8 Effective Skin Tightening Procedures To Try, According to a Derm and Plastic Surgeon

Madelyn Reed
·8 min read
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In the vast sea of skin tightening procedures, it can be overwhelming to decide which is best for you. There are so many factors to weigh—like the cost, aftercare, and longevity of the results—before committing to a treatment or surgery. The good news is that consulting with experts can make it easier to suss out what's worth it and what's not. And that's precisely what we did.

To help you figure out the most effective skin tightening procedures for your face, we've enlisted the help of dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick and plastic surgeon Dr. Usha Rajagopal. Ahead, they break down eight of the best options.



Meet Our Expert



Microneedling

More formally known as collagen induction therapy, "microneedling works by creating micro-injuries in the skin to help boost collagen production, which also helps to tighten the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," Garshick explains. Rajagopal notes that the popular Morpheus8 microneedling devices have "gained widespread popularity in the market for their ability to deliver impressive results in skin tightening."

Microneedling is a great option for anyone looking for minimal downtime following their procedure—it typically only requires one to two days, depending on your skin's reaction. It's important to note that microneedling will require multiple sessions to see lasting results. As far as aftercare, there's nothing too demanding, but you may experience slight redness over the treated area. Our experts also recommend staying hydrated, remaining out of direct sunlight, and avoiding using strong skincare products immediately after treatment (like exfoliants).

When looking at the cost of microneedling, the individual treatments can range from $200 to $700 per session, but most fall around $350. Remember that the results are not permanent; most people require three to six sessions to reach their desired appearance.

Phenol Peel

Numerous peels are available for those interested in non-surgical options. One of the most effective is the phenol peel, and our experts say it offers truly remarkable results (think: firmer, smoother skin). "The phenol peel has been a longstanding procedure performed for decades, which speaks to its established track record and reliability," Dr. Rajagopal says.

Because it is such an intense treatment, this procedure must be performed "by a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who is highly experienced," according to Dr. Rajagopal. It's important to note that this procedure is only suitable for candidates with lighter skin with extreme sun damage, deep wrinkles, and acne scars—darker skin tones may experience scarring and hyperpigmentation.

The total recovery time can be about four to six weeks, with redness lasting about six months. Some significant and essential aftercare steps should be considered when deciding if a phenol peel is right for you. For about five to seven days following the procedure, it's important to use extremely gentle cleansers to keep the skin clean, use a medium to thick moisturizer multiple times a day, avoid direct sunlight for six months following the procedure, and limit daily activity and all exercise for two weeks post-procedure.

To put these aftercare steps into perspective, the results of the phenol peel can last from eight to ten years. The treatment can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000, depending on your location and the extent of the damage in the treated area.

Radiofrequency Treatment

"There are various forms of radiofrequency and ultrasound devices that can help to tighten the skin and improve the appearance of jowls," Dr. Garshick describes. She says Evoke by InMode is a noninvasive, no-downtime radiofrequency device that can improve the appearance of the cheeks, neck, and jawline. This device and others work by building collagen to help tighten the skin. Typically, the treatment requires four to six sessions, meaning it can take three to six months for results to appear.

This specific treatment involves a heated applicator that may be applied to the cheeks or chin to help tighten the skin. It can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per session. The at-home aftercare steps for this treatment are not as demanding as those for other treatment options, typically only requiring the use of a gentle cleanser and avoiding direct sunlight. While this is a milder treatment, avoiding any laser treatments, waxing, microdermabrasion, and depilatories for three to four weeks after treatment is still essential.

Radiofrequency Microneedling

This treatment is exactly what it sounds like—a combination of the two previously discussed technologies, radiofrequency and microneedling. Dr. Garshick says it works "to create micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production" while also tightening the skin.

This is the ideal treatment for those looking to tighten skin and address textural concerns such as acne scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles. "It can be used on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, arms, and thighs to help address crepiness of the skin and skin laxity," Dr. Garshick adds.

To see the best results, doing three sessions that are approximately four to six weeks apart is recommended. While this treatment requires minimal downtime, the skin may be blotchy or red for up to 24 hours. Although one of the most common aftercare practices in skin tightening is to avoid direct sun, this is not as much of a concern as other laser treatments, meaning that this procedure can be done at any time of year. Depending on the treated areas, pricing can range from $1000 to $2500 per session.

Ultrasound Technology

If you are interested in a noninvasive option that requires little to no downtime, ultrasound technologies may be the right choice. As Dr. Garshick points out, some specific treatment options include "Ulthera or Sofwave, which uses ultrasound to tighten and stimulate collagen production."

As far as aftercare, it is important to avoid anything that would cause the skin to heat up (like a sauna). Pricing for this treatment can vary based on the area being treated and where you're seeking treatment, ranging from $750 for a smaller area to $5,000 for the entire face and neck. Most people only need one session to see results and a touch-up treatment every few years.

FaceTite

"FaceTite is a minimally invasive radiofrequency device that combines liposuction with internal radiofrequency delivery and radiofrequency microneedling to help eliminate fat while tightening the skin," Dr. Garshick notes.

This procedure—often referred to as a facelift alternative—requires a tiny incision in the skin to deliver the internal radio frequencies. Following the procedure, you can expect to wear a compression garment on your face and neck for up to two weeks. Most people return to work within two to three days of the procedure. However, since you will be dealing with some swelling and redness, sleeping in an elevated position with plenty of pillows for the 48 to 72 hours following the procedure is recommended. The procedure's pricing can range from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on where you are seeking treatment and the affected area.

The results of this procedure can last anywhere from one to five years, depending on factors like genetics or diet. You can undergo maintenance treatments as needed, typically every one to five years following the initial treatment.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is commonly used "to help address dark spots, acne scars, discoloration, and fine lines and wrinkles; it can also help with skin tightening," Dr. Garshick explains.

An important factor to consider when deciding if this is the right treatment for you is that laser resurfacing treatments may not be suitable for those with darker skin tones because there is a risk of hyperpigmentation. For example, "RenuVion functions as a laser device for facial skin tightening but is restricted to lighter skin tones," Dr. Rajagopal says.

As far as aftercare, it is vital to minimize sun exposure after having this procedure, so it is best to avoid it in the summer months. Our experts say you may experience redness or swelling after the procedure, but this should dissipate within three to seven days. The results can last anywhere from three to five years and only require one session to see results. A single session can range anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on what area you are treating.

Facelift

The most effective skin-tightening option is a facelift. "When addressing skin laxity caused by aging or significant weight loss, a facelift remains the gold standard," Dr. Rajagopal says. It is a major surgical procedure compared to the other options on this list and "typically delivers more substantial results," according to Dr. Garshick.

Significant post-procedure care steps must be taken into account when deciding if this is the right surgery for you. Total recovery time lasts about three months, and you will likely need to take one to two weeks off of work immediately following the procedure.

While none of the treatments on this list are permanent, this one lasts the longest, about ten years. Pricing for this surgery can vary from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on many factors. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor to make sure you're making the best decision for your skin and your body.

Read the original article on Byrdie.