Medically reviewed by Dr Bhavin Garara, GMC 7155707 · Last reviewed: 9 June 2026
The skin’s firmness depends on the dermal matrix — collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid — and on the underlying soft-tissue support. When the dermal matrix degrades and underlying support weakens, the skin drapes and sags. The visible result varies by anatomical site: a post-pregnancy abdomen, crepiness above the knees, “bat wings” on the upper arms, and a softening of the contour under the chin are all forms of body skin laxity.
Dr Bhavin Garara’s approach combines radiofrequency-based dermal tightening with collagen-rebuilding biostimulator treatments — and explicit honesty about when surgical referral is the right pathway.
The primary cause. Fibroblast activity declines with age; dermal collagen and elastin reduce.
Rapid weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or significant fluctuations in body weight leave the skin envelope larger than the underlying soft tissue can support.
Abdominal skin and breast skin are stretched during pregnancy; some return to pre-pregnancy condition, others do not.
Sun damage breaks down collagen and elastin in exposed areas (forearms, décolletage, hands).
Family pattern shapes individual skin elasticity.
Smoking damages collagen meaningfully. Hydration, nutrition, and not smoking all support skin quality.
At the clinics in London, Dr Garara assesses the location, extent, and skin quality of the affected area, the presence of underlying volume loss (if any), and whether the laxity is in a range non-surgical treatment can reasonably address. The plan combines energy-based dermal tightening with collagen-rebuilding biostimulator treatments and regenerative skin support. Where there is significant redundant skin or separated abdominal muscles, surgical referral is the honest answer.
Features
Radiofrequency microneedling (Sylfirm X), collagen biostimulators (PLLA / CaHA), polynucleotides and autologous regenerative treatments, and honest surgical-referral framing.
Treatment is layered — radiofrequency microneedling for mild to moderate laxity, biostimulators for larger areas of longer-term firming, regenerative skin support, and surgical referral where significant redundant skin is present.
Sylfirm X delivers radiofrequency through fine needles into the dermis. For body sites with mild to moderate laxity, it encourages collagen remodelling and tightens the dermal envelope over a course of sessions. Multiple sessions typically needed.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) preparations diluted appropriately for body use, swept across larger areas of laxity, build collagen and firm the skin envelope over months. Particularly useful for post-pregnancy abdomen, upper arms, and above the knees.
Polynucleotides (Rejuran®), PDRN, and autologous PRP / platelet-derived exosomes support dermal quality and thickness alongside structural treatments.
For significant redundant skin (e.g. after major weight loss), separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy, or any laxity beyond what non-surgical treatment can reasonably address, surgical excisional procedures (tummy tuck / abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, thigh lift, body lift) by a plastic surgeon are appropriate. The clinic does not perform surgery; we route patients honestly at consultation.
Treatment for higher Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI) requires careful device selection and conservative settings to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or, in some cases, keloid scarring. Dr Garara has particular experience in aesthetic medicine for skin of colour.
Sylfirm X delivers radiofrequency through fine needles into the dermis. For body sites with mild to moderate laxity, it encourages collagen remodelling and tightens the dermal envelope over a course of sessions. Multiple sessions typically needed.
See full treatment page: Sylfirm XBook a consultation with Dr Bhavin Garara.
Book a Consultation| Treatment | Best suited for | Typical downtime | How long results last | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiofrequency microneedling | Mild to moderate laxity and crepiness | 2–5 days of mild redness | Long-lasting; collagen remodelling continues for months | Tightens and remodels the dermis |
| Collagen biostimulators (PLLA / CaHA) | Larger areas of laxity; longer-term firming | 2–4 days of localised swelling | Around 12–18 months following a course | Builds new collagen for firmness |
| Polynucleotides / regenerative | Thin, crepey skin alongside laxity | 1–2 days of mild bumps | Around 6–12 months with a course | Supports dermal quality |
| Surgical referral (not offered here) | Significant redundant skin; post-weight-loss; rectus diastasis | Surgical recovery | Long-lasting | Surgical correction by a specialist |
Downtime and duration figures are typical averages only. Individual results vary considerably. Dr Garara will give you a more personalised picture at consultation.
Treatments described are widely performed and generally well tolerated. Risks include short-lived swelling, mild redness, and (less commonly) post-inflammatory pigment change in skin of colour. Energy-based treatments require appropriate settings and patient-specific protocols.
We share this not to alarm you but because patients deserve full information. Dr Garara is happy to discuss specific risks at consultation.
Common questions about treating body skin laxity.
Body skin laxity connects to other concerns. You may also want to read about:
For an overview of all the facial concerns we treat, visit our Body treatments hub.
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This page is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments require a personal consultation. Suitability, risks, and expected outcomes will be discussed with you in detail before any treatment is carried out.
