The Best Skin Tightening Treatments In 2021

Skin tightening can be a highly effective and non-invasive way to tighten loose skin on multiple areas of the body. From sagging skin on the abdomen to wrinkles and loose skin on the face, the best skin tightening treatments can leave you looking and feeling better about your body.

The treatments below are safe, effective, and generally come with little pain or recovery time. They can be excellent alternatives to surgical procedures like facelifts or tummy tucks. Multiple studies have shown treatments like radio frequency and ultrasound therapy can be highly effective at reducing wrinkles and tightening skin.

If you are considering skin tightening treatment, below we will give you a list of highly recommended options to help you make an informed decision.

Radio frequency Treatments

Non-invasive radio frequency is used in many types of skin tightening procedures like Body FX, Forma, and Venus Legacy. These treatments use controlled radio waves to pull the skin upward to reduce cellulite and stimulate collagen and elastin production. The combined effects can tighten the skin.

Radio frequency treatments can be used on multiple areas of the body such as the thighs, abdomen, and face. During radio frequency treatments, a practitioner runs a handheld device on the treatment area.

The procedure is not painful and a typical session takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the treatment site and type of treatment applied. There is no significant downtime after radio frequency treatments and you can resume your regular activities right away.

Some radio frequency treatments require only one or two sessions to be effective, but many will require more the maximum benefit. Treatments like Forma, which are truly non-invasive, may require as many as eight treatments to see results. Results appear gradually over the course of three to four months and are semi-permanent, meaning you will age out of the result as opposed to the result wearing off. Many patients will benefit from several booster therapies a year since the results from a single treatment is quite subtle.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy (specifically high intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU), such as Ultherapy, sends waves deep into the skin. This stimulates collagen production, causing skin to become tighter and more youthful in appearance. Ultrasound therapy can be used on multiple parts of the body to treat loose or sagging skin.

Treatment is similar to radio frequency treatments. Your practitioner will apply a handheld device to the treatment area. Times vary depending on how much skin you are treating. Most procedures should not take more than an hour.

The number of treatments needed varies greatly depending on the cosmetic issues you are treating. Some people will see significant improvement after a single treatment, but most people need anywhere from five to six sessions.

Like some radio frequency treatments, there is no downtime and you can resume your normal activities right away.

As ultrasound therapy relies on stimulating collagen production and provides semi-permanent results similar to radio frequency therapies, however many people will feel they can use a repeat treatment in one to two years. Ultherapy is meant to be a single treatment device, however many patients will attain better results with a series of treatments.

Microneedling Treatments

Microneedling treatment works by inserting small needles throughout the skin’s surface at a rapid pace. Your body reacts to these tiny wounds by stimulating collagen production. Some forms of microneedling – like Profound – take it a step further by combining microneedling with radio frequency.

While many people assume microneedling will hurt, the procedure is actually completely pain-free. If you are concerned, you can request a topical numbing cream prior to treatment. Treatment takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.

Most forms of microneedling do not come with any downtime. Profound, however, requires a week of downtime after treatment. Profound also usually yields more dramatic and longer lasting results, so the longer recovery may be worth it for some patients.

Are There Downsides To Skin Tightening Treatments?

Any medical procedure comes with certain risks, but skin tightening treatments carry a very low risk of complication. Common side effects include issues like redness, irritation, and pain at the treatment site. This usually clears up on its own within a few days.

The best way to avoid complications is to work with a reputable provider and follow any aftercare instructions closely. The vast majority of people who undergo skin tightening treatments do so without adverse reactions.