Do You Need Surgery for Sagging Skin?

When you get right down to it, no one actually wants to have surgery. Plastic surgery, although elective, is typically a last resort for people who are feeling unhappy with their appearance. Because of this, the field of cosmetic medicine has been growing in the last few years to include more non-invasive and minimally-invasive procedures to complement the surgical options that plastic surgeons have been offering for decades.

Sagging skin is a common side effect of aging—just about everyone will experience it at some point during their later years. It can be a tricky issue to fix, once the skin has begun to sag too much.

Many people assume that unlike wrinkles, sagging skin can’t be fixed with non-surgical treatments. The good news? This often isn’t true. Read on to find out why your skin is sagging, and what you can do about it.

Why Does Our Skin Sag?

Over time, our skin begins to lose collagen and elastin. These are two major foundations of youthful skin, making it feel firm, supple, and smooth. Our skin has an amazing ability to bounce back and to expand and contract as needed, but it becomes less elastic over time and its capacity to stretch begins to drop.

As aging begins and the natural production of collagen and elastin slow down, the skin begins to develop static wrinkles and sagging. It hangs over the contours of the face, rather than hugging them closely. Smoking, sun damage, and weight loss can also contribute to sagging skin.

Some of this collagen loss can be reversed, at least at the beginning. Collagen production is used in wound healing, and the body will naturally create more collagen and elastin when the skin is irritated or injured. That’s why so many resurfacing procedures involve controlled injury to the skin—it’s the best way to trigger the body’s natural collagen production response. Laser therapy, microneedling, and other non-invasive treatments use this method.

The same principles can be used in tightening the skin without resorting to surgery.

A Non-Surgical Option for Sagging Skin: Ulthera

There are only a few methods for non-surgical skin-tightening on the market. Our favorite is Ulthera, an FDA-approved procedure that harnesses the power of ultrasound energy to encourage collagen production and tighten the skin.

Ultherapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive method of lifting sagging skin. It works by targeting the deep facial tissues with ultrasound energy, which boosts collagen production for long-lasting skin tightening. Unlike radiofrequency treatments, Ulthera can precisely target areas like the brows, face, and neck for a more youthful appearance.

The biggest benefit of Ultherapy in comparison to surgical skin tightening is how gentle it is. Most patients do not require any anesthesia and the procedure takes around an hour. Some patients choose to have a topical numbing agent applied to make the treatment more comfortable, but Ulthera is not known to be especially painful.

Patients can get back to their normal lives right away after their treatment. There are no restrictions on activities, including lifting or exercise. Tenderness and bruising can occur following treatment, but these side effects usually subside within a few days. The procedure is very safe and almost never results in complications.

Ulthera is a simple, in-office procedure that involves an esthetician passing the Ulthera device over the area requiring treatment. Their training allows them to precisely target the areas that are most in need of tightening, which helps to encourage the best results possible.

Most patients only need one session for satisfactory results. After the treatment, most people notice an immediate improvement and the skin continues to tighten as more collagen is produced.

When Non-Surgical Isn’t Enough

Although Ultherapy is a great choice for people who want to fix sagging skin without surgery, it’s not appropriate for every patient. In general, the treatment is best for people who have mild to moderate sagging skin in the face and neck.

If you have more extensive facial sagging, then you might not get the results you’re expecting from an Ultherapy session. Sometimes, non-surgical treatments aren’t enough to correct severe sagging skin. In these cases, traditional plastic surgery may be the best option.

A surgical procedure like a facelift can help men and women with severe sagging skin to look years younger. While the procedure does require a few weeks of downtime, it can also produce results that last for up to 10 years or more.

If you’re not sure which procedure is right for you, then it’s best to schedule a consultation with an Ultherapy expert to learn more about your options. You’ll get personalized recommendations and have all your questions answered.

Explore Your Cosmetic Options

At Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas, we offer a wide range of non-surgical treatments, including Ulthera. Our staff works closely with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Vitenas to ensure that all of our patients’ cosmetic needs are met. To schedule a consultation with one of our estheticians in Houston, call (281) 810-9083 today.