If you have started to notice a little less lift along the jawline, some softness under the chin, or skin that looks less firm than it used to, you are not alone. It is one of the most common reasons people come to see us at the Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England in Portland, Falmouth and Waterville.
The good news is that there are several non-surgical options. The harder part is choosing between them. Here is a guide to four skin tightening treatments: three patient favorites, Sofwave, Ultherapy and VirtueRF microneedling, and our newest addition, Onda Pro.
What these treatments have in common
All four treatments use controlled energy to warm the layers beneath the skin’s surface. That gentle heat is designed to stimulate your body’s natural collagen and elastin production. These are the proteins that give skin its firmness and elasticity. Collagen and elastin build over time, so results come gradually rather than overnight.
The biggest difference is depth. Each treatment reaches a different layer, which is why one may suit your concerns better than another, and why many of our patients combine them. Your provider will tell you what to expect, because the right option depends on your skin, your goals and your schedule.
Sofwave
Sofwave uses ultrasound energy delivered to a precise depth of 1.5 mm in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin. It is commonly chosen for people who want a lift and smoother texture with little to no downtime. Patients can return to normal activities right away, though some notice mild redness or tenderness for a short time. Results build gradually over the weeks after treatment, and the number of visits depends on your goals.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy also uses ultrasound energy, but it is a micro-focused technology that lets your provider see the layers they are treating and aim energy at depths of up to 4.5 mm. It is commonly considered for lifting and tightening areas like the brow, jawline, neck and under the chin. Comfort varies from person to person, so ask your provider what to expect and what is available to keep you comfortable. Results develop over a period of months as collagen builds in the treatment area.
Onda Pro
Onda Pro is new at CEC, and we are the first in Maine to offer it. It uses Coolwaves technology, a type of electromagnetic energy that reaches deeper than many skin tightening treatments, while a cooling system in the handpiece protects the surface of your skin. A smaller handpiece is designed for curved areas like under the chin. That makes Onda Pro a strong option if your concern is fullness under the chin and along the jawline as well as loose skin. If you have more volume in this area, your provider may recommend Onda Pro over a treatment that focuses on tightening alone.
There is no downtime, and most people go right back to their day. During treatment you will feel warmth, often compared to a warm stone massage. Mild redness or tenderness usually fades within hours to a few days. Many patients need two to three sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Changes may begin a few weeks after treatment, with the best results around three months after your last session.
RF microneedling
VirtueRF combines tiny microneedles with radiofrequency energy. The needles create controlled micro-channels in the skin, and the radiofrequency energy heats the tissue beneath. It is often chosen for concerns beyond laxity, including skin texture, enlarged pores and some types of scarring, along with overall tightening. Because the needles go through the skin, it is common to have redness, swelling or pinpoint marks for a few days. For best results, our providers may recommend a series of visits to achieve your goals.
Can you combine treatments?
Yes, and many of our patients do. Each treatment works at a different depth, so combining them can treat more than one layer of the skin and the tissue beneath it. For example, Ultherapy or Onda Pro can address deeper laxity and fullness, while Sofwave works closer to the surface for lift and smoother texture. If you also have concerns with pigment, redness or texture, VirtueRF can be paired with any of the other treatments in this guide. Your provider will build a combination plan around your skin and your goals.
How to choose
A few questions during your complimentary consultation will help narrow it down. What bothers you most: sagging along the jawline, fullness under the chin, skin texture, scars or overall firmness? How much downtime fits your calendar, especially with the holidays coming? Are you comfortable with a series of visits? Would you like to combine treatments? Our team of experienced providers will create an individualized treatment plan to help you reach your overall goals.
Why fall and winter are a popular time
Skin tightening results build slowly, so starting in the fall gives you time to see progress by the holidays or early in the new year. Cooler weather and less sun also make aftercare easier.
What to do before your consult
Bring photos of what you would like to change, and a list of your current skin care products, medications and past treatments. Wear sunscreen daily. Ask about the number of visits, how long results typically last, and what a maintenance plan would look like.
Ready to find your match?
Book a complimentary consultation with our team and we will walk you through your options. Want to see Onda Pro in person? Join us for Onda Pro Launch Day on Wednesday, Nov 4!
Please note: individual results vary, and the right plan depends on your skin and goals.
