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.