What is skin laxity?

Skin laxity is the loss of skin firmness, suppleness, and tightness. It is a normal part of the ageing process and can be influenced by a number of variables including genetics, sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and certain medical problems.

Collagen and elastin are two proteins that are essential for the structure and elasticity of the skin. The production of these proteins declines as we age, making the skin less robust and prone to sagging. Furthermore, repeated sun exposure can destroy collagen and elastin fibres, promoting skin laxity.

Skin laxity can be seen in a variety of body parts, including the face, neck, arms, belly, and thighs. Sagging is a common symptom of skin laxity. The severity of skin laxity varies from person to person, with some having slight changes and others suffering more visible sagging. Aside from ageing and sun exposure, several factors might contribute to the development of skin laxity. Rapid weight loss, smoking, poor diet, hormonal shifts, and certain medical illnesses such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or connective tissue disorders are examples of these.

Skin laxity treatments seek to improve skin tightness and stiffness. Topical creams, laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, ultrasound therapy, and microcurrent stimulation are among non-surgical techniques. For more severe cases of skin laxity, surgical alternatives such as facelifts, neck lifts, and body contouring surgeries are available.

Aesthetic Dermatology and Skin Laxity;

Aesthetic dermatology encompasses various procedures and treatments aimed at enhancing the appearance of the skin and addressing specific concerns, including skin laxity. Dermatologists and aesthetic professionals offer a range of options to improve skin tightness and firmness, promoting a more youthful and rejuvenated look. Here are some common aesthetic dermatology treatments for skin laxity:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers containing substances like hyaluronic acid can be used to restore volume to areas affected by sagging or wrinkles. Fillers help plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of lines, and provide a more lifted appearance.
• Botox and Dysport: Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox or Dysport, can temporarily relax specific muscles responsible for causing wrinkles and lines. While not directly addressing skin laxity, these treatments can smooth out wrinkles and contribute to a rejuvenated appearance.
• Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: Technologies like radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound and laser devices are used to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. These non-invasive treatments can improve skin laxity and promote a firmer, more youthful complexion.
• Thread Lifts: Thread lifts involve inserting dissolvable sutures or threads into the skin to lift and tighten sagging areas. This procedure stimulates collagen production and provides immediate lifting effects. 
• Microneedling: This procedure involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin tightening. Microneedling can also be combined with the application of serums or growth factors to enhance results further.
• Laser Resurfacing: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, can improve skin laxity by stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Laser devices emit targeted energy to the skin, promoting skin tightening and overall rejuvenation.

It’s important to consult with a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic professional to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific concerns and goals. They can assess your skin laxity level and recommend the best approach to achieve the desired results.

Causes of skin laxity;

Skin laxity can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Ageing: One of the key causes of skin laxity is the natural ageing process. Collagen and elastin production, which are proteins important for maintaining skin structure and elasticity, declines as we age. This results in a loss of skin firmness as well as the formation of wrinkles and drooping.
• Sun Damage: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can hasten skin ageing and contribute to skin laxity. UV rays can damage collagen and elastin fibres, causing these proteins to break down and the skin to lose suppleness.
• Genetics: Some people may be susceptible genetically to developing skin laxity. Certain genetic variables can affect the quality and quantity of collagen and elastin in the skin, affecting firmness and elasticity.
• Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours including smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and a poor diet can all lead to skin laxity. Smoking has been related to faster skin ageing and decreased collagen production.
• Rapid Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss can cause skin laxity, especially if the skin does not have enough time to adapt to the changes in body form. The skin may be unable to shrink and tighten sufficiently, resulting in loose and sagging skin.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal variations, especially in women going through menopause, can influence the structure of the skin and lead to skin laxity. Reduced oestrogen levels during menopause might result in decreased collagen synthesis and skin suppleness.

While some factors that contribute to skin laxities, such as ageing and genetics, cannot be completely avoided, adopting a healthy lifestyle, protecting the skin from the sun, and adhering to a good skincare routine can help slow the progression of skin laxity and promote overall health.

How aesthetic dermatology can help with skin laxity?

Aesthetic dermatology offers several effective treatments to help address skin laxity and improve its appearance. Here are some ways in which aesthetic dermatology can help with skin laxity:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable dermal fillers, typically containing hyaluronic acid or other substances, can be used to restore volume and plump up areas affected by skin laxity. By filling in sagging or hollowed areas, fillers can provide a more lifted and youthful appearance.
• Botox and Dysport: Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox or Dysport, can be used to temporarily relax specific facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles and lines. While not directly addressing skin laxity, these treatments can smooth out wrinkles, giving the skin a more rejuvenated and tightened look.
• Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: Various non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments can stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. These include radiofrequency (RF) treatments, ultrasound therapy, and laser treatments. These technologies deliver energy to the skin, heating the deeper layers and promoting collagen remodelling, resulting in improved skin tightness and firmness.
• Thread Lifts: Thread lifts involve inserting dissolvable sutures or threads into the skin to lift and tighten sagging areas. This procedure stimulates collagen production and provides immediate lifting effects.
• Microneedling: Microneedling involves creating tiny punctures in the skin using a device with fine needles. These micro-injuries stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, leading to skin tightening and improved overall skin quality.
• Laser Resurfacing: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, can improve skin laxity by stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The laser energy targets specific areas, promoting skin tightening and rejuvenation.
• Combination Treatments: Aesthetic dermatologists often combine multiple treatments to address skin laxity comprehensively. For example, combining dermal fillers with skin tightening procedures can provide enhanced results, simultaneously targeting both volume loss and skin laxity.

Aesthetic dermatology treatments for skin laxity can be tailored to individual needs and severity of laxity. 

Conclusion;

In conclusion, Aesthetic dermatology offers several treatments to address skin laxity and improve its appearance. Dermal fillers can restore volume and provide a more lifted appearance to areas affected by sagging. Botox and Dysport injections can temporarily relax muscles to smooth out wrinkles and contribute to a more rejuvenated look. Non-surgical skin tightening treatments, such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, and laser therapies, stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin.

Thread lifts involve inserting dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten sagging areas, promoting collagen production. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen to improve skin texture and tighten lax skin. Microneedling creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production and promote skin tightening.

Laser resurfacing treatments target specific areas to stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin laxity. Combination treatments can be tailored to individual needs, addressing both volume loss and skin laxity simultaneously.