Non-surgical skin tightening

Abstract

Skin laxity is an unavoidable consequence of aging and chronic sun exposure. Patients are increasingly turning to non-surgical skin tightening measures for a more youthful look. Non-surgical methods can be effective in treating mild to moderate skin laxity, while offering decreased downtimes and fewer serious complications than surgical interventions. This article reviews the major non-surgical interventions for skin laxity: ablative and non-ablative lasers, radiofrequency, and microfocused ultrasound, noting their physiologic mechanism of actions, clinical benefits, and side effects. Regardless of the procedure, patient selection and expectation setting are crucial to achieving desired results and ensuring patient satisfaction.