Finally, with a natural aloe vera application and hydrating mask, the treatment is complete. I recommend my patients to take several such treatments over a period of time for best results.
7. Threads – Also known as thread lifts, this facial skin tightening treatment uses temporary sutures to create a subtle yet visible lift to the skin. Performed under local anesthesia, this non-surgical treatment lifts up portions of the loose skin, giving the effect of pulling the skin back slightly. Mono or poly threads are inserted below the skin to help to lift and stretch the skin . The threads are absorbable and trigger the skin’s healing response of producing collagen along the threads, causing the skin to lift and tighten. This provokes the skin’s healing response of producing collagen. Over time, my patients have noticed a gradual improvement in the skin’s firmness in treated areas.
   With no risk of post-treatment scarring or bruising and zero downtime, it is possible to combine threads with other skin tightening treatments to create more noticeable results. With local anesthesia, there is almost no downtime and my patients can usually drive themselves home and get back to their routine minus any delay.
8. Platelet-rich plasma – At The Bombay Skin Clinic, I offer the Arthrex PRP treatment that utilizes monotherapy, or in combination with medical needling for general skin and hand rejuvenation and treating peri orbital wrinkles. It is safe, non-invasive, effective, and can be repeated as many times as needed. The growth factors present in PRP help in the process. PRP for hand rejuvenation has shown great results, with significant increase in the thickness of the epidermis. It also improved overall skin texture and brightness.
9. MNRF – I offer the Secret Micro-needle Fractional RF System treatment to tighten and rejuvenate skin at The Bombay Skin Clinic. It is a USA-FDA approved treatment. It uses minimally invasive micro-needles to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy directly into the depths of the skin. This RF energy heats up the skin tissues and triggers new collagen production, thus promoting remodeling of skin and its tightening. This treatment is also effective in reducing acne scars by breaking scar bands.

Are there any limitations of skin tightening procedures?

You should note that there are some limitations to the various types of skin tightening treatments. For example, HIFU is not a miracle cure for aging. The procedure cannot eliminate skin issues like severe wrinkles and sagging. In the same way, radiofrequency tightening is not a permanent anti-aging solution. Threads can make the skin firmer, but they cannot address blemishes, age spots, or uneven pigmentation. 

Thus, all the skin tightening treatments mentioned above, at most, can repair a little loose skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, these treatments will not be effective on advanced skin sagging, like that caused by weight loss and pregnancy, or pronounced jowls.

Finally, I would like to add that all skin tightening treatments do vary in results between patients. Your dermatologist will tell you what you can expect based on your skin condition. 

Who are good candidates for these treatments?

In general, good candidates for these non-surgical skin tightening treatments are those impacted by mild-to-moderate skin laxity and those who do not require dramatic skin lifting and skin removal cosmetic procedures.

Although they may have very few and temporary side effects, I do not recommend these treatments for patients who are pregnant, have active skin conditions, are taking certain medications, or suffer from certain medical conditions. I take into account a patient’s entire medical history and current conditions before assessing their suitability for skin tightening treatments for their safety and well-being.

What are some questions to ask the doctor?

There are certain questions you should remember to ask your doctor regarding skin tightening and the various treatments available so that you are better informed and well-aware of your case. These are:

• How loose/firm is my skin?
• Can my loose skin benefit from skin tightening?
• Which skin tightening procedure is best-suited to my skin?
• Which areas of my body can I treat?
• What does the skin tightening treatment involve?
• How many sessions will be required?
• Will I feel any discomfort during the treatment?
• What can I do to prepare my skin pre-treatment?
• How long until I see results?
• What should my post-treatment skincare routine be?

I also encourage patients to get a full estimate of the treatment cost before they begin. 

Is there any self-care required in the future?

I advise my patients to follow a few post-treatment skin care measures. This is because, after any skin tightening procedure, the skin will be more sensitive than usual. So, you should refrain from applying any liquids or solutions that are likely to aggravate the skin. Also, avoid sun exposure for at least a week after the treatment. You could ask your doctor to suggest a sunscreen type or brand and some topical products depending on the treatment you have undergone. Also, keep yourself hydrated to boost the healing process. In short, I would say use only the products that your dermatologist recommends while your skin recovers. 

Closing thoughts

I always tell my patients not to feel disheartened if they are impacted by loose, sagging skin. Modern-day treatments now make it possible for you to regain that youthful appearance and flaunt smooth, firm skin once again. Consult with an experienced dermatologist and enjoy healthy, happy skin days!

References

• Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1748681517302504
• American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/treat-large-pores
• Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By_the_way_doctor_How_does_Thermage_remove_wrinkles
• American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/non-surgical-procedures/skin-tightening/