Laser Skin Tightening
A unique facial
rejuvenation option that produces dramatic results, laser skin tightening
effectively reduces the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin for a smoother
and more youthful appearance. Learn more about facial skin tightening below.
What Is Laser Skin
Tightening?
Laser skin tightening
is a minimally invasive, non-surgical process that uses an infrared light
source (a laser) to tighten skin by heating the collagen under the skin’s
surface, causing the skin to contract (tighten). Facial skin tightening is
noticeable immediately after the treatment, and there is no downtime, making
this an increasingly popular procedure. Additional skin tightening occurs over
the next few months, but optimal results usually require two or three
treatments about a month apart.
Many people notice
signs of aging when skin begins to sag around the face and neck. Laser skin
tightening is appropriate for men and women of all skin types and skin tones
who wish to achieve dramatic results without painful surgery and lengthy
recovery times. The most successful laser skin tightening candidates experience
permanent results as the collagen under their skin is regenerated, producing a
more youthful complexion.
Laser skin tightening
helps patients achieve younger-looking, smoother skin without undergoing
expensive surgeries such as a face lift or a tummy tuck – and the results won’t
fade after a few months. Laser skin tightening treatment cost varies depending
on the individual patient’s needs such as the size and location of the area to
be tightened, and the type of laser used. However, facial skin tightening is
considerably less expensive than invasive surgeries, and financing options are
available.
Laser Skin Tightening
Systems
Using the latest
technologies, laser skin tightening effectively rejuvenates all skin types for
firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Popular skin tightening treatments utilize
the Titan® or Polaris™ systems, which use laser technology to gently heat
deeper layers of collagen while cooling the skin’s outer layers. Skin
tightening patients enjoy immediate results with minimal discomfort. A cosmetic
dermatologist can determine the most effective laser skin tightening treatment
for you.
Laser Skin Tightening
FAQs
With many different
cosmetic dermatology options available, patients often wonder how laser skin
tightening compares to other procedures. More effective than chemical peels and
microdermabrasion, and less invasive than surgery, laser skin tightening is a
virtually pain-free procedure that produces lasting results. Below are more
frequently asked questions.
What are the
advantages of laser skin tightening?
Which laser skin
tightening system is right for me?
The most appropriate
laser skin tightening system for a specific patient’s needs is best determined
by a qualified cosmetic dermatologist. The choice of a treatment system is
based upon such factors as the area(s) of the body to be treated and the
patient’s desired results. To discuss which method of laser skin tightening may
be best suited to your needs, use DocShop to contact an expert in your area.
What areas of the
face and body can laser skin tightening treat?
Laser skin tightening
has been proven effective for tightening the skin on all areas of the body.
Patients can enjoy a rejuvenated look when this treatment is applied to the
face, neck, abdomen, arms, legs, and buttocks. In fact, patients with minor to
moderate skin laxity may opt for laser skin tightening treatment instead of
more invasive procedures such as liposuction and even mini tummy tuck surgery,
and experience noticeably firmer skin with no downtime and little discomfort.
What is the
difference between laser skin tightening and laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin tightening
often produces less immediate and dramatic changes than laser skin resurfacing,
but it also poses far fewer risks, discomfort, and downtime for patients.
During laser skin tightening, a laser is used to heat the collagen under the
surface of the skin, causing the collagen to expand and the skin to appear
tighter. Laser skin resurfacing uses lasers to remove the outer layers of skin
to promote the growth of new, healthier skin. Because laser skin resurfacing
actually removes the top layers of skin, it can be used to treat a broader
range of cosmetic issues than laser skin tightening, such as wrinkles, age or
sun spots, acne marks, and other facial scarring. The risk for unfavorable
changes in pigmentation and scarring is stronger with laser skin resurfacing
than with skin tightening. If you are considering facial or skin rejuvenation
and would like to learn more about these different treatment plans, use the
DocShop directory to help you find a dermatologist in your area who can fully
educate you on the benefits and potential drawbacks of each approach.
What does laser skin
tightening treatment feel like?
During treatment,
your laser practitioner will use a small handpiece to apply quick pulses of
laser light to your skin. Patients may feel a gradual warming sensation at the
treatment area, and could feel brief discomfort which is often described as
similar to the sensation caused by a snapping rubber band on the skin. Most
patients comment that the discomfort they feel during laser skin tightening is
minimal, and it is usually resolved within minutes of the procedure’s
completion.
When will I see
results?
Most patients notice
changes in the tone and condition of their skin immediately following a skin
tightening treatment. However, because the procedure is designed to stimulate
the natural growth of collagen, the patient’s optimal results may take up to a
few months to be visible. Typically, new collagen growth takes from 90 to 180
days after the initial treatment, at which time patients enjoy a dramatically
rejuvenated appearance.
Are multiple
treatments necessary?
While patients see
noticeable decreases in skin laxity after their first laser skin tightening
session, most skin tightening experts recommend up to six treatments, depending
on the patient’s desired results and the area to be treated. Treatments are
generally spaced roughly three weeks apart. After the initial series of skin
tightening treatments, some patients opt for yearly “touch up” sessions to
target areas most prone to wrinkles and lines.
.
What are the side
effects associated with laser skin tightening?
The normal side
effects of a laser skin tightening procedure may include redness and swelling,
and should recede within a couple of days. In rare cases, patients experience
bruising and blistering, and some patients experience changes in pigmentation
of treated areas. Again, these side effects are very rare. The average skin
tightening patient can expect only moderate redness and possible swelling
during laser skin tightening recovery, and will be able to resume his or her
lifestyle immediately.
Risks and Benefits of
Laser Skin Tightening
One of the greatest
benefits of laser skin tightening is the minimal amount of risk associated with
the procedure. Patients experience firmer skin with fewer fine lines and
wrinkles, and there is no downtime. Skin tightening occurs immediately, and
results continue to improve over the next several weeks. Risks associated with
laser skin tightening include temporary reddening of the skin, a slight chance
of scarring, and the possibility of brief lightening or darkening of the skin
in treated areas.
Laser Skin Tightening
Recovery and Results
Laser skin tightening
offers many of the same results as plastic surgery without the lengthy recovery
time. While the procedure cannot remove excess skin, patients experience
tightening of loose skin immediately, with less wrinkles in the treated area
and a firmer, healthier-looking complexion. Laser skin tightening requires no
recovery after treatment because it is a non-surgical procedure that involves
no incisions.
Laser skin tightening
is a minimally invasive treatment to consider if you’d like to tighten loose or
sagging skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face, neck, and
body. If you’d prefer a procedure with no surgery, no downtime, and no
difficult recovery period, facial skin tightening could be right for you.
