Written & reviewed by Dr Tan Ying Zhou (Dr YZ Tan) | Last reviewed: June 2026
Non-invasive aesthetic treatments have gained popularity due to their effectiveness, minimal downtime, and low risk compared to invasive procedures. These include energy-based treatments that use heat from ultrasound and radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production to lift and tighten the face.
While effective, each technology works differently. So how do you know which treatment would suit you best?
Collagen is a big buzzword when it comes to anti-ageing because it is responsible for the firmness and elasticity of your skin. As we age, our skin loses about 1% of collagen per year from our mid-20s onwards. This leads to the formation of lines, wrinkles, and loose and sagging skin.
Collagen loss, however, is not responsible for volume loss in areas that appear sunken. This is largely caused by fat loss or migration.
Non-invasive anti-ageing procedures make use of heat generated by ultrasound or radiofrequency energy. This heat energy is delivered safely and precisely to different layers of the skin based on its intended results to create micro-injuries in the targeted tissue. This triggers the skin’s natural healing response, which in turn stimulates and increases the production of collagen.
Some of these energy-based treatments can also be used for volume reduction. When targeted at the right layer of the skin, the heat energy can selectively destroy fat cells. This can help to contour the face and reduce the appearance of jowls or excess fat deposits.
Generally speaking, everyone can benefit from both tightening and lifting treatments. It is just a matter of which one would give you better results for your face type.
Faces with less volume, loose, thinner or wrinkly skin are typically prime candidates for tightening treatments such as the Sofwave and Thermage FLX.
By focusing on stimulating collagen production in the dermis layer, such treatments help to improve skin laxity and reduce lines without affecting facial volume. As loose skin tends to droop, tightening procedures can also give a lifting effect.
On the other hand, those with firmer or thicker skin quality and more facial volume accumulation rather than loose skin are better suited for lifting procedures such as Ultherapy or Ultraformer HIFU. Such face types tend to be chubbier or have fat accumulation around the jowl and double chin area.
To determine whether your skin needs more tightening or lifting, a simple pinch test often gives a good indicator.
Areas with more fat or volume would feel more solid and firmer as it tends to be attached deeper under the skin. Loose skin, on the other hand, will feel more elastic and easier to pull.
That being said, there are those who require both tightening and lifting. This is seen more often in older individuals.
Dr YZ Tan, Medical Director of Mizu Aesthetic, notes:
“The pinch test is a useful starting point, but in a consultation I am also looking at overall facial structure, the distribution of volume and laxity, and how these have changed over time. Most patients in Singapore do not fit neatly into just one category. A very common pattern I see is someone with loose skin in the lower face but also some volume loss in the upper face. In those cases I will often recommend a combination approach, using lifting-focused treatment where there is excess tissue and tightening treatment where there is more laxity. Getting that assessment right is what makes the treatment effective for that individual.”
As we age, some individuals will experience skin laxity, diminished deep tissue firmness and pockets of sagging fats. These individuals can potentially benefit from both types of treatment for the best results. In such cases, procedures such as Ultherapy, Ultraformer HIFU and Sofwave can all be used to customise an individualised treatment plan.
Areas of the face such as the jowls, jawline and lateral edge of the face can be targeted with Ultherapy or Ultraformer HIFU to help lift and reduce excess volume and sagging skin. Areas with loose skin can then be treated with tightening procedures such as the Sofwave to further enhance the overall improvement in laxity and deep lifting effects.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution because everyone ages differently. In order to yield the best results, it is important that your doctor identifies what your skin needs most, and consequently the right procedure for it. This is the key to achieving the best results for you.
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine or treatment, especially if you have existing skin conditions or concerns. Results may vary from person to person, and individual needs may require different approaches.
Dr Tan Ying Zhou, known as Dr YZ Tan, is the founder and Medical Director of Mizu Aesthetic Clinic.
His journey into aesthetics began with a medical degree from St. George’s, University of London, followed by an internship in Dermatology at the National Taiwan University Hospital.
Some of his favourite aesthetic procedures include nose augmentation and anti-ageing solutions, and he also serves as a trainer for emerging aesthetic doctors.
His philosophy revolves around personalised treatments tailored to each individual’s ageing concerns, aiming to transform the ageing process gracefully into a pleasant journey towards confidence and wellness.
