Two years into an ongoing pandemic that shuttered the world, I’m savoring the return to in-person socialization.
I’malsolearning that I can’t takesocial media filtersand Facetune with me to IRL events.
But there are tweaks I like to make, especially when it comes to loose skin.
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But I coveted the defined jawline and high cheekbones that I saw on Hollywood stars and my Instagram feed.
After age 35, I also began to notice a loss of volume on my face.
So I searched for ways to firm things up.
I was willing to try anything that helped with my loose skin.
If I wanted to address my sagging, I was going to have to go the injectable route.
What causes loose skin?
What non-surgical methods treat laxity?
“Non-surgical treatment of skin laxity remains the black box of plastic surgery,” Dr. Devgan says.
So there’s no silver bullet.
Despite that, Dr. Devgan says that there are some approaches that show promise.
Dr. Ingleton tells us that there is an uptick in patient interest infillers.
Hyaluronic acid fillerslike Juvederm and Restylane help restore loss of collagen, Dr. Ingleton adds.
That’s not news to me I have been using it for several years to accentuate my cheekbones.
And like many non-surgical procedures, fillers need to be repeated every so often to retain their desired effectiveness.
Microneedling starts at around $300 per session.
A micro-coring unit called Ellacor made its debut after gaining FDA clearance last year.
Erbium laser beams are absorbed by water inside your skin, vaporizing the tissue inside the skin.
Heat created by the laser stimulates the formation of collagen, which is said to help tighten the skin.
“However, removing sun damage can help with the overall quality and texture of the skin.”
I looked tired and my jawline felt soft.
I ended up trying suture suspension lifting, which Dr. Devgan describes as “the modern generation ofthread-lifting.”
The procedure involves making several small incisions with internal sutures to shape the face.
Sounds painful, right?
Rest assured, it was not for me.
And it’s quick, too.
“It has the same amount of downtime and discomfort as injectable fillers,” Dr. Devgan adds.
What’s the pain and downtime like for each treatment?
“Bruising and swelling are always possible but can be covered with makeup shortly thereafter.
Lasers may be associated with varying degrees of redness depending on their energy prefs.”
Dr. Geronemus adds that most patients who opt for micro-coring can expect about three days recovery time.
Which treatment is right for me?
Only you, and a licensed professional, can determine the right path to take.
“An in-person consultation is needed because the range of procedures can vary tremendously.”
