The aging process may be something that we would all like to avoid, but unfortunately, this simply isn’t possible. As we get older, our bodies will change, and nowhere will this be more obvious than on the skin on your face. Fine lines, wrinkles, folds, loss of volume and sagging are all very common concerns, and whilst some products claim to be able to help, the truth is that the effects are often short-lived. There is no definitive way to prevent the progression of time, but there are treatments that can help to minimize the effects that it has on our appearance. One of the best ways to address aging skin is to consider a type of treatment known as skin tightening.  
 

Skin that is tighter looks smoother, thanks to many fine lines and wrinkles being flattened and eliminated. Tight skin also eliminates much of the sagging that naturally occurs as we get older, and this too can help us to enjoy a younger-looking appearance.
 

Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options for tightening the skin on your face – all of which we can perform right here at our plastic surgery offices in Weston, FL. Here’s what you need to know about our popular cosmetic skin tightening procedures.
 

Facelift

A facelift is the most well-known facial cosmetic surgery and is extremely successful at tightening the skin and reversing the effects of aging. Also known as a rhytidectomy, the purpose of a facelift is to lift up and pull back the skin to make the face appear tighter and smoother. This doesn’t only address folds and wrinkles that typically appear on the upper part of the face, but it can also reduce the appearance of sagging skin around the lower half of the face.

Facelifts are performed under a general anesthetic and require extensive incisions to be made above the hairline at the temples, and these extend down in front of your ear, underneath the earlobes and behind the ears. Incisions may also be made under the jaw if this area is to be lifted.

The effects of a facelift are quite significant, and this procedure is recommended for patients who have moderate to severe lines, folds and sagging.
 

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift, as you may have guessed, is a lesser version of a full facelift. It is also less invasive, and this is because it targets purely the lower half of the face. Patients who opt for a mini facelift can expect to have the wrinkles and sagging skin lifted and tightened around their mouth and jaw, but the top part of their face will remain untouched.

Since there is less work being carried out, a smaller incision can be made, and this will extend around the ear in an s-shape. The recovery time from a mini facelift is usually shorter than that for the full procedure.
 

Injectables/Botox

If going under the knife for surgical skin tightening doesn’t appeal to you, you will be pleased to learn that there are also some non-invasive options. Many patients who have concerns about surgical processes or the need for anesthetic prefer the opportunity to improve their skin without needing an invasive procedure.

Injectables are a very popular and effective cosmetic treatment. As their name suggests, these substances are injected into the skin with the purpose of improving the firmness and texture, and eliminating lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Botox is easily the most well-known injectable treatment and involves injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin directly into the muscles just below the skin. Botox works by preventing the muscles from contracting, which then stops the skin above from reacting with them, and lines and wrinkles can no longer form. Dermal fillers are another injectable option. These contain ingredients that plump the skin out, causing it to tighten and become smoother. This eliminates wrinkles and enables your face to look more youthful in appearance.

All injectables can be performed in the comfort of our offices and require just a little topical anesthetic to be used if you so wish. You can start to see results immediately. However, unlike facelift surgery, the results of injectables are only temporary and further treatments will be needed in the future if you are to maintain your new appearance.
 

Laser Skin Tightening

Laser skin tightening is a minimally invasive, non-surgical process that uses infrared light energy to heat up the collagen fibers under the skin’s surface, causing the overlying skin to become tighter. When this happens, any lines and wrinkles are contracted too, meaning that they disappear, and patients can enjoy smoother, line-free and more youthful skin. The heat that the laser produces can be a little uncomfortable for some patients, but just as many enjoy the warmth it creates. Again, the results of laser skin tightening are usually temporary, and you may need to consider further treatment to maintain your new look.  
 

If you are dissatisfied with the signs of aging that your face is betraying, our compassionate plastic surgery specialists would be happy to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to see which solutions may be most suited to you and your requirements.