Skin Laxity Treatment

Lift, tighten, rejuvenate
pinching skin of arm

What is Skin Laxity?

Skin laxity, also known as skin sagging, is one sign of ageing where the skin loses the properties that provide elasticity. Facial ageing varies according to the individual, but after the mid-20s, there is a continuous decrease in collagen and elastin, which causes skin laxity.

Although the focus of facial sagging/laxity has been mainly on the skin, structures and layers below the skin, such as the subcutaneous adipose tissue (“fat layer”), muscles and even bone changes are now known to contribute to sagging in the face and neck.

As these structures collectively lose their elasticity and structural integrity, and as gravity continuously pulls downward on these structures, the downward migration of facial/neck structures leads to what we refer to as “sagging”. To start your journey of how to get rid of laxity on your skin, you must identify the signs of skin laxity, and visit a dermatologist who can then help you get rid of saggy skin.

Common Areas of Skin Laxity

Common areas of sagging can be the eyebrows, upper eyelids, medial cheeks (“laughing lines”), jowls, mandibular margin (“jawline”), and neck. Since gravity cannot be altered, the focus to prevent and manage laxity is to stimulate collagen and elastin in all layers mentioned above.

Although there have been challenges in preventing and treating bone reabsorption, tightening connective tissue which attaches to the bone (specifically the skull in the face and neck) may be able to slow down this process of bone loss.

This loss in elasticity can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and mostly exposure to environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation.

skin laxity on woman's face
woman sagging neck

Causes of Skin Laxity

Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide structure and elasticity to your skin. Collagen is what gives your skin its firmness and shape. Meanwhile, elastin fibres allow flexibility, so your skin can go back to its normal shape after being stretched.

As you get older, your production of collagen declines while elastin fibres become stiffer and lose their elasticity. This causes your skin to appear crepey and thin as it loses tone. On top of all of this, gravitational forces take their toll over the years, causing your skin to slowly stretch and sag. Apart from these universal ageing causes, sun exposure, smoking, genetics, and weight fluctuations can also accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to premature skin ageing and skin laxity.

Testing of Skin Laxity

The pinch test is a simple way to assess your skin’s elasticity. To test your ageing skin, all you need to do is pinch the skin on the back of your hand for five seconds, then release it. Count how many seconds it takes to flatten back out. Generally speaking, a faster snapback is better. You can compare your results to these averages by age group for a sense of how much your skin has aged:

  • Under 30 years old: 1-2 seconds
  • 30-44 years old: 3-4 seconds
  • 45-50 years old: 5-9 seconds
  • Over 60 years old: 10-15 seconds
  • Over 70 years old: 35-55 seconds

If your skin is slow to bounce back, you likely have some degree of laxity. And that’s totally normal! The good news is, there are effective anti-ageing treatments that you can choose from.

woman's sagging cheeks

Types of Skin Laxity

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Generalised Skin Laxity

This type of skin laxity affects the entire body and is often caused by ageing, genetics, or significant weight loss.

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Localised Skin Laxity

This type of skin laxity affects specific areas of the body and is often caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as sun damage (also a culprit of hyperpigmentation), smoking, or poor nutrition.

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Diagnosis

A medical professional's assessment is essential before deciding on treatment options. This starts with a thorough medical history including current and past illnesses, lifestyle factors (occupational factors, physical exercise, sun exposure, sunscreen application, previous related treatments, etc.) and family history. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of consensus on objective measurements of laxity and applications in healthcare institutions. However, various types of medical photography taken over time can show localised areas of skin sagging.

sagging skin under neck

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Laxity

loose skin on arm
Loose, sagging skin
Droopy eye lids
“Droopy” eyelids
Fine lines under eyes
Fine lines & wrinkles
sagging of jowls
Downward sagging of jowls
elognation of face
Elongation of the area above the upper lip
eyebags
Eyebags
sagging jawline
Loss of jawline definition
crepiness of skin
Thinning and crepiness of skin
elacticity on arm
Reduced skin elasticity and firmness

Types of Skin Laxity Treatment in Singapore

In terms of treatments available in medical institutions, they can be divided largely into non-surgical/non-invasive/minimally invasive and invasive/surgical groups, depending on the body area for which the treatment is being sought. For example, for underarm skin sagging treatment, you have the option of non-invasive as well as invasive treatment modalities.

Non-surgical options are done without general anaesthesia (GA) so the patient is awake and alert during the procedure, but topical anaesthesia (“numbing cream”) may be applied for certain modalities.

Multiple sessions are usually required, and the results are gradual in onset and not as immediate as those of invasive/surgical procedures. General anaesthesia allows the patient to avoid feeling pain but also has certain risks which need to be thoroughly discussed beforehand.

However, invasive/surgical treatments are commonly able to provide some visible results after a single session. Even non-surgical procedures have possible side effects, so it is essential that the patient and doctor have a thorough pre-procedural discussion on the benefits and risks of skin laxity treatments that are to be undertaken.

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Invasive/Surgical Procedures

thred lift on jaw
Thread lift

A thread lift is a procedure that uses synthetic threads to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. Different materials and lengths are available. (Due to regulations, these procedures have generally been performed by plastic surgeon specialists in Singapore since 2019 [exceptions exist].)

woman's aging face
Surgical procedures

In cases of severe skin laxity, surgical procedures such as facelifts or body lifts may be necessary to achieve the desired results. These surgeries are able to provide “one-off” more rapid results than non-surgical treatments. These surgeries are performed by plastic surgeon specialists in Singapore.

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Types of Non-Surgical/Minimally Invasive Procedures

IPL

Used for upper skin layers, but there is a chance of risk in darker skin types, those with more sun regular exposure and melasma patients.

Lasers

Some types can stimulate collagen in the skin and usually require multiple sessions. Higher risk in darker skin types, those with more regular sun exposure.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound treatments use sound waves to stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness and elasticity. A common type is HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), which creates zones of heat at specific depths while preserving the upper layers from unwanted side effects.

Alternating Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound

Another type of US can stimulate collagen and Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) while being painless with minimum downtime. In terms of intensity, it is less intense than HIFU and, therefore, requires more sessions to achieve effective results.

Radiofrequency (RF)

Radiofrequency treatments use radio waves to heat the skin and deeper layers of the face/neck, which can stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness and elasticity. Types of RF include monopolar, bipolar, multipolar, and microneedle. Pain, downtime, depth of energy and clinical results differ depending on the type used.

Local Injections

“Micro” botulinum toxin, “skin boosters” (polynucleotides, hyaluronic acid), “Biostimulators” (PLLA, PCL, Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHa)), exosomes. Injections require topical anaesthesia due to pain from injection and entail some type of “downtime” where the skin will have “bumps”, redness and/or swelling for a few days after the treatment.

Skin laxity and sagging are a natural process of ageing. The above treatments are just a general guideline and results will vary according to individuals. In the case of non-invasive treatments, not only is the type of treatment important, but the interval of subsequent treatments is of equal if not more importance. Also, there is no single treatment which can treat all issues of laxity in all layers of the face/neck. A comprehensive approach with customisation based on evidence is crucial in achieving desired results without adverse reactions.

Find the Right Doctor For Skin Laxity Treatment in Singapore

Finding the right doctor to help you tighten your skin with skin laxity treatments is crucial. At AEON Medical, our medical aesthetic doctor, Dr Jeslin is dedicated to providing personalised treatment based on your unique skin needs to reverse sagging skin.

By customising treatment plans based on individual needs and using the right technologies like HIFU, Ultrasound, RF treatments, and more, we can effectively improve skin firmness and elasticity. Not only can you reverse skin laxity to some extent with effective treatment, but you can also prevent skin sagging in the future.

Ready to address your skin laxity problems? Book an appointment with us today!

Medical Aesthetic Doctor

Dr Jeslin Wong

Dr. Jeslin is the medical aesthetic doctor of AEON Medical and Aesthetic Centre.

Believing in the philosophy of pro-aging and pre-rejuvenation, Dr. Jeslin offers treatments that not only addresses current concerns but also focuses on preventing future signs of aging. Her approach emphasizes natural beauty, working safely to enhance each patient's unique features.

Dr. Jeslin’s passion for holistic wellness and beauty drives her approach in patient management, where she integrates her family medicine background with aesthetic dermatology.

Background & Professional Qualifications

  • National University of Singapore, holding a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
  • Residency in Family Medicine, earning the prestigious College of Family Physicians Gold Medal for her Master of Medicine (Family Medicine) Examinations
  • Certified in various aesthetic procedures by accredited bodies under the Ministry of Health’s Aesthetic Dermatology Education Group
Dr Jeslin Wong During Aesthetic Treatment 2

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is, in no way, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We make no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, availability, adequacy, or validity of the information or procedures outlined on the website. Always consult professional medical and aesthetic advice for your skincare and medical concerns.

References:

  1. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, Jenna N Kammer, "Skin Tightening", National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2011, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21865807/
  2. Kevin R Kwan, Zachary Kolansky, Brian J Abittan, Aaron S Farberg, Gary Goldenberg, "Skin Tightening", National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33104122/
  3. Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, "Skin sagging treatment - underarms", National Library of Medicine, 2022, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002135.htm

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