Non-surgical Skin Tightening vs. Fillers – Which is right for you?

You can have the most rigorous anti-ageing skincare regime, but for most people, the solution to loose skin can be found only on the treatment couch. Thankfully, non-surgical technologies and techniques have come a long way over the last decade, and there are plenty of options available when it comes to improving skin laxity – whether your case is mild, moderate, or severe.

Among the no-knife options, you’ll find technologies harnessing regenerative lasers, ultrasound, and radiofrequency energy, which either stimulate a mega boost of collagen production or work on the facial muscles themselves to lift the features. One of the leading procedures which is both safe and effective is Profound RF, a gold standard in non-surgical skin tightening and lifting.

Below, we discuss the effects of skin laxity, how technology treatments work and how they compare to the more commonly known procedure – Dermal Fillers.

What causes skin laxity?

As we get older, our skin starts to experience some drastic changes. Wrinkles and fine lines are one thing, but there’s also the issue of sagging skin, which many don’t think about until it happens. While ageing is a significant cause of skin laxity, there are several other contributors. Genetics, sun exposure, diet, stress and smoking are the most common culprits.

The sad truth is that some people’s skin sags more than others as they get older, which mainly boils down to the genetic lottery. While there’s not much you can do regarding your genetic predisposition, you can avoid smoking and the sun, sustain a targeted anti-ageing skincare regime, and maintain a diet rich in antioxidants – these can help to fight against the damage caused by free radicals. If measures are taken to reduce degeneration and improve collagen and elastin production, laxity of the skin can be slowed or partially prevented.

What exactly is Profound RF?

If you’re looking for a Facelift result, but without the surgery, then look no further. The Profound RF is a revolutionary treatment that can reduce signs of ageing and produce long-lasting, natural results in a way that no other device can. It is designed to stimulate new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid – the critical building blocks that keep your skin smooth and elastic.

By penetrating the skin at a precise depth with tiny needles, before momentarily releasing a targeted burst of radiofrequency energy (heat), the device makes the skin think it’s injured, kickstarting lazy collagen into action; encouraging growth factors and new collagen to heal the perceived wounds. Unlike traditional radio-frequency treatments that heat the skin to 42 ^oC, the Profound penetrates much deeper into the facial tissues heating them to 67 ^oC, thereby stimulating a much stronger response. Three to six months later, the finished results are phenomenal, even as good as up to one-third of a facelift.

Are you the right candidate?

There aren’t many people of a certain age who wouldn’t benefit from the results the Profound RF can produce. The treatment is best suited to anyone with mild to moderate skin sagging or laxity. Examples include a lowered brow, loose skin on the neck and sagging under the chin and jawline. It’s perfect for early intervention and provides an excellent alternative to surgery for those looking to tighten and improve more extreme signs of skin ageing.

Where do Dermal Fillers fit in?

Whilst you can reduce some of the sagging with dermal fillers, a more aggressive technology-based treatment is usually required to tighten the skin itself. Having said that, most practitioners will point out that skin tightening works exceptionally well in combination with injectables because one is lifting and providing structure to the facial contours, while the other tightens and smoothes loose skin and pulls everything back to its rightful place.

Ultimately, the best course of treatment for your requirements is up to you and your practitioner, but it also depends on your individual concerns and the results you’d like to achieve. If you’re just starting to see the effects of skin laxity, a slight tweak with fillers may be all you need to rebalance the area. However, if the effects of loose skin are more pronounced, the Profound RF is in a league on its own when it comes to non-surgical skin tightening.

When choosing the right procedure for you, it’s important to do your research, read articles, speak to qualified medical professionals and most importantly, read patient stories and reviews. If you’d like to speak to a practitioner about our various non-surgical treatment options, you can book a consultation here.

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Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.