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As we get older, our skin loses some of its natural ingredients, collagen and elastin. These are the things that help keep our skin strong, stretchy, and smooth. When this happens, our skin starts to look and feel different. It may look crinkly or wrinkly, sort of like crepe paper, and may feel a bit loose. This is what’s known as crepey skin. While it’s a bit like regular wrinkles, crepey skin can cover larger patches of your body and the skin tends to feel thinner.
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What causes Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin is a common skin issue that many people encounter, particularly as they age. While the term ‘crepey’ may sound a bit odd, it accurately describes the paper-thin, crinkly appearance that affected skin areas can take on. But what exactly leads to the development of crepey skin? Here are some of the primary contributing factors:
Sun Damage
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is one of the leading causes of crepey skin. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they can damage the elastin and collagen fibres that provide structural support and elasticity. Over time, this damage accumulates and compromises the skin’s ability to bounce back, leading to a thin and fragile appearance. That’s why it’s so important to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days or during the winter, as UV rays can penetrate clouds and glass, affecting your skin regardless of the weather.
Age
As you get older, your body naturally produces less collagen and elastin, two proteins crucial for maintaining skin’s strength and flexibility. This decline is inevitable and can be exacerbated by other lifestyle factors like poor diet, smoking, or not getting enough exercise. With the decrease in collagen and elastin, your skin becomes less resilient and begins to sag, leading to the characteristic crinkly texture of crepey skin. It’s not uncommon to notice this skin condition in people as they reach their 40s, 50s, or beyond, although it can also occur earlier depending on various factors like genetics and sun exposure.
Hormonal Changes
Your hormones play a critical role in the health of your skin. For instance, women going through menopause experience a drop in estrogen levels, which directly impacts the production of collagen and elastin. This drop can make the skin more vulnerable to becoming crepey. In some cases, hormonal treatments may be recommended to counteract these effects.
Weight Loss
Significant weight loss can be another culprit behind crepey skin. When you lose a lot of weight, especially quickly, the skin may not have enough time to shrink back to its previous size. This can result in excess, loose skin that takes on a crepey texture, particularly in areas like the arms, abdomen, and thighs. Even though losing weight is generally a positive change for your health, try to aim for gradual weight loss and consider incorporating strength training to improve skin elasticity.
Surgical methods to get rid of crepey skin
When it comes to addressing crepey skin, various surgical methods can offer long-lasting results. The most suitable treatment often depends on the location of the crepey skin on your body. Below are some of the surgical options available for different body areas:
Facelift and Neck Lift
Crepey skin often appears on the face and neck, particularly as we age. A facelift (medically known as a rhytidectomy) aims to tighten the skin and underlying tissues, providing a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. The procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening the remaining skin, and repositioning the underlying muscle and tissue. This is often done in combination with a neck lift, which targets sagging and crepey skin in the neck area, to offer a more comprehensive result. The two procedures together can dramatically improve the appearance of crepey skin on both the face and neck, providing a younger, more refreshed look.
Abdominoplasty
Crepey skin on the abdomen can happen to anyone, even those who are slim and toned. An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck,’ offers a solution for this issue. This procedure tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess fat. However, it can also specifically address the sagging, excess skin in the abdominal region, making it tighter and more youthful-looking. Often, liposuction is performed alongside an abdominoplasty to achieve the best possible results by removing excess fat deposits.
Arm Lift
Crepey skin on the upper arms can be particularly noticeable and is often resistant to improvement through exercise or topical treatments. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address this issue. The operation involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms, tightening the remaining skin, and recontouring the arm for a firmer, more youthful appearance. This can be an excellent option for those who have significant sagging or crepey skin on their arms and are looking for a long-lasting solution.
Thigh Lift
The upper thighs are another common area for crepey skin to develop. A thigh lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of loose, sagging skin in this region. The operation focuses mainly on the inner thigh area, lifting and tightening the skin to provide a firmer, smoother contour. Unlike some other treatments, a thigh lift will not improve the front or back of the thigh, but it does dramatically improve the inner thigh’s appearance. Liposuction is often performed alongside a thigh lift to remove any additional fat and to further enhance the overall result.
RELATED: Surgical Solutions for Sagging Thighs after Weight Loss
Each of these surgical options aims to improve the appearance of crepey skin by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining area, providing a smoother, firmer look.
Non-surgical methods to improve crepey skin
If you’re looking for ways to improve the appearance of crepey skin without going under the knife, several non-surgical methods can offer significant improvements. These treatments can be less invasive, have a shorter recovery time, and can still yield remarkable results.
Fotona 4D
The Fotona 4D treatment is a non-invasive laser procedure that targets multiple layers of the skin to improve its overall texture and appearance. This method combines four different treatments into one procedure, focusing on both the external skin and the inner oral cavity for a full facial rejuvenation. It stimulates collagen production, which in turn helps to firm up sagging or crepey skin, making it look more youthful and vibrant. The treatment is versatile and can be used on various areas of the body, including the face, neck, and décolletage.
Morpheus8
Unique among non-surgical options, Morpheus8 has received FDA clearance for its effectiveness in skin tightening. At our London clinic, this treatment is used primarily for lifting skin in areas such as the neck, under the chin, and around the eyebrows. It has also been clinically proven to improve crepey skin on the décolletage. The procedure employs microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. Ideal candidates for Morpheus8 are usually individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity who are not yet ready to commit to a more invasive surgical procedure like a facelift.
FaceTite
FaceTite is another non-surgical treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin. It is particularly effective for treating crepey or sagging skin on the face and neck. The procedure involves inserting a small probe under the skin, which then emits radiofrequency energy to heat the underlying tissues. This stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, tighter skin. FaceTite is often recommended for those who need moderate skin tightening but wish to avoid a surgical facelift.
BodyTite
Similar to FaceTite but designed for other areas of the body, BodyTite uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to tighten loose or crepey skin. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that also involves inserting a small probe to heat up the tissues and stimulate collagen production. It’s particularly effective for areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs, and flanks. BodyTite is well-suited for individuals who have experienced some degree of skin laxity due to ageing or weight loss and are looking for a non-surgical tightening solution.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Skin and Cosmetic Needs?
When it comes to improving the appearance of your skin and undergoing transformative cosmetic procedures, choosing the right clinic is crucial. At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge treatments, personalised care, and exceptional results.
Expertise You Can Trust
Our highly qualified team of healthcare professionals and surgeons are experts in their respective fields. With years of experience and continuous training in the latest advancements in aesthetic medicine, we ensure that our patients receive the most effective treatments tailored to their individual needs.
Advanced Technology
We utilise state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques, like Fotona 4D, Morpheus8, FaceTite, and BodyTite, to offer less invasive options with minimal downtime. From consultation to aftercare, we prioritise your safety and well-being at every stage.
Patient-Centric Approach
We believe that every patient is unique, which is why our treatment plans are customised to suit your specific needs, lifestyle, and desired outcomes. Our pre-operative assessments and post-operative care are designed to provide the utmost comfort and effectiveness.
Patient Testimonials
- “My experience with Centre for Surgery was fantastic. The staff were incredibly attentive and put me at ease from the very first consultation. The results exceeded my expectations!” – Sarah, London
- “Having undergone a thigh lift, I can vouch for the clinic’s professionalism and excellent patient care. The procedure went smoothly, and I’m thrilled with the results.” – Mark, London
- “The clinic’s advanced treatments turned back the clock for me. My skin has never felt better, thanks to their expert team and modern technology.” – Emily, London
Convenient Finance Options
Understanding that financial flexibility is important, we offer various finance options including a 0% APR scheme with Chrysalis Finance. Find out more about our Finance Options.
Informative Resources
If you want to delve deeper into the treatments we offer and the science behind them, take a look at our informative Plastic Surgery Blog. Our Clinic FAQs section can also answer many of the questions you might have.
Visit Us
Our clinic is conveniently located at 95-97 Baker Street, London. Learn more about our Baker Street Clinic.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to make a transformative change in your life, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us at 0207 993 4849 or send an email to contact@centreforsurgery.com. You can also reach us through our Contact Page.
For more about what sets us apart, visit our About Us page.
Take the first step towards a more confident and revitalised you with Centre for Surgery.
