As your skin ages, it may slowly but surely begin to lose its firmness of youth. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), as skin matures, it becomes thinner and less elastic. This occurs because of a gradual breakdown of the fibers collagen and elastin, which have kept your skin plump and tight, states the Mayo Clinic. The remedies available to help tighten loose, sagging skin range from anti-aging creams to soft tissue fillers to laser therapy and face-lifts.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a vitamin A derivative. This Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription-only cream is used to treat wrinkles and smooth out rough skin. Tretinoin may also have a tightening effect on the skin because of its ability to stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin, according to Smart Skin Care.com. Side effects of tretinoin may include redness, peeling, dryness and sun sensitivity.
Peptides
Anti-aging creams that contain copper peptides may help to firm loose skin. Copper is a trace element located in every cell of the body. The Mayo Clinic states that copper peptides work by encouraging collagen production and enhancing the effects of antioxidants.
Smart Skin Care.com warns that copper peptides should be used in moderation. When used excessively, they may actually weaken the skin and cause further sagging.
Soft Tissue Fillers
A number of injectable soft-tissue fillers are available to plump up the skin and give it a smoother, firmer and more youthful appearance. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that among the facial fillers are hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body, and hydroxylapatie, a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones.
Side effects of soft tissue fillers may include temporary redness, bruising or swelling at the injection site. Results can last up to a year or longer.
Laser Resurfacing
The anti-aging effects of laser rejuvenation may have help tighten skin. The AAD says ablative lasers remove a certain volume of skin, which resulst in firming and an overall improvement in the texture and tone of the skin.
Ablative devices also stimulate the production of skin-plumping collagen. The tightening effects of laser resurfacing may gradually improve for up to one year after treatment before reaching its peak effect.
Face-Lift
A face-lift is the surgical removal of excess skin from the neck and lower jawline. According to the Mayo Clinic, this invasive procedure effectively treats loose, sagging skin. Results can last for several years. The side effects of a face-lift may include swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, tenderness, and numbness for up to two weeks after the surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Mini Face-lift
A neck lift or mini face-lift is a more focused approach to lifting sagging skin than a full face-lift, says the Mayo Clinic. During the procedure the surgeon makes a small incision beneath the chin, tightens the neck muscles and removes excess skin between the neck and chin. This creates a more defined and firm-looking jawline. Swelling and bruising may persist for six weeks following surgery.
About this Author
Karen Jean Gaskell is a broadcast journalist with 25 years’ experience. Gaskell has written hundreds of articles relating to health, fitness and personal growth. Her work has appeared in “Spirituality & Health Magazine” and “Essential Wellness.” Gaskell studied journalism and broadcasting at both the University of Wisconsin and Brown College.
