Laser Skin Tightening

 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.

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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.

Which Hollywood stars have had BOTOX injection treatment?

Botox FAQ

·                     What is a BOTOX® Injection?

"BOTOX® injection" or "botox shot" is the term most widely used to describe the procedure of adminstering the Allergan BOTOX® Cosmetic treatement. BOTOX® injections utilize Botulinum Toxin Type A to treat wrinkles. BOTOX® Injections were originally slated to treat neurological disorders; today, BOTOX® injections are widely used to remove facial lines, especially frown lines, "crow's feet," and forehead lines.

·                     What is a BOTOX® treatment?

"BOTOX® treatments", or "BOTOX® injection treatments" are a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that works at motor nerve endings (nerves that lead to muscles). BOTOX®® Cosmetic is a drug used for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines). These frown lines come from muscles called corrugator and/or procerus muscles. The BOTOX® injection treatment is the name used for the process of injecting the BOTOX® Cosmetic product into the patient.

BOTOX® injection treatments were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use in April 2002. (It has been approved for the treatment of several medical conditions since 1989.) BOTOX® is a trade name for botulinum toxin A. BOTOX® is related to botulism.

BOTOX® injection treatments are successfully used to treat blepharospasm and strabismus, and BOTOX® treatments are also proven useful in treating cervical dystonia -- these are all conditions that in some way involve spasms, involuntary muscle contractions. Within a few hours to a couple of days after the botulinum toxin is injected into the affected muscle(s), the spasms or contractions are reduced or eliminated altogether. The effects of BOTOX® treatments are not permanent, reportedly lasting anywhere from three to eight months. By injecting the toxin directly into a certain muscle or muscle group, the risk of the BOTOX® injection treatments spreading to other areas of the body is greatly diminished.

When BOTOX® -- botulinum toxin A -- is injected into the muscles surrounding the eyes, for instance, those muscles can not "scrunch up" for a period of time. They are paralyzed. So the wrinkles in that area, often referred to as "crow's-feet," temporarily go away.

·                     What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the product name for Allergans cosmetic wrikle removing drug. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that works at motor nerve endings (nerves that lead to muscles). BOTOX® Cosmetic is a drug used for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines). These frown lines come from muscles called corrugator and/or procerus muscles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the name used for the process of injecting the BOTOX® Cosmetic product into the patient.

In April of 2002 BOTOX® Cosmetic was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), following previous approvale for severe medical problems as afr back as 1989. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the trade mark that Allergan decided to use to refer to their botulinum toxin A product. BOTOX® injections are related to botulism.

BOTOX® treatments are successfully used to treat blepharospasm and strabismus, and BOTOX® cosmetic are also proven useful in treating cervical dystonia -- these are all conditions that in some way involve spasms, involuntary muscle contractions. Within a few hours to a couple of days after the botulinum toxin is injected into the affected muscle(s), the spasms or contractions are reduced or eliminated altogether. The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are not permanent, reportedly lasting anywhere from three to eight months. By injecting the toxin directly into a certain muscle or muscle group, the risk of BOTOX® Cosmetic spreading to other areas of the body is greatly diminished.

When BOTOX® Cosmetic -- botulinum toxin A -- is injected into the muscles surrounding the eyes, for instance, those muscles can not "scrunch up" for a period of time. They are paralyzed. So the wrinkles in that area, often referred to as "crow's-feet," temporarily go away.

·                      What are the side effects of BOTOX® treatment?

Typically the amount of BOTOX® and side effects and BOTOX® danger remains low. Any BOTOX® side effects can typically only last 6 months at a maximum, because BOTOX® treatments are temporary. People with neuromuscular disorders should consult with their physician carefully before having a BOTOX® injection treatment, as cardiovascular problems may arise. Likewise, those with cardiovascular disease should also pay special attention.

It is a natural response to assume there is some BOTOX® injection danger with a prosuct derived from a toxin, but it is in fact very safe, and has been is use for some time. It is always prudent to refview the BOTOX® injection side effects and procedure so that any BOTOX® injection danger is know and understood.

Some patients have been known to experience the side effects of BOTOX® of bruisng at the site of the injection. The most common BOTOX® side effects following the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic for glabellar lines are headache (13.3%), respiratory infection (3.5%), temporary eyelid droop (3.2%), nausea (3.0%), and flu syndrome (2.0%). Blepharoptosis is consistent with the pharmacologic action of BOTOX® Cosmetic and may be technique related. In rare occurences BOTOX® cosmetic can spread into neighboring muscles and cause temporary paralysis. In less that 1% of patients, this can cause drooping of the eyelid.

Less frequently side effects of BOTOX® occurring (<3%) adverse reactions included pain in the face, erythema at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occurred within the first week.

·                     How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?

In laypersons terms, BOTOX® simply keeps the muscles that cause frown lines from contracting. This causes the skin to become smoother. Normally your brain sends electrical messages to your muscles so that they can contract and move. BOTOX® keeps that message from getting to the muscle that causes the wrinkles.

Technically, BOTOX®® Cosmetic is injected directly into the corrugator and procerus muscles. It then goes on to enter the nerve endings to block the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that causes muscles to contract. BOTOX®® works to block the release of acetylcholine and, as a result, the muscle doesn't receive the message to contract. Once the muscles are at rest, the skin becomes smoother, creating a more natural and relaxed appearance.

·                     Is BOTOX® Cosmetic safe for me?

Ask your doctor if BOTOX® is the right treatment for you. BOTOX® should not be used during pregnancy, if you are nursing, or if you are taking certain medications. Only your physician can determine the best course of therapy. Botox should not be used on patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurologic disease. The effects of BOTOX® may be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission. Ensure that your doctor is aware of any current medications you are taking.

·                      How effective is BOTOX®® Cosmetic?

In a clinical study with BOTOX® Cosmetic, the majority of patients (82.5%) reported an improvement in glabellar lines after a week. Results were still reported up to 4 months later.

·                     How long does the BOTOX® injection procedure take, and how long to recover?

Performed in the office, the procedure takes about 10 minutes. Since the procedure is nonsurgical, no recovery time is needed. After BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, you can get back to work or other activities right away.

·                     How long does BOTOX® last?

This depends entirely on the patient, but a single treatment of BOTOX® will normally be sustained for approximately three months. You will notice a gradual fading of its effects. At this point you will return to your doctor for your next treatment.

Usually, BOTOX® treatment is required only three or four times a year. Symptoms may vary throughout the course of the condition, and so the degree of relief and duration of effect varies from person to person. Consult your doctor, who has special knowledge about how to achieve the best possible results with BOTOX® for your individual case.

Acceptable safety in long-term treatment has been well established. With dosing specific to treat frown lines, this same product is now marketed as BOTOX® Cosmetic. However, formal clinical evaluations of long-term treatment have not been conducted.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels

Chemical peels

   FAQs

Chemical peels correct a variety of skin imperfections such as blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. They exfoliate the outer layers of dead skin, revealing a new skin layer with improved tone, texture, and color. In addition to full facial rejuvenation, certain types of skin peels can also be used for spot treatments and as a way to remove stretch marks or rejuvenate skin elsewhere on the body.

What are chemical skin peels?

In performing chemical peels, physicians apply alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or phenol to the skin reduce or eliminate fine lines, acne scars, sun damage, and other skin imperfections. After a chemical peel, the outer layers of skin in the treated area slough off, revealing a new layer of skin. TCA and phenol skin peels require at-home recovery of two weeks or more. Light skin peels, however, are so mild that there is little recovery time, and improvement in the skin’s appearance is immediately visible.

·                     What are the different types of chemical skin peels?

There are several types of chemical peels, each indicated for different types and degrees of skin problems.

    Light (glycolic acid or salicylic acid) chemical peels can improve rough, dry skin, as well as uneven pigmentation. They can also improve the texture of sun-damaged skin and help control acne. Because a light chemical peel is the mildest type of peel and penetrates the skin the least, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

    Medium (TCA) chemical peels are best for people who want to smooth out fine wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes, and even out skin pigmentation. Medium skin peels can be used on any part of the body, and the peel depth can be adjusted to best suit the needs of the individual patient.

    Deep (phenol) chemical peels can remove major blotching, such as that caused by aging, sun exposure, or birth control pills. Deep peels can also be used to smooth deeper wrinkles. Deep skin peels are only used on the face.

    Acne chemical peels help to control acne and smooth acne scars. A mild, medium, or deep chemical peel may be used, depending on the patient’s skin condition. As with cosmetic chemical skin peels, an acne chemical peel can also reduce or eliminate wrinkles and improve skin pigmentation.

·                     Which type of chemical peel is right for me?

Only a qualified cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon can determine which type of skin peel is appropriate for you. In deciding who is a good candidate for a chemical peel, a physician must consider several factors, including the patient’s medical history, pigmentation, the skin condition to be treated (especially the extent of sun damage), and desired results.

·                     How are chemical skin peels actually performed?

Some aspects of the chemical peel procedure differ according to the type of peel (light, medium, or deep) being administered. However, all skin peel procedures follow the same basic protocols:

    The chemical peel is administered in a doctor’s office, surgery center, or hospital by a certified and trained cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

    If a deep chemical peel is being administered, or if the patient requests it, the patient is given a sedative to aid relaxation.

    The doctor cleanses the patient’s skin and, if necessary, applies a topical anesthetic to the treatment area.

    The doctor then applies the chemical peel solution. This solution is formulated according to each patient's specific needs and goals. It is common for the patient to feel a tingling or stinging sensation as the

    chemical peel is applied.

    After the skin peel solution has been on the skin for the prescribed amount of time, it is washed off with water. A soothing ointment is then applied; a thick coating of petroleum jelly is often used after deep

    chemical peels.

    The doctor then instructs the patient on aftercare, and the doctor may also prescribe a mild pain reliever for discomfort after the procedure, especially if a deep chemical peel was administered.

    Depending on the patient’s skin condition and the depth of the chemical peel, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

·                     Can chemical peels be performed on areas other than the face?

Though deep (phenol) peels are only appropriate for the face, the skin on any part of the body can be treated with a special mix of the chemicals used in mild and medium skin peels.

The chemical solution for body chemical peels is typically comprised of a combination of trichloroacetic acid (the main ingredient in a medium-depth skin peel) and glycolic acid (the main ingredient of a mild peel). The solution for body chemical peels is typically formulated to be slightly stronger than the chemical solution used for light or medium facial skin peels, though it is milder than the phenol solution used for deep skin peels.

As with facial chemical peels, body peels address the effects of sun damage, even out skin pigmentation, and improve skin texture. Chemical peels can also be used on the body to minimize stretch marks. Read more about treating stretch marks with chemical peels.

·                     Will I be sedated during a chemical peel?

A local anesthetic in combination with mild or full sedation is typically used for deep chemical peels. For light and medium skin peels, no anesthetic or sedation is necessary, though patients may request a local anesthetic or mild sedation to alleviate discomfort.

·                     Are chemical peels painful?

In general, patients only feel a mild stinging sensation during light or medium chemical peels. After the procedure, the physician may prescribe a mild pain reliever to relieve any discomfort.

·                     Will my skin literally "peel"?

Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin to reduce or eliminate the appearance of a number of skin imperfections and conditions. After a patient undergoes a skin peel, the treated layers of skin gradually flake away, revealing a fresh new layer of skin.

·                     How long is the recovery period after a skin peel?

The recovery time after a chemical peel depends on the type of peel administered, because each type of peel affects the skin to a different degree.

    Light chemical peels: These mild peels require virtually no recovery time. Though the skin may be mildly irritated after the peel, patients can return to their daily activities immediately after treatment.

    Medium chemical peels: The new layer of skin appears three to seven days after treatment. About two weeks after treatment, the skin will be fully healed.

    Deep chemical peels: The new layer of skin begins to appear seven to ten days after treatment, though complete healing can take two months or longer. Patients typically take a week off from work after undergoing 

    a deep chemical peel.

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