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We’ve reviewed three in-clinic treatments that promise to tighten and firm sagging skin.
Problem spot: Slackened skin
Treatment: Ultraformer
What it is: Ultrasound energy is delivered deep under the skin into the SMAS muscle (the same one doctors tighten during a facelift). The ultrasound stimulates the growth of new collagen over time, strengthening and toning the skin from within to make it look smoother and brighter. It also tightens the neck and chin area.
What to expect: Once your face is marked up with removable pen, a cool gel is smoothed on skin and then a handheld device begins passing over the area.
It’s like a gentle and fleeting snapping sensation. The jaw can feel a little ouch-y, but it passes quickly and deep breathing helps. The lower-face, chin and neck area take about 30 minutes to treat. There’s no downtime, but the results require patience – they can take up to six months to show up in the mirror. “This is the gold standard for lifting and firming the jawline,” says Jodie King.
“It’s often combined with filler to redefine chins and jawlines.” Cost: The Hollywood Lift starts at $850
Get it here: About Face Clinics nationwide, aboutface.co.nz
Problem spot: Double chin
Treatment: Coolscultping
What it is: A cryolipolysis machine that essentially freezes unwanted fat cells, which the body then metabolises naturally so the area decreases over time. While this non-invasive treatment is not an immediate fix, the technology has been shown to drastically reduce a fatty chin with no downtime.
What to expect: Once marked up, the under-chin area is sucked into a vacuum-like applicator and the cooling treatment, which lasts 45 minutes, begins. It’s like getting a freezer burn at first, but within minutes the area feels numb. The fat cells are cooled (-11°C to -13°C), but the surface of the skin stays at 4°C due to a protective gel pad. Once the applicator is removed, the technician massages the lump of frozen flesh for two minutes, the truly painful part of the procedure. For some days after, the area feels bruised and the skin numb. “People will begin to notice a visible reduction in the treated area two to six months after the second session,” says Dr Jonathan Hopkirk. Cost: from $700 per session, two or more sessions recommended. Get it here: Laser Clinics
New Zealand nationwide, laserclinicsnewzealand.co.nz
Problem spot: Jowls
Treatment: RF skin tightening
What it is: A form of thermal resurfacing, the treatment delivers radiofrequency energy into the dermis. It causes the collagen to heat and tighten, and over time (this is where the treatment delivers on the price tag) stimulates more collagen. RF Skin Tightening can address mild to moderate cases of sagging.
What to expect: After you skin is fully cleansed, a gel is applied to the areas of the face having the treatment, which acts a conductor – similar to what you’d have with an ultrasound. The device is moved in both upward and circular movements, creating intense heat across the surface tissue and penetrating up to 2-4mm into the fabric of the skin. The radiofrequency energy produced reaches a depth of 20mm to heat the skin and subcutaneous tissue, without damaging the surface of the skin, to achieve that tightening and smoothing effect. In terms of pain, it does not hurt, however, if you have very sensitive skin, the intensity of treatment can be adjusted.
Cost: $169 for a one-off treatment, a course of 10 is recommended (available at a discounted price).
Get it here: Clear Skincare Clinics nationwide, clearskincareclinics.co.nz