Skin tightening laser treatment is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure that produces instantaneous and dramatic results. It is a safe, FDA-approved procedure that provides patients with a refreshed, youthful look after only two to three treatments.
If you have minor flaws that you wish to repair, but do not feel that surgery is right for you, then skin tightening laser treatment just may be a viable solution for you. This article takes a look at how skin tightening laser treatment works, its pros and cons, how to undergo the procedure and prolong its effects, as well as what precautions to consider.
How Does Skin Tightening Laser Treatment Work
Because skin tightening laser treatment is a non-surgical treatment, it is minimally invasive. The cosmetic process utilizes an infrared light source, or laser, to tighten sagging skin and smooth over unsightly wrinkles. This works by heating the collagen directly under the layers of skin. Collagen expands and the skin that lays over it appears to tighten as it fills out.
The tightening of the skin is immediately noticeable once the treatment is completed. That is why the completely safe treatment is quickly becoming a popular method for reducing wrinkles and fine lines and decreasing the laxity of sagging skin. Skin tightening laser treatment patients may not have as dramatic a difference in appearance as those that underwent a facelift, but the treatment has several advantages. The most important of which is that there is no downtime.
This procedure has the added bonus of being safe enough for use all over the body. Any area of the body could benefit from the restoration of dimpled skin or cellulite removal. The skin tightening laser treatment works well in that regard. It also encourages new collagen to grow in the treated areas while allowing the absorption of collagen from untreated adjacent areas.
Pros and Cons of Skin Tightening Laser Treatment
The following attributes of skin tightening laser treatment are the reasons why the procedure should be considered by prospective patients.
Pros of Skin Tightening Laser Treatment:
- The treatment yields dramatic results without the surgical commitment of having a face lift.
- The procedure reduces the appearance of sagging skin, fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles.
- Patients report a youthful and smooth look after undergoing the process.
- There is no downtime, so patients do not miss work, family time, or activities.
- Patients typically see results immediately that tend to improve over the weeks and months.
Conversely, there are some negative aspects of this procedure that must be considered. Here are some things that you may need to think about.
Cons of Skin Tightening Laser Treatment:
- Patients that are prone to herpes breakouts, rashes, or skin cancers should consult their physicians before having this procedure done.
- Pregnant and nursing women should not undergo this treatment.
- Any potential patient prone to scarring or developing keloids should avoid this procedure.
- Any person that uses acne medication should discuss the possibility of any adverse reaction with their physician prior to committing to skin tightening laser treatment.
Steps To Undergoing Skin Tightening Laser Treatment
Skin tightening laser treatment is a simple, non-surgical procedure that occurs in the office of a highly-trained skin professional – usually a cosmetic dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. After the patient gets situated, the doctor will apply a topical anesthetic cream on the area that is being prepped for treatment. Around this time, he or she will provide protective eyewear for the patient to protect him or her from the laser. Since laser skin tightening is considered non-ablative, additional anesthetic is not usually required to proceed.
During skin tightening laser treatment, the practitioner will apply brief pulses of laser energy to the patient’s skin using a handpiece. A cool burst of air continuously exudes from the laser to keep the patient comfortable. Most systems are designed so that the practitioner must apply to the treatment area at least three times to achieve the best results.
These sessions last from 30 minutes to one hour, but the time is completely dependent on the size and location of the treatment area. Patients can return to work and activities immediately without having to recover. The only side effects are redness and minor swelling. These tend to fade within a few hours.
Prolonging the Effect Of Skin Tightening Laser Treatment
Patients will be able to see immediate results after the procedure due to the automatic regeneration of the skin’s natural collagen. However, the smooth, youthful effect will continue to improve after finishing the treatment. This is because the natural stores of collagen in the skin that has been treated begin to replenish themselves gradually.
Even though the skin will continue to improve over the next few months on its own, the patient should receive two or three additional skin tightening laser treatments for optimal results. These treatments should be scheduled approximately a month apart from one another.
Precautions to Remember Before Trying Skin Tightening Laser Treatment
Before arriving at the doctor’s office, the patient should be sure to remove all creams, oils, serums, sunscreen, and makeup. It is really important to go in with a very clean face.
There is next to no painful feelings. However, patients may want to take an over-the-counter pain medication to manage any discomfort that they may endure. This is especially true if the patient is extra-sensitive to these types of sensations. Some people find that the laser causes a stinging sensation. This usually ends as soon as treatment stops.
In conclusion, skin tightening laser treatment is a minimally-invasive procedure that provides dramatic results in patients. It reduces sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles without the inconvenience of surgery. The treatment works well on patients’ faces, neck, thighs, calves, and most parts of the body.
With no downtime and no recovery period to suffer through, this procedure is one of the best around for gaining overwhelming results without going under the knife. In one afternoon, patients will look younger and feel refreshed without making any permanent commitment. For more information about skin tightening laser treatment, call a dermatologist near you.
