As we age, gravity seems to work against us. We lose volume, skin begins to sag, and the muscle, fat, and bone of our face deteriorates slowly over time. The biggest culprit of skin laxity on the face and body is often fat and muscle loss, but a gradual decrease in the production of collagen and overall thinning of the epidermis plays a part. In your mid-thirties, when the quantity of two important skin-building proteins (collagen and elastin) begins to decline, you will start to see laxity in the mid-to-lower face. This includes heaviness in the jowls, deepening marionette lines, loss of volume in the cheeks, and hollowing of the temples – just to name a few!

Dramatic weight loss transformations, especially over a relatively brief period, may also result in loose or excess skin of the face and body. After achieving their goal weight, patients may be left with an altogether different problem affecting their self-esteem or quality of life.

Fortunately, there are several interventions we can apply to minimize the effects of aging and volume loss on skin laxity, with treatments aimed at both preventing and correcting loose, sagging skin. At Papillon Medical, we know that beauty is more than skin deep, but we believe you can feel good and look good too!

Dermal fillers are an excellent non-surgical option to smooth deep lines and restore volume loss in the face. Dermal fillers have been used for several decades to treat various cosmetic concerns. They started to gain traction in the early 2000s, as more advanced and reliable formulas were developed. However, their popularity has drastically increased in recent years, particularly in the last decade.

As we age, the natural loss of collagen and fat in our face may lead to wrinkles, loss of volume, and sagging skin, particularly in the nasolabial folds, cheeks, temples, and undereye. Our expert medical injectors use dermal fillers to restore balance and volume to the face, imparting a youthful plumpness by enhancing its natural contours.
Dermal fillers are typically made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that retains moisture. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are designed to bind to water molecules in the skin, which amplifies volume and hydration from within. The ability of hyaluronic acid to attract and hold water molecules also makes it a highly effective moisturizer when used as a skin booster. We carry a number of dermatology-grade skincare products with hyaluronic acid, some of which we recommend in combination with filler treatments.

The longevity of dermal filler depends on several factors, including where the filler was placed, the patient’s individual anatomy and lifestyle habits, and the type of filler used. Hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers is cross-linked in different ways, meaning that some products are better suited for specific areas than others. At Papillon Medical, we recognize that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to dermal fillers. We offer a diverse range of brands such as Juvederm, Teoxane, Revanesse, Sculptra, Radiesse, Restylane, Bolotero, and more. Our aesthetic providers have the knowledge and expertise to determine the best options for your desired aesthetic outcome.

Laser skin tightening is a popular, non-invasive service that lifts, firms, and tightens with zero downtime. Our Fotona laser has a number of customizable settings that target imperfections of the skin’s deeper connective structures, including the ever-popular Intraoral protocol. This treatment is a crowd favorite and a great entry-level procedure for stubborn lower face laxity, including deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Intraoral uses dual-action lasers to lift and improve the appearance of the mid-to-lower face from the inside-out. The first stage of treatment targets the oral mucosa (inside the mouth), triggering a tightening effect on elastin. The second stage of treatment consists of bulk-heating the same tissue externally. Following treatment, elastin fibers in the skin contract giving an immediate sensation of firmness, and the effects of the laser go to work stimulating collagen production, minimizing pores, and illuminating complexion.

This laser treatment provides overall improvements in firmness and elasticity of the lower-to-mid face area. Fotona Intraoral has the benefit of no downtime, can be done safely year-round, and is a complimentary service to almost any treatment plan. With the benefit of keeping skin lifted and looking healthy, Intraoral remains one of our most popular treatments.

At Papillon Medical, the Intraoral protocol includes treatment of the neck at no additional cost to our clients. For full-face rejuvenation, inquire with your laser technician about the Fotona Smooth Eye or Lip Plumping laser add-ons.

Morpheus8 and Morpheus8 Body combine the power of microneedling with radiofrequency waves to deliver the gold standard in face, neck, and body skin tightening.

Morpheus8 is hailed as the most effective microneedling device on the market. Its fine needles create thousands of tiny “micro-injuries” that stimulate the body’s healing response, remodel collagen, and improve skin’s overall tone and texture. The addition of controlled radiofrequency energy makes Morpheus8 an absolute gamechanger. This technology delivers the deepest fractional treatments available, penetrating subdermal tissues up to 8 mm for body treatments, and 4 mm for face and neck. At these depths, radiofrequency waves effectively firm sagging skin and tissue over time for the ultimate solution in personal contouring.

Popular treatment areas for Morpheus8 include the neck, chin, and jawline where loose and excess skin can add years to our appearance. Fat pockets beneath the eyes (known as “festoons”) also respond well to Morpheus8. The introduction of Morpheus8 Body, with patented 3D Smart Frame and BURST technology, means we can finally address larger areas with the same effective combination therapy. This treatment is an excellent option for firming loose back and stomach skin, especially after weight loss, as well as the legs, thighs, and buttocks which may benefit from subdermal firming.

This minimally invasive procedure requires little downtime, and patients may return to normal activities within 48 hours. Results may be visible in as little as three weeks with greatest improvement at three months.