Laser Skin Tightening

Laser Skin Tightening is a minimally invasive, non-surgical process that uses a Nd: Yag laser to tighten skin by heating the collagen under the skin’s surface, causing the skin to contract (tighten). Laser Skin Tightening can be noticeable after the first treatment on some people, and there is no downtime, making this an increasingly popular procedure. Skin tightening results will occur over the next several months even after treatments are finished. Optimal results are achieved by doing a series of 6 treatments, spaced out once a month.

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

What are the advantages of laser skin tightening?

Laser Skin Tightening is rapidly becoming a very popular cosmetic dermatology procedure for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin and other effects of skin laxity. 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 dramatically firmer skin, and it can be used on any area of the body that has loose skin from aging or weight loss. Laser Skin Tightening has also been shown to reduce acne scars and stretch marks. Other added benefits of laser skin tightening are the reduced risk of side effects and the lack of downtime following treatment.

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, and works from the inside out, optimal results usually take up to a few months to be visible. Typically, new collagen growth takes from 90 to 180 days after the initial treatment. Re treating the area every month during this period of collagen regrowth produces the most collagen, at which time patients enjoy a dramatically rejuvenated appearance

Are multiple treatments necessary?

While some patients see some 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, age and the area to be treated. It can take 2-3 treatments, on some patients, before they see the results from the first treatment. Treatments are generally spaced about four weeks apart.

How long do the results of laser skin tightening last?

The average person can expect their results to last about one year after the 6 treatment process is finished. This will vary of course depending on one’s age, nutrition and lifestyle. Follow up treatments, or maintenance is recommended about 4 times a year or every 3 months. Drinking plenty of water and getting on a good dietary supplement of collagen stimulators has also been shown to improve and maintain skin elasticity longevity. Ask your laser specialist about products we carry.

Laser skin tightening candidates

Many people notice signs of aging when skin begins to sag around the face and neck. Also it is common, after weight loss, for the skin in areas like the belly, arms, thighs and buttocks to remain, stretched, or loose and saggy. This is because we lose an average of 2-5% of our collagen after about age 25. Collagen is what gives our skin its tight elasticity. Laser skin tightening is appropriate for men and women of all skin types who wish to achieve dramatic results without painful surgery and lengthy recovery times. The most successful skin tightening candidates (ages 30-60) experience permanent results as the collagen under their skin is regenerated, producing a more youthful complexion.

Is laser skin tightening safe?

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