Written by skincare specialist Kim Van Zyl
SAGGING FREE, IS IT POSSIBLE?
There are plenty of things to celebrate about getting older, but for most of us, sagging and slackening of the skin over time is an unwelcome surprise.
Firstly, we need to understand why it happens.
WHY THE SKIN STARTS TO SAG?
There are many reasons why we experience sagging skin.
“Firstly, there is a reduction in the levels of collagen and elastin, which provide the skin’s structural support. This occurs due to factors such as exposure to UV rays.
‘UV light slows down the deposition of new collagen as well as activating the enzymes which break down existing collagen, causing the elasticity and volume in our skin to lessen as we age.
‘Secondly, there is a loss of facial fat, the absence of which causes the face to droop.
‘Lastly, there is reabsorption or loss of bone of the face over time and the skin can no longer tighten around it resulting in sagging skin.’
The effects of this are most commonly noticed around the cheek and jaw area, largely due to the loss of fat in the middle of the face. You might also notice lines between the nose and mouth and ‘jowls’ starting to develop.
Is there something out there that works?
OK so now that I have given you all the weird science things of what is happening let’s get back to the basics, I mean all that everyone wants to hear is there something I can do to not feel like my face is keeping my neck warm
I THINK I HAVE FOUND THE TREATMENT FOR YOU.
IT’S NON-SURGICAL AND USED TO TARGET SAGGING SKIN IN PARTICULAR – Here’s what I am talking about THE FORMA RF Treatment
Forma is a Radiofrequency treatment: as facials go, it doesn’t exactly sound the most thrilling, but radiofrequency treatments have a form where tightening and firming skin is concerned. Like laser and LED treatments, radiofrequency uses energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, but the heat energy is electrical rather than light-based. Here’s your rough guide to RF.
IT TARGETS THAT SAGGING SKIN
The Forma treatment is a treatment that has become increasingly popular in recent years and uses RF energy to heat the dermis and tighten the skin without damaging the top layer.”
Not all radiofrequency machines work in the same way, but they fundamentally all use radiofrequency energy “to tighten the underlying skin structure and contour the face to create firm, toned and youthful-looking skin” according to facial plastic surgeons. It’s this tightening, firming action, brought about by boosting collagen and elastin synthesis that makes radiofrequency especially suitable for targeting loose skin and the neck and chin, wrinkles and lines that develop between the nose and mouth.
IT’S A LUNCH BREAK THING
Your average Forma treatment takes anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes and there’s very little downtime – you’re likely to experience a bit of redness for up to 24 hours afterwards but that’s about it. During the treatment, a machine will heat the skin to a bearable 38-42 degrees
IT’S A GOER FOR MOST OF US
I have seen an increase in both men and women seeking radiofrequency treatments and puts it down to “a desire to sculpt problem areas while avoiding pain and long periods of downtime”, plus most of us can serve to benefit:
“The beauty of FORMA (RF) treatment is that it is suitable for most people – the depth of heating helps to firm, tighten and lift as well as reinvigorating skin for a healthy glow.”
This ‘glow’ is down to the fact that radiofrequency treatments help to rev up collagen production over time, but do keep that time element in mind…
IT’S NOT A QUICK FIX
Like most things in this life, it’s not a miraculous cure-all and it takes time to work.
“All energy based bio-stimulation treatments naturally require a course of several sessions (from six to 12) and will induce benefits gradually over some months. Look at it like joining a skin gym – great results are rarely achieved in a single session.”
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before the treatment begins, a cool conductive gel is applied and massaged with a wand/device to the one side of your face, concentrating on the jowl, cheek and eye area. The aesthetician will work for about 15 minutes massaging on each side of your face. When done the conductive gel is removed and the treatment is finished off with a moisturizer and SPF.
LET’S PULL IT ALL TOGETHER
The FORMA treatment is a new and promising technology for non-surgical tightening of the early signs of loose or sagging skin; ideal for those people who either don’t want or don’t believe they are old enough to have a surgical procedure to resolve their onset of skin laxity.
Based on current RF technologies available, most people should see at least a mild improvement in their skin tightness, with minimal risks and downtime compared to surgery.
Are you ready to book your treatment, it is worth it!
