What causes skin laxity, and how do you treat it?
“Skin loosens as we age because the dermis thins and we make less collagen and elastin every year — and nothing speeds that up like the sun, so daily sun protection is non-negotiable. These treatments can each stand alone, but they work best layered together. My go-to is hyperdilute Radiesse, which stimulates your own collagen and can be placed almost anywhere; the areas I treat most are the face, neck, hands, upper arms, abdomen and knees. When I pair it with an energy-based device the collagen and fibroblast response climbs dramatically — studies show combining a biostimulator with energy-based treatment can more than double it — so the best results come from combining. For firming with little to no downtime I use Density or RF microneedling, which are safe for every skin type; for lighter skin in patients who have some downtime and can stay out of the sun, Erbium or CO2 resurfacing is wonderful for crepey skin and surface renewal. None of it holds without great medical-grade skincare to prep, recover and protect every day. I tell patients it is like your teeth — a treatment is the visit to the dentist, but if you never brush at home, it will not last.”
— Deborah Lenchus, MSN, APRN
Medically reviewed by Deborah Lenchus, MSN, APRN · Last reviewed July 2026.
After 40 — and especially around menopause — collagen loss accelerates and skin begins to lose firmness along the jawline, cheeks, and neck. Non-surgical skin tightening can restore a firmer, lifted look without surgery.
Best non-surgical skin tightening treatments
- RF skin tightening and RF microneedling — heat the deep skin to contract and rebuild collagen.
- Radiesse and Sculptra — biostimulators that firm from within.
- Fractional CO2 — resurfaces and tightens crepey areas.
Deborah’s Clinical Perspective
There is no non-surgical treatment that equals a facelift, but combined thoughtfully, energy-based tightening plus biostimulators can meaningfully delay one and keep skin firm — and here is how I actually think about it. Laxity is really a collagen problem: after our twenties we lose collagen steadily, and sun exposure speeds the breakdown of the collagen and elastin that hold skin taut, which is why photoprotection is part of every plan. Hyperdilute Radiesse is my workhorse because it does two jobs at once, adding subtle support while signaling your own fibroblasts to build new collagen, and it is versatile enough for the face, neck, hands, upper arms, abdomen and knees. On its own it helps; layered with an energy-based device like Density or RF microneedling the collagen response climbs sharply — the combination can more than double fibroblast stimulation — which is why I rarely rely on a single modality. I match the device to the person: Density and RF microneedling when someone needs little to no downtime, and they are safe across every skin type, while Erbium or CO2 resurfacing is reserved for lighter skin in patients who can take downtime and stay out of the sun. I am also honest about the ceiling — significant sagging is a surgical conversation. And whatever we do only holds with consistent medical-grade skincare and daily sun protection; I compare it to your teeth, where the treatment is the cleaning at the dentist, but if you never brush at home, it will not last.
Why LuXe
Every treatment is performed personally by nurse practitioner Deborah Lenchus, MSN, APRN — never a technician — at our Davie studio serving Weston, Cooper City, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Southwest Ranches, and Fort Lauderdale.
FAQ
Does non-surgical skin tightening actually work?
Yes, for mild to moderate laxity. Results are gradual as collagen rebuilds, and maintenance helps sustain them.
What is best after 40?
Often a combination of RF-based tightening and a biostimulator. We tailor it at your consultation.
Book a consultation in Davie & Weston.