How does skin laxity develop?

The skin consists of several layers, of which the dermis is responsible for firmness and elasticity. This layer contains collagen fibres and elastin. As we get older, the production of these fibres decreases. As a result, the skin is less able to spring back and sags more easily.

Besides ageing, other factors also play a role:

Sun exposure damages the connective tissue and speeds up the ageing process
Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the skin and lowers collagen production
Weight loss or pregnancy can cause the skin to stretch and no longer fully shrink back
Hormonal changes, especially in women around the menopause, cause the skin structure to slacken

These processes are gradual and often start from around the age of thirty. How visible skin laxity is differs from person to person and depends on genetic predisposition, lifestyle and build.

First signs of skin laxity

The first signs of skin laxity can be subtle. Common symptoms are:

A less defined jawline or a ‘double chin’
Drooping eyelids or bags under the eyes
Sagging skin on the upper arms (‘bingo wings’)
Wrinkles or folds on the abdomen, especially after pregnancy or weight loss

At this stage the changes are often still mild, but clearly visible in certain positions or in certain light. For many people, this is the moment they start looking for advice or a possible treatment.

What can you do about skin laxity?

Depending on the cause and severity of the skin laxity, there are various treatment options. At Kliniek het Bolwerk, we always look for a solution that suits the client’s specific situation.

Commonly used options are:

Minimally invasive skin tightening: radiofrequency, laser or ultrasound techniques stimulate the skin to produce collagen. These methods are suitable for mild skin laxity.
Injectables: fillers can help to compensate for volume loss, for example in the cheeks, making the skin look tighter.
Surgical procedures: for moderate to severe skin laxity, a facelift, arm lift or abdominoplasty can offer a solution. Excess skin is removed and the underlying tissue is tightened.

During a personal consultation, we discuss which treatment best suits your skin type, concerns and wishes.

Recovery and result

Non-surgical treatments usually have a short recovery time of a few days. The effect builds up gradually as collagen production increases. With surgical procedures, recovery often takes longer, depending on the procedure. Swelling and bruising may occur temporarily, but fade on their own.

The results of a surgical treatment for skin laxity are often long-lasting. The effect of the minimally invasive treatments is short, and that of injectables lies somewhere in between. It is important to keep taking good care of your skin and protecting it from sunlight, to avoid smoking and to live healthily in order to keep the effect for as long as possible.

Who is treatment suitable for?

Treatment for skin laxity is suitable for people who:

Notice visible signs of sagging skin
Are unhappy with loss of contour or wrinkle formation
Want to recover after weight loss or pregnancy
Experience aesthetic discomfort in daily life
Want a natural result without overcorrection

During the consultation, we look at your wishes, medical history and skin condition. Based on this, the plastic surgeon draws up a treatment plan that suits the person and the desired outcome.

Can skin laxity be prevented?

Although skin laxity is partly determined by genetics and hormones, there are preventive measures to slow down the process:

Use a skincare cream with a high SPF every day
Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Make sure you stay well hydrated and eat a healthy diet
Exercise regularly and keep your weight stable
Use skincare with ingredients that stimulate collagen

The earlier you start with prevention, the longer the skin stays firm. Even so, it is normal for some sagging to occur later in life. If you find this bothersome, a treatment can offer a solution.

Conclusion

Skin laxity is a natural process caused by a decrease in collagen and elastin in the skin. It can be the result of ageing, sun damage, weight loss or hormonal changes. In an early stage the effects are still limited, but over time the skin can become noticeably looser. This can lead to cosmetic and sometimes psychological discomfort.

At Kliniek het Bolwerk, we offer tailored treatments aimed at firming or correcting the skin. From skin rejuvenation without surgery to plastic surgery procedures with long-lasting results: our aim is always a natural-looking improvement that suits you.

Would you like to know which treatment suits you? Book a no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists.

At Kliniek het Bolwerk in Haarlem, you can come to us for Removal of skin imperfections or having a mole removed.