Overview
Rejuvenated, tightened skin can be achieved with a nonsurgical procedure called laser skin revitalization, which Inland Empire board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Childers, offers. This highly effective procedure uses the power of a laser to tighten the skin and diminish lines and wrinkles. Our skillfully trained professionals perform this procedure as an alternative to a traditional facelift. Though the results aren’t quite as comparable, a patient can still enjoy younger, more radiant skin. Best of all, one treatment can do wonders for a person’s appearance. Laser revitalization works well for crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eyes, frown lines, wrinkles around the mouth, and allover facial wrinkles.
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Type of Skin Tightening
There are 3 types of technology that are primarily used for non surgical skin tightening procedures: ultrasound, radiofrequency, and intense pulsed light treatments.
- Radiofrequency skin tightening treatments use specific energies to heat the deep layers of the skin without affecting the outer layer of skin or any other tissues in the treated area. The heat triggers the body’s wound healing process, which increases the body’s collagen production and creates firmer, tighter skin over time. Thermage, Accent, and Pelleve are some of the more common brand names of radiofrequency treatment systems used by plastic surgeons.
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments also heats the deeper layers of the skin to increase the body’s natural collagen production. Plastic surgeons often use Titan, Sction’s St, and Velashape IPL systems to perform in-office nonsurgical skin tightening.
- Ultrasound skin tightening treatments focus energy on the deep layers of the skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen in the skin for lifted, tighter skin over time. Ultherapy and VaserShape are two of the more popular systems used in ultrasound skin tightening treatments.
During/After the Procedure
All nonsurgical skin treatments start with the doctor or technician cleaning the area to be treated to remove any makeup, lotions, and oils. Most patients find the discomfort of the treatment to be tolerable, but you can discuss using oral or topical pain medication with your doctor before the procedure. Multiple treatments are usually needed for your best results and your doctor will discuss the estimated amount of treatments you will need during your initial consultation based on your needs and concerns. The length of the treatment will depend on the technology being used and the size of the area being treated, but patients will be able to leave when the treatment is over and after a short observation period. There are no dietary or activity restrictions after the treatment. It will take about 2 – 6 months after the final treatment before you will see your final results.
Skin Tightening FAQs
Skin Elasticity?
Skin elasticity or laxity refers to the quality of your skin. When you’re young, your skin is healthy and tight so it can easily conform to a changing body shape. Think of young skin like spandex, stretchy and flexible. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, making the skin loose and thin; more like gauze fabric.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein based connective tissue that is naturally produced by the body to help the skin remain hydrated, elastic, and firm. With age, the natural supply and production of collagen slows down, which leads to looser, thinner skin. By increasing the collagen production, nonsurgical skin tightening treatments cause the skin to grow thicker and healthier.
Safety?
Our office only uses skin tightening devices that are approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treated area. To increase safety, we will monitor your pulse, blood pressure, heart, and other vitals to ensure you are not experiencing any unusual effects. Patients should tell their doctor about all current medications, vitamins, and minerals they are taken during the initial consultation, as well as their full medical history and any conditions or diseases. It is also important to follow all of the doctor’s aftercare instructions for a faster, safer recovery.
Aftercare Tips?
While there are no strict dietary or activity restrictions after your treatment, it’s advised that you drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities. Some patients may have temporary redness, swelling, or numbness, but contact our office immediately if these symptoms continue after 1 week. Since the skin tightening treatment jumpstarts the body’s collagen production, patients should be patient and wait for the effects to appear over time. Patients should notice healthier, firmer skin developing up to 6 months after the treatment.
