As we age, our skin loses elasticity, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. While some people embrace these changes, others prefer to prevent and reduce the signs of aging.
Skin tightening treatments and the so-called "Soft Lift" are two popular options for those who want to improve the appearance of their skin and reduce the signs of aging for a fresher, more youthful appearance. But what are the differences between the two, and which solution is right for you?
At Bella Sante, we have accompanied hundreds of patients on their skin care journey. With the expert guidance of our Medical Director, Dr. Donna Jubin, we take pride in giving each patient the best result-driven treatments with the latest innovative technology in medical aesthetics.
Our team excels in a patient-centric approach, and we understand that no two people are the same. Each treatment plan we create, whether for skin tightening, photodamage, or a combination of both, is unique to your needs. We would be delighted to help you find a treatment that gives you that confident, beautiful, and self-assured feeling in your own skin.
So, let us look at the benefits of each procedure. Do bear in mind that choosing an anti-aging treatment is a medical decision best made in consultation with a healthcare specialist. And that is what we are here for!
What is a Skin Tightening Treatment?
Skin tightening treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses various techniques to stimulate the skin’s own collagen production and tighten loose skin.
Some options for skin tightening treatments create controlled micro-injuries to the skin to trigger the skin’s natural anti-aging process. These procedures prompt the skin to regenerate at a faster rate to replenish collagen. Its results may take several months to become fully apparent, but they are always natural-looking and discreet.
Some of the most popular skin tightening technologies involve the use of ultrasound technology such as Ultherapy, radiofrequency such as Thermage, a combination of microneedling, and radiofrequency such as Morpheus8. And the newest in medical aesthetics, using micro-suspension technology™ to instantly lift the mid-face- the Silhouette InstaLift®.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy, also known as Ulthera, is a Health Canada and FDA-approved treatment that uses ultrasound technology to heat the same deep skin tissue layer as a modern facelift. It uses microfocus precision to deliver small sites of injury at an optimal temperature to stimulate and grow new collagen and tissue contraction.
The skin undergoes three healing phases following an Ulthera treatment. First, the heat activates an inflammatory response, and within a couple of hours after the treatment, the skin synthesizes and rebuilds new collagen. A couple of weeks after the procedure, the skin remodels itself; this part is responsible for tightening and lifting of the skin.
Thermage
Thermage utilizes radiofrequency technology to tighten and firm the skin. This treatment can be used on the face, eyelids, and body and is ideal for people who want to address signs of laxity and wrinkles.
Thermage works by delivering radiofrequency energy to the deeper layers of the skin, which heats the tissues and stimulates collagen production. This results in tighter, smoother skin with fewer wrinkles and fine lines.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 combines radiofrequency energy and microneedling to tighten and firm the skin. This treatment is commonly performed on the face, neck, and around the eyes, but it can also tighten loose skin on the abdomen, arms, and thighs.
Morpheus8 can remodel the skin by creating controlled micro-injuries and delivering radiofrequency through these channels to directly target layers of our skin responsible for collagen production.
Silhouette InstaLift®
InstaLift® is an innovative skin tightening treatment that uses Micro-suspension technology to instantly lift the mid-face, giving you a naturally youthful look. This is a non-surgical, FDA and Health Canada-approved facial lifting procedure.
The Silhouette Instalift is a unique treatment that instantly lifts sagging cheeks while also activating your own collagen production.
These treatments are minimally invasive and require little to no downtime, making them a popular choice for those who want to improve their skin's appearance without taking time off work or other activities. Results show over time as the skin regenerates and restores its collagen deposits - the building blocks of youthful skin.
Now that we have talked about the basics of skin tightening treatments, we also want to discuss another popular skin lifting treatment, which is Soft Lift.
What is a Soft Lift?
A Soft Lift is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment that combines injections of neuromodulators and dermal fillers. This treatment is designed to address multiple signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of facial volume. Overall, giving you a well-balanced, rejuvenated look.
The repetition of motion on our face creates the wrinkles you see on your forehead, in between the brows (elevens), and around the eyes (crow’s feet) over time. Neuromodulators are used to relax these muscle movements to prevent wrinkles from forming. This treatment can be started even before turning 30 to pre-rejuvenate or prevent the formation of wrinkles,
On the other hand, dermal fillers are used congruently with neuromodulators to decrease the appearance of fine lines on areas such as the marionette lines and nasolabial folds. It also adds volume to areas such as the temples, cheeks, lips, tear troughs, and chin to look rejuvenated and address any asymmetry.
Dermal fillers, a.k.a “liquid facelift,” are made up of hyaluronic acid - a molecule found naturally in our bodies. This molecule is responsible for retaining moisture and hydration in our skin, hence, giving volume to our skin.
Each Soft Lift treatment is unique to every patient. Our expert physicians and experienced nurse injectors have decades of experience with Soft Lift treatments. Each injector is highly skilled in human anatomy, so they can safely inject neuromodulators and dermal fillers.
Just as patient safety is our number one priority, it’s also important that our professional injectors carry an artistic eye to create a naturally rejuvenated look- making you look good and feel good.
Neuromodulators have no downtime. However, its results will show within two weeks after the treatment as your muscles will need time to relax. Results are immediate with dermal fillers; however, bruising and swelling may occur a day after the treatment. Your injector will give you aftercare guidelines following the treatment to minimize bruising and swelling.
Soft Lift results may last up to 12 months, but neuromodulators will need a touch-up every 3 to 4 months.
How to Decide Which Treatment is Right for You
When considering which treatments are best suited for your skin goals, it is always best to talk to one of our certified treatment experts. Our consultations are designed with you in mind. We will assess your skin, discuss your concerns, your goals, and your budget to determine the most appropriate treatment plan specific to your needs.
Ultimately, skin tightening treatments and Soft Lift treatments work synergistically to create the most natural rejuvenation treatment for aging skin. With skin tightening, we are stimulating your natural collagen to revive youthful skin, while Soft Lift treatments add instant volume to address fine lines, wrinkles, and any asymmetry.
Begin your skin journey with Bella Sante!
Book a consultation with our treatment designers today to start aging gracefully with us at Bella Sante.