Three different treatment levels for mild laxity, crepey texture and age-related skin change: Viora radiofrequency, non-ablative laser and ablative CO₂ resurfacing.
The right option depends on how much change you want, the condition of the skin, the treatment area and how much downtime you are prepared to accept.
These treatments are not interchangeable. They act at different depths, have different recovery profiles and are suited to different degrees of laxity and skin change.
Controlled radiofrequency heating is used for gradual improvement in mild laxity and skin quality.
Non-ablative laser energy heats deeper skin while leaving the surface largely intact.
Ablative CO₂ removes controlled columns or areas of surface skin while creating a deeper thermal response.
Two short videos showing the treatment approach and the type of skin concerns we discuss in consultation.
A short Santi treatment video. Playback remains on this page.
Treatment explanation from Santi London.
Viora uses radiofrequency energy, with vacuum-assisted tissue contact, to heat the deeper skin in a controlled way. The aim is gradual improvement in firmness and contour rather than a surgical lifting effect.
This is the least intensive of the three tightening pathways and is particularly useful when downtime needs to be minimal.
For early jowling and mild softening where the goal is subtle improvement rather than dramatic repositioning.
Useful when mild laxity is blurring the jawline. It will not recreate the effect of surgery where skin excess is more pronounced.
Can be considered for early neck crepiness and mild submental fullness, with expectations set carefully in consultation.
Non-ablative laser treatment delivers controlled thermal energy into the skin while leaving the outer surface largely intact. It sits between RF and ablative CO₂ in terms of treatment intensity.
The aim is gradual collagen remodelling together with improvement in fine texture and overall skin quality.
Ablative CO₂ is the most intensive option on this page. It is not simply a stronger form of RF: it deliberately resurfaces the skin while creating a thermal response that can also improve firmness.
It is most appropriate where lines, photodamage, crepey texture or scarring are important alongside laxity — and where the client accepts visible healing.
Viora RF can also be used on selected body areas where the concern is mild skin laxity rather than large-volume fat reduction.
For mild laxity after weight change or pregnancy once the skin and underlying tissues are suitable for treatment.
For early crepiness or mild laxity. Significant excess skin is unlikely to respond sufficiently to non-surgical RF alone.
Selected areas can be treated where surface laxity is the principal concern and expectations are realistic.
We look at skin thickness, location of laxity, texture, facial or body anatomy, prior treatments and the degree of change you are hoping to achieve.
Viora RF, non-ablative laser and ablative CO₂ are discussed according to benefit, recovery time and how much treatment is actually justified.
RF generally feels warm. Laser sensation and preparation vary with the device and intensity. Ablative CO₂ requires a more formal resurfacing protocol.
Skin tightening develops gradually. Course timing and maintenance depend on the treatment used and your individual response.
| Treatment | Typical role | Course | Downtime | When change develops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viora RF | Mild laxity · face, jawline, neck, selected body areas | Often 4–8 sessions, commonly 1–3 weeks apart | Usually minimal; temporary redness or warmth possible | Progressive over the course and subsequent months |
| Non-ablative laser | Mild tightening + texture / skin quality | Usually a short course; exact plan depends on device and skin | Limited compared with ablative resurfacing | Gradual collagen remodelling over weeks to months |
| Ablative CO₂ | Resurfacing + more intensive collagen remodelling | Often fewer, stronger sessions | Visible healing; planned downtime required | Early resurfacing effect followed by continued remodelling |
If a non-surgical treatment is unlikely to produce the degree of change you want, we will say so.
RF: keep skincare gentle if the skin feels warm or looks pink; avoid excessive heat on the same day.
Non-ablative laser: use SPF and follow the device-specific skincare advice provided.
Ablative CO₂: detailed wound care, sun avoidance and recovery instructions are essential and are discussed separately before treatment.
It depends on what is causing the laxity and whether texture or photodamage is also present. Ablative CO₂ is the most intensive treatment on this page, but it is not automatically the best choice for every client. Viora RF or non-ablative laser may be more proportionate for mild laxity.
A course of around 4–8 sessions is commonly used, often spaced roughly 1–3 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the area, skin quality and response.
These are gradual treatments. RF and laser-induced collagen remodelling develops over weeks and can continue for several months. Ablative CO₂ also produces a visible resurfacing effect during the healing process.
It may help when there is mild submental fullness together with early skin laxity. It is not equivalent to liposuction or a surgical neck procedure, and larger fat deposits may require a different treatment pathway.
No treatment should be described as universally pain-free. Viora RF is generally well tolerated and commonly feels warm, but sensitivity varies between people and treatment areas.
Sometimes, but sequencing matters. Tightening or resurfacing may be planned first, followed later by injectables if structural support or dynamic lines remain a concern.
Viora RF is generally the lowest-downtime option. Non-ablative laser can also have relatively limited recovery. Ablative CO₂ requires visible healing and should only be chosen when that recovery is acceptable.
If examination suggests that non-surgical tightening is unlikely to produce a meaningful result, we will explain that during consultation rather than recommend repeated treatments with unrealistic expectations.
We can assess whether the better starting point is Viora RF, non-ablative laser, ablative CO₂ — or whether a tightening procedure is unlikely to give the result you are looking for.
Consultation-led treatment · Santi London, 33 Thurloe Street, South Kensington, London SW7 2LQ.
