Sagging skin on the face, neck, and arms is common as people age; the culprits are environmental pollutants and a lack of collagen, according to MySpaTreatment.com. Treatments, in the form of skin tightening masks and tones, can be applied at home or at a day spa. Non-surgical medi spa treatments by dermatologists are also popular ways to firm sagging skin, and although these are not cheap, they do make some difference, according to "New Technologies Tighten Skin Without Surgery," an article posted on SkinInc.com.
Considerations
Your age, area of sagging skin and budget should all be considered when choosing a treatment. Your dermatologist can help you choose the right method. Medical spa treatments, such as Radiage and monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology, were originally developed for the eye area but have been expanded to address other problem areas. Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology treatments might be used to tighten sagging skin on the chin and neck, whereas Radiage could be prescribed for skin on the stomach or legs.
Day Spa Treatment
A bio-lift facial is commonly performed at a day spa on people 40 years or older, but it can be effective for anyone with sagging skin, according to SkinCare-News.com. The treatment also might help reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles. A massage is performed on the face to cleanse and stretch the skin. Then a mask is applied to firm and tighten sagging skin. The mask is made from biological materials, hence the name bio-lift.
Home Spa Treatment
To combat damage from environmental pollutants that leads to the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles, give your skin a rejuvenating watermelon toner, recommends MySpaTreatment.com. In a bowl, mix:
2 tablespoons of watermelon juice
1 tablesppon of vodka
2 tablespoons of distilled water
2 tablespoons of witch hazel
Wipe a little bit of the toner mix on your face and neck with a cotton pad. Cover and put the remaining mixture into the fridge for use over the next week.
Medical Spa Treatments
Several treatments tone loose skin on the face and body:
Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology uses a skin-tightening device on sagging skin. It works by applying heat deep into the skin to encourage firming, according to SkinInc.com.
Radiage heats the skin for a tightening effect. The heat promotes collagen production, according to TalkSkinCare.com. A wand device delivers the heat via radio waves. A single treatment can cost $400, and you will need several treatments to see results.
Warnings
Some of these treatments come with drawbacks. Radiage clients are advised to take a painkiller before a treatment. Patients also might experience reddening of the skin soon after treatment. Also, benefits are not permanent; usually, you will need a new treatment within a year or two.
Misconceptions
These treatments might not yield the dramatic results you envision. In an Acne.org Trends-in-Medicine report, Dr. Eliot Battle, of Cultura Cosmetic Medical Spa in Washington, D.C., says that skin treated with monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology does show some improvement, but not what manufacturers of the devices claim. And Dr. Robert Adrian, of the Center for Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C., echoed Battle's skepticism in the report, adding that only 50 percent of patients he treats see results.
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