Wrinkled and sagging skin finds a new ally in this innovative non-surgical process of rejuvenation. Laser skin tightening makes use of an infrared light source, which heats up and provokes a contraction or tightening of collagen.
There is likewise an increased turn-over of skin cells, replacing the damaged ones. Results are visible right after treatment, without the prolonged recovery period.
Laser skin tightening treatments make use of the TitanTM, Polaris®, Candela or GentleYAGTM systems to name a few.
All of these apply the laser technology to heat up the deeper layers of the skin where collagen is found, while cooling down the outer skin so no external injuries are evident.
How Does It Work?
Just like the popular laser hair removal, laser skin tightening also uses laser light, an intense, pulsating beam of light. The laser frequency waves are applied to the areas of the skin to be treated. It penetrates the lower layers of the skin called the dermis.
The waves heat up the water content of the skin that produces a uniformed heating effect in the areas to be treated. It causes the damaged, disorganized collagen fibers to contract while stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen.
Simultaneously, a cooling system keeps the skin surface from heating up. The collagen remodeling process leads to a firmer, youthful and smoother skin.
Who Can Benefit From Laser Skin Tightening?
Skin laxity can be attributed to many factors. Among these are aging, pregnancies, and weight loss.
Individuals with visible loss of elasticity of their skin but fear face lift by going under the knife can opt for this minimally invasive procedure. Wrinkles and laxity are improved with minimal downtime. It is best for those who want dramatic results without the hassles of cosmetic surgery.
For patients with extreme sagging of the skin, they can consider combining it with plastic surgery to remove the excess skin for maximal results.
Before The Treatment
Laser skin tightening itself is a quick one but some preparations may be necessary prior to it. For 3 to 4 weeks, you should put on sun block and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. If you are on tretinoin regimen, stop it at least a week before the laser skin tightening.
If you are prone to oral herpes, your doctor may prescribe prophylactic antiviral medications such as Valtrex, to be applied 1 day before the laser skin tightening and to be continued for a week.
During The Treatment
Laser skin tightening typically lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. It would take longer if larger areas are involved, like full face and neck, or the tummy.
Your eyes will be covered for protection and a cooling gel may be applied on the skin. Some degree of warmth may be felt but the whole process will be comfortable that no anesthesia will be needed. Pulses of infra red light are delivered to the target areas.
The energy coming from the laser is preferentially absorbed by the water content of the skin, acting on the collagen which contracts and tightens. The skin surface will be kept cool with the machine’s cooling system. You can immediately resume normal activities after the treatment.
Post Treatment
Some redness, lingering warmth and tightness will fade within a few hours. Minimal changes in tone and general condition of the skin may be noted immediately after the procedure.
Full rejuvenation effects will be enjoyed after 90 to 180 days which is the length of time it takes for the formation of new collagen.
Severe skin laxity will require repeated laser skin tightening at 4 to 6 weeks intervals. Your physician will advise you how many more sessions will be necessary. Usually 3 to 6 sessions will suffice.
The results are expected to last for 1 to 2 years or even longer. Avoid frequent exposure to the harmful rays of the sun as this hastens the breakdown of collagen in the body. Wear a high SPF sunscreen when going out.
Risks and Possible Complications
Redness and swelling may be encountered post-treatment but this is expected to resolve in a few hours or days. In rare cases, there could be bruising or blistering- inform your doctor when this occurs. In some patients, there may be pigmentation on the treated areas.
Precautions
If you have recurrent herpes infections, inform your doctor about it for proper evaluation and so that prophylactic measures can be given. If you have skin cancer or are pregnant, you are not qualified to undergo laser skin tightening.
If you are prone to developing scars, are using skin care or anti-acne medications, discuss with your doctor the possible adverse reactions before submitting yourself to laser skin tightening.
Cost of Laser Skin Tightening
The cost will vary depending on the type of laser used and size and location of the areas to be treated. The average cost would be somewhere around $1,000, still cheaper than an invasive cosmetic surgery.