Our body changes as we age – it’s a fact of life. Even so, it’s hard to feel gracious when you notice that your skin is starting to sag. Loss of facial firmness can lead to more specific concerns, from jowls and deep wrinkles to undereye “bags” and fine lines. 

Thankfully, the medical aesthetics world has developed different skin tightening treatments for the face that help reverse those signs of aging. In this post, we’ll cover all of the best skin tightening treatments you should consider, and how each one works.

 

What Is a Skin Tightening Treatment?

A skin tightening treatment is any treatment that can improve the smoothness, firmness, and elasticity of your skin. As we get older, the key proteins that keep the skin looking firm start to disappear. The best skin tightening treatments for the face work by stimulating an increase in those proteins, and especially collagen and elastin. 

These types of collagen induction treatments usually work by triggering the body’s self-healing mechanism through controlled damage. Other treatments, and especially injectables, can help improve the look of the skin by targeting specific areas where there is drooping or more noticeable wrinkles.  

 

Best Skin Tightening Treatments for Face 

These FDA-approved skin tightening treatments for the face are our top recommendations, since they’re safe, effective, and offer the best results with minimal side effects or risks. 

1. Most Effective: Morpheus8 

Morpheus8 is the most deep-reaching radiofrequency microneedling system. It can induce tissue remodeling to an 8 mm depth thanks to fully adjustable microneedles. Because of that, it’s one of the few systems on the market that can help with both significant skin tightening as well as targeted fat coagulation and scar reduction. Having an experienced treatment provider is key, since they’ll need to adjust the settings to ensure the right level of stimulation for each one of your concerns.  

2. Runner Up: Potenza Microneedling

Potenza is one of the most customizable skin-tightening treatments on the market. It’s a phenomenal treatment for reducing signs of skin laxity, much like Morpheus8. 

 Potenza combines microneedling with both bipolar and monopolar radiofrequency, to stimulate different types of repair in the skin. It can impact the skin on a fairly deep level thanks to monopolar frequency, despite having shorter maximum needle length. 

3. Gentlest: Forma Radiofrequency

For a speedy skin-firming effect without downtime, Forma is unbeatable. This treatment uses bipolar radiofrequency without microneedling, to speed collagen induction without causing any trauma or downtime to the skin. It’s our favorite facial treatment for special events since it also offers an immediate lifting effect. 

4. Most Targeted: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane offer a very targeted way of firming the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers are pliant gels that feel soft and natural. When injected under the skin, they can fill in hollow under eyes, lift the cheeks, or plump up the lips. 

They’re also effective for filling in deep wrinkles in the nasolabial folds or around the mouth. By adding that volume from below, fillers also help to tighten up the skin. Plus, there is evidence that hyaluronic acid fillers can stimulate renewed collagen production, which may result in a longer-lasting skin tightening effect. 

5. Best for Expression Wrinkles: Neurotoxin Injections 

While they technically don’t tighten the skin, injections with Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport can still be used to create lift and reduce wrinkles. These neurotoxins work by inhibiting muscle contractions, which is why they’re so effective for erasing expression wrinkles. 

In reaction to the paralyzed muscles, other muscles will tighten up. This is why injecting along the perimeter of the forehead can pull up the brows, for instance. That said, achieving the best results is heavily dependent on having an experienced and specialized aesthetic injector.  

 

How to Prepare for Your Skin Tightening Treatment

Each skin tightening treatment will require slightly different prep, depending on how it works and whether it’s more or less invasive. That said, here are a few things we generally recommend doing: 

  • Stay out of the sun, use sunscreen, and avoid sunless tanners while undergoing skin tightening treatments. Your skin needs to be at its base color, especially for treatments that utilize radiofrequency. 
  • You’ll need to avoid all resurfacing facial treatments and renewing skincare products for up to several weeks prior to treatment. 
  • On the day of your skin tightening appointment, come without any makeup on. 
  • If you have any facial hair, shave your treatment area 24-48 hours before the appointment. 

 

Who’s a Good Candidate for Non-Surgical Skin Tightening?

If you’re experiencing loss of skin firmness, fine lines, and wrinkles, then you might be a good candidate for facial skin tightening treatments! The best candidates for these procedures are healthy adults who take excellent care of their skin, but are still noticing the inevitable signs of aging. 

Some skin tightening treatments have specific contraindications. Read all of the customer care information provided by your practitioner, and let them know about all medications and supplements that you’re taking, and whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions. 

 

How Do I Decide Which Skin Tightening Treatment Is Best for Me?

Skin tightening treatments aren’t one size fits all. These are the main things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing the best option for you: 

  • Types of concerns: Make a note of your concerns in detail. Do you want a treatment that will lightly tighten your face all over, or are there particular problem spots that bug you? Most skin tightening treatments for the face can do several things at once – for example, Morpheus8 and Potenza can also help with blemishes or scarring, while injectables offer targeted wrinkle reduction. 
  • Invasiveness level: More invasive treatments often have better results, but there’s also a greater risk of side effects. Consider what kind of side effects you’re willing to handle and for how long when deciding which treatment will be best for you. 
  • Number of treatments: Some procedures, like Morpheus8 and Potenza, require a minimum 3 treatments to show dramatic results, while others like Botox are a one-and-done, but results only last for a few months. Take into account how many treatments you’re willing to undergo to see results. 

 

Where to Find a Provider

Skin tightening treatments for the face are available in med spas, salons, and clinics all over the world, but finding a good provider takes some effort. Make sure to choose clinics and med spas that have medical oversight, and that only use FDA-approved technologies. Look for providers who specialize in aesthetic treatments rather than choosing generalists. 

You can find exactly such providers at SEV! We offer the best skin tightening treatments for the face at select SEV locations. We focus on providing our clients with customized treatments and targeted results, in a safe and pampering environment. If you’re ready to enjoy firmer, smoother skin, book your appointment or consultation at SEV. 

skin