Skin Laxity and Crepey Skin
Medically reviewed by Dr Martin Wade | Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director | Last updated on August 2026
Skin laxity and crepey texture develop when the skin loses collagen, elastin, thickness and structural support. These changes can leave the face or body looking looser, more finely wrinkled or less defined, particularly around the eyes, jawline, neck, upper arms and abdomen.
Different patterns of laxity require different treatment approaches. At London Real Skin, we assess firmness, texture, volume, sun damage, and the structures beneath the skin before recommending a personalised skin-tightening plan.
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What Is Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin is thin, finely wrinkled skin that has lost some of its strength and resilience, giving it a texture similar to crepe paper. Skin laxity is a broader loss of firmness that allows the tissue to sit more loosely or begin to sag. The two concerns frequently overlap, but one can be more prominent and require greater attention within the treatment plan.
Skin laxity can involve changes in collagen, elasticity, volume and underlying support, making a detailed assessment an essential first step.
Where Can Loose or Crepey Skin Develop?
Changes in firmness can develop wherever the skin becomes thinner, loses support or has been stretched. The location, thickness and mobility of the affected skin will all influence treatment selection.
Areas frequently affected include:
- Under the eyes
- Cheeks and lower face
- Jawline
- Neck and décolletage
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Thighs and knees
- Hands
What Causes Skin to Lose Firmness?
Collagen and elastin provide much of the skin’s strength, flexibility and support. Their production declines with age, while environmental exposure and physical changes can accelerate the loss of firmness.
Contributing factors include:
- Age-related reductions in collagen and elastin
- Thinning of the skin over time
- Repeated sun exposure
- Genetics and natural skin structure
- Smoking and environmental damage
- Pregnancy
- Significant weight loss
- Repeated weight fluctuation
- Hormonal changes
- Reduced hydration and a weakened skin barrier
EMSCULPT NEO can improve body contouring where skin laxity is present alongside reduced muscle tone and localised fat.
How We Assess Changes in Skin Firmness
Assessment begins by establishing whether the main concern is fine creping, reduced elasticity, volume loss or more established tissue laxity. We examine the skin’s thickness, texture, and movement, as well as sun damage, pigmentation, and the underlying support of the treatment area.
We will also discuss weight changes, previous procedures, medical history, and the result you would like to achieve. These findings allow us to determine whether the area requires resurfacing, collagen stimulation, improved hydration, structural support or treatment of the underlying body contour.
Skin Tightening Treatment Options
The most suitable treatment depends on the cause, location and degree of laxity, as well as whether the concern involves texture, hydration, volume loss or body contour.
RF Microneedling
RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy through controlled microchannels in the skin. This stimulates collagen and elastin remodelling, helping to firm lax skin and improve the thin, finely wrinkled texture associated with crepey skin.
EMSCULPT NEO
EMSCULPT NEO strengthens muscle and reduces localised fat in areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms and thighs. It does not tighten the skin directly, but it can improve the appearance of areas of the body where skin laxity is accompanied by reduced muscle tone or poor definition.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing stimulates cell renewal and collagen production through controlled thermal energy. It can improve fine creasing, sun-damaged texture and thinner areas of crepey skin, particularly across suitable areas of the face.
Profhilo
Profhilo delivers hyaluronic acid beneath the skin to improve hydration, elasticity and overall skin quality. It is particularly relevant to thin, crepey skin across areas such as the face, neck, décolletage, hands, upper arms and abdomen.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore support where volume loss contributes to folds, shadows, or looseness. They are most relevant when reduced underlying volume is making skin laxity more noticeable in a specific facial area.
What to Expect From Skin Tightening Treatment
Your treatment experience will depend on the area, the degree of laxity, and the option selected. We will explain the purpose of the recommended procedure, how it will feel and when changes should become visible before treatment begins.
Consultation and Skin Assessment
Your practitioner will examine the skin at rest and during movement, assessing thickness, elasticity, texture and underlying support. Your medical history, previous procedures, weight changes and treatment priorities will also be reviewed before suitable options are discussed.
Your Personalised Treatment Plan
The recommended plan will specify the treatment areas, the procedure or combination, the number of sessions, and the expected recovery. When the concern involves skin quality, volume, and body contour, treatments can be scheduled in stages, with a clear purpose for each part of the plan.
Treatment
Preparation and appointment length vary between RF microneedling, needle-free radiofrequency, EMSCULPT NEO, laser resurfacing and injectable treatments. Your practitioner will prepare the area, use the required comfort measures and adjust the settings or product placement according to the agreed plan.
Recovery and Results
Temporary redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or dryness may occur, with the recovery period depending on the procedure and treatment intensity. Hydration or structural support can create an earlier visible change, while collagen remodelling and improvements in muscle tone develop progressively over the following weeks and months.
Why Choose London Real Skin for Skin Tightening?
Skin laxity can involve the surface, deeper skin layers, underlying volume or the body contour beneath the affected area. London Real Skin’s dermatologist-led team assesses each of these elements before creating a treatment plan, giving us the flexibility to address facial and body concerns with the appropriate technology.
Our approach includes:
- Detailed assessment of texture, elasticity and skin support
- Treatment options for both facial and body areas
- SkinXcell and Exion RF microneedling technology
- EMSCULPT NEO for suitable body-contouring concerns
- Access to laser and injectable treatment options
- Plans tailored to the location and degree of laxity
- Experienced aesthetic practitioners
- Clear explanations of recovery and expected improvement
- Complimentary consultations
- A CQC-registered clinic in Holborn
Book a Skin Tightening Consultation in London
Book a complimentary consultation at London Real Skin to discuss changes in firmness, texture or body contour. We will assess the affected areas, explain which treatment options are appropriate and create a personalised plan with clear guidance on the recommended course, recovery and expected results.
Skin Tightening FAQs
Can weight loss cause skin laxity?
Yes. When body volume reduces, skin that has been stretched may not contract fully around the new shape, particularly after substantial or rapid weight loss. The amount of remaining laxity depends on age, skin elasticity, genetics and the extent of the change.
Which skin tightening treatment is right for me?
The right option depends on whether the main concern is fine creping, reduced elasticity, surface damage, volume loss or reduced muscle tone beneath the area. A skin assessment allows us to identify the factors involved and recommend the appropriate treatment or combination to address them.
Can skin tightening treat both the face and body?
Skin-tightening treatments can be used on several facial and body areas, including the jawline, neck, décolletage, arms, and abdomen. The technology and treatment strength must be matched to the thickness, movement and condition of the skin in each area.
Can you treat crepey skin under the eyes and on the neck?
Yes, both areas can be treated, although the skin is thinner and requires carefully selected technology and settings. The appropriate option will depend on the degree of creping, skin quality and any accompanying volume loss.
How many skin tightening treatments will I need?
Some treatments are planned as a course, while others follow a smaller number of initial sessions with maintenance where appropriate. Your practitioner will confirm the recommended schedule after assessing the area and the degree of improvement you are pursuing.
Is skin tightening treatment painful?
Sensation varies between procedures and can include warmth, pressure, tingling or temporary discomfort. Where microneedling or resurfacing is recommended, topical anaesthetic or other comfort measures can be used where appropriate.
How much downtime follows skin tightening treatment?
Downtime depends on the selected approach. Needle-free radiofrequency and EMSCULPT NEO involve little disruption, whereas RF microneedling or laser resurfacing can cause more visible redness, swelling, or dryness as the skin recovers.
When will I see skin tightening results?
The timeframe depends on how the treatment works. Improvements in hydration can become apparent earlier, while collagen stimulation and muscle conditioning develop gradually over the following weeks and months.
How long do skin tightening results last?
The duration depends on the treatment, skin condition and natural ageing process. Maintenance treatment, daily sun protection and an appropriate skincare routine can help preserve improvements in firmness and texture.
Can skincare tighten loose or crepey skin?
Skincare can improve hydration, surface texture and protection against further collagen damage. It cannot lift substantial laxity or replace lost structural support, but it remains an important part of maintaining skin quality before and after treatment.
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Call 020 7183 5892 or email info@londonrealskin.com.
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Saturday 09.30 – 17.30 · Sunday closed
