As we age, our skin concerns change. At a younger age, we are more concerned about acne than the texture of our skin until of course life’s stressful cycle and the quality of our diet starts showing up on our faces in form of sagging, wrinkled skin. To have a healthy and glowing skin, even at an older age, one has to make a conscious effort. Dr Tasneem Nakhoda, dermatologist at the Lasersoft skin clinic in Karachi, says, "If you start taking care of the skin from an earlier stage in life, you probably won’t need a facelift."  But if you have lost out on time, there is no need to worry over the trauma of a surgery because non-invasive options are varied and plentiful. "In fact surgical facelift is no longer popular, it’s finishing off. It can be the last option when all else fails," added Dr. Tasneem.

Wrinkled, flaky or sagging skin maybe an inevitable part of aging but that doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture of one’s appearance. Dr Tasneem shares some treatments that can help tighten loose, sagging facial skin without having to go under a knife, with Instep.

Thermage

Thermage is a clinically proven non-invasive procedure which tightens and contours the skin and makes one look younger by renewing the collagen naturally. Thermage’s unique radiofrequency (RF) technology heats the deep layers of the skin with a smooth flat tip which stimulates the formation of new collagen over time. On average, the treatment takes about 45 minutes for the face and is suitable for all skin types and colours. With excellent safety record, the results last longer but may vary depending on age and skin condition.

Unlike most laser treatments which require multiple sessions, Thermage generally delivers results in a single treatment.  It also has an edge over other treatments as there is no special care needed after the treatment and the patient can immediately get back to their routine. However, the patient may feel uncomfortable because of the heating and cooling sensations they experience during the treatment.

Pelleve

Pelleve is an FDA-cleared skin revitalizing treatment that helps reduce facial wrinkles without a surgery and delivers great results with no downtime. Using advanced radiofrequency technology to warm deep layers of the skin, it stimulates the production of new collagen in facial skin and the patient feels little or no pain at all. According to Dr Tasneem, "This method is more popular than others because it is less expensive and is almost painless."

Scarlets RF

Scarlets RF emits fractional radiofrequency (RF) directly into the skin with micro-needle electrodes and results in the formation of new collagen giving you a smoother and tighter facial skin. What makes this treatment a preferred choice is its minimal downtime, the ease with which it is done and great safety profile with no surgery involved. It delivers long-lasting results and is suitable for patients with all skin types.

Revlite

The Revlite Treatment system improves the overall smoothness and texture of the skin by shrinking enlarged poles promoting collagen formation and dissolving deposited pigment. The Revlite Laser is applied to remove any kind of scar and promote collagen growth beneath the skin, making you look younger. With no downtime or side effects attached, this procedure yields permanent results.

CO2 Fractional Laser

CO2 laser removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated manner where columns of the skin are removed and helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity and textural irregularities. Patients with advanced skin damage and wrinkling can be treated with CO2 laser as this is one of the best methods that typically give great results with just a single treatment. However, it requires pre- and post-treatment medications to ensure proper healing and comfort during the procedure.