Skin Laxity & Tightening Treatments
The gradual loss of firmness, elasticity and structural support in the skin is one of the most common concerns for patients in their late 30s and beyond — and one of the most visible. At Pelle Aesthetics in Hertford, Dr Sabrina Valentino offers a suite of proven, non-surgical treatments that address skin laxity at every level, from surface resurfacing to deep structural remodelling.
All treatments performed by Dr Sabrina Valentino — GMC-registered GP with advanced facial anatomy training.
"Laxity is not one problem — it is several, operating at different depths. Treatment that ignores this delivers half a result."
Why Does Skin Laxity Occur?
Identifying the underlying cause is the first step towards effective treatment. At Pelle, we assess before we treat.
Collagen Decline
Collagen production reduces by approximately 1% per year from the mid-20s — accelerating significantly after the menopause. This directly reduces skin firmness and tensile strength.
Elastin Breakdown
Elastin allows skin to return to its shape after stretching. As it degrades, skin loses its ability to 'snap back', resulting in a looser, less supported appearance.
Fat Compartment Descent
The anatomical fat pads of the face descend under gravity as the ligaments that support them weaken with age, contributing directly to jowling and lower face heaviness.
Dermal Thinning
The dermis becomes thinner and less dense with age, reducing the structural foundation that keeps the surface skin tight. Sun damage accelerates this process significantly.
Hormonal Change
Oestrogen plays a direct role in collagen and elastin maintenance. The perimenopause and menopause can accelerate laxity rapidly — often the moment patients first notice significant change.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, UV exposure, poor sleep, and nutritional deficiencies all accelerate the biological processes that lead to laxity, often by a decade or more.
Solutions Available at Pelle Aesthetics
Every treatment plan is bespoke. Dr Sabrina will recommend the most appropriate option — or combination — at your consultation.
Cutera Secret PRO
The most technically advanced treatment for skin laxity at Pelle. Secret PRO combines fractional radiofrequency microneedling — delivering controlled thermal energy deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen remodelling — with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing to address surface texture, tone, and laxity simultaneously.
Results build progressively over 3–6 months as new collagen is produced. Effective for facial laxity, jowling, neck laxity, acne scarring, and post-pregnancy skin changes.
All laxity types, scarring, texture
Profhilo
A highly concentrated stabilised hyaluronic acid that disperses through the skin after injection, stimulating four types of collagen and elastin from within. The result is measurable improvement in skin hydration, firmness and quality — without volume addition.
The preferred first-line treatment for mild to moderate laxity, and a powerful complement to Secret PRO in a multi-modal plan.
Mild–moderate laxity, skin quality
Radiesse
For patients with more pronounced laxity — particularly jowling and midface descent — Radiesse provides structural support beyond what bio-remodelling agents can achieve. Its calcium hydroxylapatite matrix offers immediate lift while stimulating collagen production over 12–18 months.
Jowling, structural lift
Treatment Comparison
Use this as a guide only — Dr Sabrina will determine the right approach for your specific anatomy and concerns.
| Treatment | Depth of Action | Laxity Impact | Downtime | Results Timeline | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutera Secret PRO | Surface + deep dermis | High | 3–5 days | 3–6 months to full result | 12–18 months+ |
| Profhilo | Mid-dermis | Moderate | Minimal | 4–8 weeks | 6–9 months |
| Radiesse | Deep soft tissue | High | Minimal | Immediate + builds | 12–18 months |
| Profhilo Structura | Superficial fat | Moderate–High | Minimal | 4–8 weeks | 12 months |
Dr Sabrina Valentino
MBBS BSc (Hons) MRCGP · GMC Registered GP · Advanced Facial Anatomy · CMAC Member
Skin laxity is one of the areas where multi-modal treatment — addressing the problem at multiple depths simultaneously — consistently outperforms any single-device or single-injection approach. Dr Sabrina's clinical background allows her to design protocols that are genuinely integrated, not just a list of separate treatments.
As a CQC-registered clinic, Pelle maintains rigorous standards for device treatments. All Cutera Secret PRO procedures are performed directly by Dr Sabrina Valentino, never delegated to a non-medical technician.
Your Journey at Pelle
Skin Assessment
Dr Sabrina assesses your skin quality, laxity degree, anatomy, and lifestyle. Fitzpatrick skin type is documented for device treatment planning.
Protocol Design
A personalised multi-modal plan is designed — whether a single treatment or a sequenced programme across several months.
Treatment Programme
Treatments are delivered at the recommended intervals. Progress photos are taken to document your results objectively.
Maintenance Planning
A long-term maintenance plan ensures your results are sustained. Many patients enrol in a Pelle Privé membership to manage their programme cost-effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the severity of your laxity and the treatment chosen. Profhilo typically requires 2 initial sessions; Secret PRO 1–3; Radiesse usually 1. Dr Sabrina provides a realistic treatment plan at consultation.
What results can I realistically expect?
Non-surgical treatments produce genuine, visible improvement — but are not equivalent to surgery for patients with significant skin excess. Most patients in their late 30s to mid-50s see excellent results.
Is Secret PRO safe for darker skin tones?
The RF microneedling component is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types. The CO2 laser component requires careful assessment for darker tones. Dr Sabrina will advise on the most appropriate protocol.
Can I combine with injectables?
Yes — and this is often the most effective approach. A Profhilo and Secret PRO programme combined with anti-wrinkle injections and/or filler delivers a comprehensive result.
What is the Pelle GlowLift™?
A bespoke protocol combining Secret PRO, Profhilo, and structural injectables — sequenced across several months for progressive, cumulative improvement at every depth.
What is the downtime for Secret PRO?
Typically 3–5 days of redness and mild swelling. Most patients return to social activities within 5–7 days. Full results develop over 3–6 months.
Firmer Skin. Without Surgery.
Book a consultation with Dr Sabrina to discuss your skin laxity concerns and discover the right treatment protocol for your skin.
Book Your Consultation