Sagging skin is the result of a deterioration or reduction in the production of dermal collagen and elastin.
Firm skin has the ability to stretch and snap back into place more readily.
There are several causes of saggy skin:
If you are concerned about saggy skin there are a number of new technologies that are available to address these issues for those not wanting to explore surgical options.
The visible and measurable results, as seen in the before and after pictures present, are smoother skin around the eyes and mouth, as well as a more even complexion. This results in an overall fresher, younger appearance- after only one treatment.
Pricing: |
Pricing: $800-$2000 depending on size of treatment area |
The visible and measurable results, as seen in the before and after pictures present, are smoother skin around the eyes and mouth, as well as a more even complexion. This results in an overall fresher, younger appearance- after only one treatment.
The ACCOR plasma pen is a gentle less invasive alternative to skin tightening surgery. The combination of plasma and NF+ technology, currently makes the plasma pen unique, worldwide.
Plasma is the fourth state of matter following solid, liquid or gas. The principle behind plasma is that when ionized nitrogen is exposed to oxygen (air) it creates a gas. This process creates an electrical arc (think miniature lightning bolt) which can vaporise tissue without touching the skin.
This new and amazing technology allows us to deliver very precise plasma arcs to the skin without harming surrounding tissue. The treatment targets the outer layer of the epidermis (top layer of skin) creating external micro-trauma resulting in immediate contraction and tightening of the skin. This causes excess skin to dry superficially creating tiny brown, crusty carbon dots which slough off like a scab would within 5-8 days post procedure.
For SkinTightening:
Other applications:
The Liquid Facelift is a popular treatment using dermal fillers to address facial skin sagging.
Dermal filler injections can be strategically placed in certain areas of the face to create a lifting affect to sagging skin.
As we age we lose facial fat pad volume and some skeletal bone in addition to a reduction in collagen and elastin production which all contribute to facial sagging.
This issue contributes to our facial features appearing tired, drawn and gaunt and may additionally emphasise our jowls creating a heavy squared jawline.
Pricing: |
$550-$700 per ml of dermal filler. Type and amount of filler depends on level of lift required and volume loss evident |
Hyaluronic acid is a complex sugar that holds water to retain moisture in our skin and joints. The amount of naturally- occurring hyaluronic in our bodies decreases as we age.
Dermal filler gel containing hyaluronic acid and lidocaine(local anaesthetic) is injected into or below the skin to smooth wrinkles, enhance lips and restore facial volume loss due to ageing.
Dermal filler injections produce instant results and usually take 15-30 minutes to perform.
The effects of dermal fillers can last anywhere from 9 to 24 months depending on the dermal filler product used as different types of products have different longevity.
There is usually mild discomfort in the form of a stinging sensation as the needle penetrates the skin.
Most dermal fillers these days contain local anaesthetic to reduce injection discomfort so they essential numb the area during the injections.
There are a number of other ways to reduce injection discomfort:
Reported dermal filler side effects include injection site redness, pain, firmness, swelling, lumps and bumps, bruising, itching or discolouration. In the vast majority of cases, these effects are temporary and usually resolve within a week.
Matrix PDO threads are an increasingly popular treatment option for non-surgical facial rejuvenation. They were originally developed in Korea around 9 years ago, but have only been available in Australia more recently.
Matrix PDO threads procedures are fairly straight forward with minimal associated downtime making it a popular treatment option for those seeking an alternative option to a traditional surgical facelift, which are costly and invasive.
Pricing: |
Pricing: $300-$2000 depending thread type and quantity |
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads consist of an absorbable polymer suture like material which is both flexible and durable making it an ideal material for minimally invasive skin rejuvenation, tightening and lifting. PDO thread material has been used in surgery for many years.
There are 3 main types of PDO threads currently available:
Mono threads: Numbing cream is applied to the treatment area for 20 mins to decrease treatment discomfort. The area is then cleanse with surgical grade skin disinfectant. Multiple fine needles containing fine threads similar to a hair shaft are inserted into the skin. The fine needles are then removed leaving the fine thread underneath the skin.
Long threads: A very small amount of Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin with a very fine needle to numb the area to introduce a pilot needle. A longer blunt needle is then inserted to inject local anaesthetic along the pathway the long thread will take. This blunt needle is removed and a long needle containing the PDO thread is inserted into the numbed area. Once the PDO needle is in the correct position the needle is withdrawn leaving the thread behind. The thread is then pulled to create a lift and the excess thread above the skin trimmed.
Both PDO Mono and Long threads can take anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes depending on the number of threads required for the procedure.
Apart from the initial sting of the small local anaesthetic injection procedure the whole treatment area is numb so this treatment is essentially painless.
Mono Threads: Initially you might observe a correction in the treated area, however, this is due to swelling and will subside. The mono threads stimulate an increase in collagen production which takes approximately 12 weeks to occur.
Long Threads: Due to the mechanical lifting nature of the barbed long threads, a clinical result is apparent immediately. Skin quality also improves in the treated area over a 12 week period due to collagen stimulation.
Facial areas:
Ultimately we have to look at the age of the patient, the treatment area and what we are trying to achieve.
Each thread type has a place and selecting the right thread for the right patient is vital to achieve the desired outcome as well as managing the patient’s expectations.
Threads lifts are not suitable for patients with excessively saggy skin.
Patients with good soft tissue volume, less facial fat and a small amount of skin to be lifted will benefit the most from thread lifts.
Laser Therapeutics use The Matrix Polydioxanone (PDO) Threads which are re-absorbable threads manufactured in Korea. The Matrix brand is widely available throughout the world, gaining the CE approval Mark and full TGA Approval in Australia.
Generally, results last for 20 months-2 years. This of course depends on your health and wellbeing. Radical weight variations for example or general health issues will of course impact longevity.
The PDO thread material is metabolised through hydrolysis (breakdown) and excreted like any other waste in the body. What remain is new Type 3 Collagen mesh in the treated area giving the tissues a mored lifted and youthful appearance.
The number of mono or long or combinations of both is determined by the amount of lift and improvement required.