SKIN TIGHTENING

Why would I want to have skin tightening?

Laser skin tightening helps women and men to look and feel younger by stimulating collagen regeneration under the surface of the skin. Collagen is the main structural element of the skin that gives the skin its fullness. As we get older, we produce less and less collagen until the process ceases in our mid to late thirties. In addition to the natural aging process of the skin, the breakdown of our collagen is accelerated by certain elements such as sun exposure, gravity, smoking and repetitive facial expressions. Eventually this break down leads to wrinkles, fine lines and laxity of the skin.

Skin Tightening is non-invasive procedure that stimulates the existing collagen in the deeper layers of the skin to tighten and rebuild itself. With this new revolutionary technology, tightening is able to improve appearance of the skin by reshaping your skin’s innermost structures leading to healthier, younger looking skin.

How does skin tightening work?

Laser skin tightening uses Near Infrared (NIR) technology, a safe infrared light that triggers a biological response. By heating the tissue under the skin’s surface at the level of the collagen, the formation of new collagen is stimulated enhancing the tightening of skin laxity and improving skin architecture. The effects continue to improve over the next few months following laser skin tightening treatment series, as the skin’s natural stores of collagen are gradually replenished. This presence of healthy collagen within the skin helps to maintain the skin’s youthful resiliency and texture.

What is skin tightening good for?

Skin Tightening with Near Infrared (NIR) is useful in any facial or body area, where there is loose or lax skin. It is useful for improving thin, crepe-like skin or any areas where there is distinct collagen loss. Common areas are face/neck, back of the arms, upper chest, stomach, in addition to inner thigh with the top of the knees and outer/back of the thigh with the buttocks. It also enhances pixel resurfacing when treating lines, scars and stretch marks. Skin tightening is increasing in popularity because it is less invasive than other rejuvenating procedures, such as face lift and body lift procedures, it produces firmer skin without the risk of side effects and downtime following treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

We recommend a series of 6 treatments depending on your desired results and area being treated. Treatments are generally spaced three to four weeks apart. After the initial series of laser skin tightening treatments, some patients opt for “touch up” or maintenance sessions to target areas most prone to wrinkles and lines to continually stimulate and promote new collagen production.

Who is a good candidate for Laser Skin Tightening?

Laser skin tightening is appropriate for women and men of all skin types and skin tones who wish to achieve results without painful surgery and lengthy recovery times.

Who should NOT get Laser Skin Tightening?

The treatment is not performed on women who are pregnant or breast feeding and is not advisable for those with connective tissue disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, pacemakers, those prone to keloids, burns in treatment area, or poor wound healing. It should not be performed on those taking Accutane or for six months after stopping Accutane. Most photosensitive medications such as antibiotics, anti anxiety, sulfa drugs, birth control pills and anti-hypertensive medications are not a concern. For individuals who get fever blister attacks (herpes simplex) on the face, an anti-herpes medication should be taken prior to treatment.

What can I expect during my Laser Skin Tightening treatment?

Upon arrival our front desk will direct you to our face wash station to remove all makeup, moisturizers, and sun block. Our NIR Laser Skin Tightening is an “In-Motion” system making it necessary to apply a baby gel to the treated area to prevent friction and allow the treatment hand piece to glide over the skin. The treatment is applied in fast, uninterrupted zigzag or circular movements. Most patients report the sensation as warm but comfortable. Treatment sessions last in total about 30-45 minutes depending on the size and location of the area to be treated.

What can I expect immediately after my Laser Skin Tightening Treatment?

After a treatment you will be able to return immediately to work or other regular activities. Side effects from your treatment are minimal, and may include a warm sensation to the skin, redness, or minor swelling. These usually resolve themselves naturally within a few hours. When treating the face and neck some are left with a small amount of the baby gel in their hair line but this can be easily washed out. After any laser treatment skin can be more sensitive to the sun, we recommend protecting the treated areas exposed with sun block.

When will I see results?

Results will vary from patient to patient, and your age, treatment area and skin laxity can all affect the outcome. This procedure is designed to stimulate the natural growth of collagen over a series of treatments and 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 rejuvenated appearance. Since we are unable to stop the natural aging process we can help thwart it by maintenance treatments every 4-6 months after our original series.

Is Laser Skin Tightening safe?

Laser skin tightening is a safe and painless way to rejuvenate the appearance of skin in any area of the body. Unlike other treatments, such as Pixel laser skin resurfacing, which promotes the growth of new skin by removing superficial layers of the skin in a pixeled pattern; laser skin tightening does not burn or break the skin. Those who undergo laser skin tightening experience very few side effects and these are most often minor inconveniences in the form of redness or minimal and temporary swelling.

What are the risks associated with Laser Skin Tightening?

There are few risks associated with laser skin tightening. Because it does not involve any surgical incisions, laser skin tightening is a considerably safer method for achieving younger-looking skin than face lift procedures, and it is less costly as well. Temporary side effects of the treatment include a warm sensation and redness to the skin.

What is the difference between laser skin tightening and Pixel laser skin resurfacing?

Laser Skin Tightening often produces less immediate and dramatic changes than laser skin resurfacing, but it also poses less discomfort and downtime for patients. Laser skin tightening adds heat to the skin at the level of the collagen stimulating it to replenish itself over time. Pixel Laser Skin Resurfacing removes the outer layers of skin by creating numerous perforations in the skin that promote the growth of new, healthier skin. Pixel Laser Skin Resurfacing 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. Since each targets a different outcome we typically recommend a combination of these treatments for optimal results in skin rejuvenation.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

Since different laser machines accomplish different results laser skin tightening can be combined with other treatments based on the presentation of your skin and what is needed to correct. Photofacial can be added in for treatment of red spots and brown spots as well as Pixel Laser Skin Resurfacing to address texture, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Does Laser Skin Tightening replace the need for plastic surgery?

There is no substitute for invasive plastic surgery for tightening and lifting of severely sagging skin. Surgery however, increases the risk of injury, scarring, and unnatural looking outcomes. It also requires healing time or downtime and is expensive. Depending on your level of need and personal preferences, alternative therapies are more often than not a more natural way to accomplish your long term skin tightening goals.