Laser Skin Tightening (Nonsurgical skin tightening or
ultrasound skin tightening)
Skin tightening procedures have become very popular in recent years because they provide a nonsurgical alternative to more invasive procedures for correcting skin laxity and improving skin quality.
When to Consider Nonsurgical Skin Tightening
– If you have mild to moderate loose skin on your face, neck, arms or abdomen
– If you have residual skin laxity after an operative procedure
– If you would like an improvement in the quality of your skin
– If you are unable (or unwilling) to undergo a more invasive, surgical procedure to correct skin laxity
Considerations
Pros
– A noninvasive, nonsurgical technique that tightens facial or body skin
– Performed with no incisions, minimal discomfort and little to no downtime
– May be used for all skin types
Cons
– Results are less extensive and dramatic than those obtained with a facelift or body contouring procedures
– Multiple treatments are usually needed for optimal results
– Skin redness, temporary swelling or numbness or volume loss around the treated area may occur Am I a good candidate for a nonsurgical skin tightening?
– You have mild to moderate loose skin on your face, neck, arms and abdomen
– You have residual skin laxity after an operative procedure
– You would like an improvement in the quality of your skin
– You are unable (or unwilling) to undergo a more invasive surgical procedure to correct skin laxity
About your Procedure
How is a nonsurgical skin tightening procedure performed?
Depending on your skin quality and the area being treated, your surgeon may choose one of the treatments described below. Before the procedure begins the area to be treated is cleaned of makeup and skin lotions. Some treatments require a thin coat of ultrasound gel during treatment.
Oral or intravenous pain medication may be required depending upon device, treatment area, and your individual needs.
Radiofrequency
– The treatment area is measured and marked
– Your skin is cooled for comfort and safety
– A specially designed treatment tip is placed against your skin
– Radiofrequency energy penetrates deep into the skin’s tissue, heating the treatment areas and stimulating collagen production
– You will feel a gentle vibration as well as cooling and heating sensations during each pulse
– The upper layer of your skin is cooled Intense pulsed light (IPL)
– If your face will be treated, you will be provided with protective eye covering
– A handpiece is used to administer a continuous cooling while an infrared light heats the deep dermis (deep layer of your skin)
– One or more passes may be performed Ultrasound
– The treatment area is measured and marked
– An ultrasound gel is applied to your skin
– A smooth handpiece is placed on your skin and an image of the tissue beneath is projected on a screen so your surgeon can see the treatment area
– The ultrasound emits small thermal bursts to stimulate the deep structural support layers of the skin without disturbing the skins surface
Preparing for Your Procedure
– Stop smoking for at least six weeks before undergoing treatment to promote better healing
– Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications can cause increased bleeding
– Discontinue any topical skin products that might increase your risk of complications from treatment
– Regardless of the type of treatment to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery
Aftercare and Recovery
Immediately after nonsurgical skin tightening You may notice an immediate improvement in your skin, but your results will unfold over the course
of two to six months.
When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some pain. If the pain is extreme or long-lasting, contact your physician immediately. Depending on the device your surgeon used you may experience skin reddening, swelling, and numbness at the treatment area(s). Contact your surgeon to find out if your pain, redness, swelling, and numbness are normal or a sign of a possible problem.
Recovery time frame after nonsurgical skin tightening
Nonsurgical skin tightening procedures have minimal recovery time and you are usually able to resume full activity immediately after treatment unless otherwise directed by your surgeon. It is vitally important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon. Your surgeon will
also provide detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience and any potential signs of complications. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies
greatly among individuals.
The first two to six months
Because the natural process of creating new collagen builds over time, your results will become more evident over the course of two to three months. You may see continued improvement and contouring for up to six months as new collagen is formed. Contact your surgeon to discuss if additional treatments are needed.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Most nonsurgical skin tightening results will last one to three years on average. Subsequent procedures may need to be repeated periodically in order to maintain the benefits.
Limitations and Risks
– Adverse reaction to anesthesia, if applicable
– Changes in sensation
– Contour irregularities
– Scarring
– Allergic reactions
– Damage to underlying structures
– Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
– Small burns
– Skin reddening, swelling, and numbness of the treatment area(s)
– Pigment (skin color) changes
– Loss of volume beneath the treatment area(s)