Skin Laxity

Is your skin looking less firm than it used to? Does your jawline lack definition, are your jowls becoming more noticeable or do you have loose or sagging skin around your neck, arms or body? If so, we may have the answer for you.

Skin laxity is a common concern as we age, but it can also occur following weight loss, pregnancy, hormonal changes and prolonged sun exposure. At Woodford Medical, we offer a range of advanced non-surgical skin tightening treatments designed to improve skin firmness, elasticity and definition.

Understanding Skin Laxity

Skin laxity simply means that the skin has lost some of its firmness, elasticity and ability to spring back into shape. It is a natural part of ageing, but the speed and extent at which skin becomes loose or sagging can vary considerably from person to person.

You may notice skin laxity as sagging skin, loose skin, jowls, a less defined jawline, a heavier-looking lower face or crepey skin on the face and body. For some people, these changes are subtle, while for others they can have a significant impact on confidence and the way they feel about their appearance.

The good news is that skin laxity can often be improved without surgery. Depending on the degree of laxity and the area being treated, carefully selected treatments can help to firm, tighten, lift and remodel the skin.

What causes Skin Laxity?

There isn't one single cause of loose or sagging skin. Usually, a combination of natural ageing, genetics and environmental factors contributes to the gradual loss of firmness.

Ageing

As we get older, the skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin. These are two of the key proteins responsible for the structure, strength and elasticity of the skin.

Collagen provides structural support and helps the skin maintain its firmness and strength, while elastin allows the skin to stretch and then return towards its original shape.

Ageing also brings changes to hydration, skin thickness and facial volume. Together, these changes can alter the contours of the face and contribute to a softer jawline, jowls and loose skin around the neck.

Sun Damage 

One of the most important external causes of premature skin ageing is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.UV exposure can damage collagen and the elastic fibres within the skin and can accelerate the visible signs of ageing.

This is why protecting your skin from the sun is an important part of maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF can help protect against further UV-related skin damage.

Weight Loss 

Significant or rapid weight loss is another common reason for loose skin.

When the body increases in size, the skin stretches to accommodate the change. If a substantial amount of weight is subsequently lost, the skin may not always be able to contract fully, particularly where the skin has been stretched for a prolonged period.

Loose skin following weight loss can occur around the abdomen, arms, thighs, buttocks and other areas of the body. The amount of loose skin varies considerably and can depend on factors including age, genetics, how much weight has been lost and how long the skin has been stretched.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes considerable changes to the body, including stretching of the abdominal skin as the baby grows.

After pregnancy, the skin may gradually contract, but some women are left with loose abdominal skin, reduced skin elasticity or a softer appearance around the stomach. Stretch marks can also occur as the skin expands.

Genetics and Lifestyle

Genetics can influence how quickly our skin ages and how much collagen and elastin we naturally produce. Some people are therefore more prone to developing loose or sagging skin than others.

Lifestyle factors can also influence the health and appearance of the skin. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, inadequate sleep and repeated sun exposure can all contribute to premature skin ageing and loss of skin quality.

Can sagging skin be tightened without surgery?

The most appropriate treatment depends on the degree of skin laxity, the area being treated and your individual skin quality. Some treatments work by stimulating collagen production and encouraging gradual skin remodelling, while others can provide a lifting, contouring or volumising effect.

At Woodford Medical, we take a personalised approach rather than offering a one-treatment-fits-all solution. During your consultation, we can assess your skin and recommend the treatment or combination of treatments most appropriate for you.

It is important to have realistic expectations. Non-surgical skin tightening is not intended to replicate the results of surgery where there is a large amount of excess skin. However, for appropriate patients, non-surgical treatments can provide a noticeable improvement in skin firmness, elasticity, definition and overall skin quality.

Our Skin Tightening Treatments

Juvéderm® dermal fillers 

Resotre lost facial volume and structural support, which may improve the appearance of sagging cheeks, jowls and a less defined jawline. Our range includes Juvéderm® VOLUMA, VOLIFT, VOLBELLA and VOLUX, with the most appropriate product selected according to your individual needs.

HArmonyCa™ Dermal Filler

A dual-action injectable designed to hydrate, lift and plump the skin while supporting a more youthful appearance.

Skin boosters 

Improve the hydration, elasticity, firmness and overall quality of the skin, making them particularly useful for early skin laxity and crepey skin. At Woodford Medical, we offer a range of skin boosters and biostimulator treatments, including Profhilo®, SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®, Polynucleotides and Sunekos®, with the most appropriate treatment selected according to your skin and individual concerns.

Nefertiti Neck Lift 

A specialised anti-wrinkle treatment designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline, helping to define the jaw and reduce the appearance of sagging jowls.

PDO Non-Surgical Thread Lifts

PDO threads can provide a lifting and tightening effect for areas of facial skin laxity. They also stimulate a collagen response, helping to support the skin over time.

Fat Dissolving Injections

Fat dissolving injections can be used to reduce localised pockets of fat, including under the chin. Reducing excess fullness in this area can help improve the appearance and definition of the jawline in appropriately selected patients.

4PLUS Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

Radiofrequency skin tightening uses controlled energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, encouraging skin remodelling and improving firmness. At Woodford Medical, 4PLUS Radiofrequency Skin Tightening can be used to lift, firm, remodel and contour key areas of the face and body.

Blepharoplasty (Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery)

For patients with significant excess skin around the eyes, cosmetic eyelid surgery can remove excess skin and improve the appearance of bags and hooding around the eyes.

Which skin tightening treatment is right for me?

There are many different causes and degrees of skin laxity, which is why an individual assessment is so important.

A person with mild loss of firmness around the jawline may benefit from a very different treatment to someone with loose neck skin, significant post-weight-loss skin laxity or excess skin around the eyes.

At Woodford Medical, we will assess your concerns, skin quality, facial structure and the degree of laxity before recommending an appropriate treatment plan. Our aim is always to achieve natural-looking results that enhance your appearance rather than change who you are.

If you are concerned about sagging skin, loose skin, jowls, skin laxity or loss of skin firmness, arrange a consultation with one of our experienced medical team to discuss the options available to you.