Wrinkles and sagging or wrinkled skin naturally appear as the body ages.
The skin loses its ability to produce elastin and collagen, which contribute to skin elasticity and firmness.
In recent years, a number of non-surgical procedures have been developed to help tighten the skin on the face or other body parts by using radio frequency, ultrasound, and lasers.
In this article, we’ll be discussing what you need to know about skin tightening and skin tightening procedures.
What is a skin tightening procedure?
A skin tightening procedure is a cosmetic treatment that changes the appearance of the face and abdomen.
These procedures are much less invasive than surgical options such as facelifts and tummy tucks, and some claim they can produce similar results.
There are also fewer risks of complications, lower costs, and simpler recovery.
Non-invasive skin tightening procedures are non-surgical devices used to stimulate collagen production deep in the skin.
Over time, these devices shrink tissue that has lost its elasticity.
These treatments are based on newer technologies.
This means there are still research gaps in understanding their effectiveness and possible long-term side effects.
Many companies make many types of non-invasive skin tightening devices, but most use laser energy, radio frequency energy, ultrasonic energy, or a combination of these energies to deliver heat to skin tissue.
What to expect before and after a procedure?
After your first laser skin tightening procedure, you should see some skin tightening right away.
The results became more pronounced with each subsequent treatment.
Because there are no incisions and the entire procedure is done with a laser, you won’t need much recovery time.
You may see some slight swelling or redness for a few days after surgery, this is normal and should go away on its own.
The results are not entirely permanent but can last for years.
You may need to make maintenance appointments from time to time.
Before
The doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination.
This is the time for doctors and patients to discuss the expectations, potential risks, and outcomes of surgery.
Patients should have the following factors:
- Healthy body
- Have realistic expectations
- Tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements they are currently taking
- Avoid blood-thinning medications that should be taken at least two weeks in advance
After
The number of treatments required will vary depending on the equipment used, the area to be treated, the source and level of energy, the condition being treated, the age of the patient, and individual patient characteristics.
Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, and redness after surgery.
If they do, the swelling or bruising may persist for 1-2 weeks. Redness usually subsides within a few hours.
Many patients wish to resume normal activities later in the day or the next day.
The results of a skin tightening procedure that works on collagen stimulation usually take at least 3-6 months to see its effects.
Preparing for a skin tightening procedure
Apply sunscreen daily, especially on the face or neck, for a few weeks before skin tightening surgery.
Avoid facial peels and chemical treatments for the first month, and go bare skin even when going out, which means no makeup or skincare products.
Skin tightening procedures
Radiofrequency procedures
Radiofrequency(RF) is the first kind of technology to use the concept of “awakening” or restoring lost collagen.
Radiofrequency procedures like hyzer me use a device that applies controlled radio waves to the areas of skin you want to tighten.
The procedure is done with or without local anesthesia and requires no recovery time.
This requires one course, but some people will benefit from multiple courses.
Other types of radiofrequency treatments often require multiple treatments to see results.
Whether you receive one or more of the treatments, the effects are only mildly noticeable and usually take 4 months to fully take effect.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL is often used in conjunction with radio frequency.
Radiofrequency treatment allows doctors to target deeper layers of your skin.
IPL allows them to treat more skin and various skin conditions.
IPL treatment is generally not recommended for people with tanned or dark skin.
In IPL therapy, multiple wavelengths of light are delivered deep into your skin.
In most cases, multiple treatments are required.
Botox(Botulinum toxin type A)
When injected into certain muscles, Botulinum toxin type A(or Botox) prevents them from contracting.
This will make your skin look smoother. Results may take up to 3 days to appear and last for several months.
Soft tissue fillers
These injectables include fat, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
They plump up your skin and smooth out wrinkles.
The effect of soft tissue fillers is evident but only temporary.
Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound skin tightening uses ultrasound to penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production.
Handheld devices using this technology can be purchased online or at some beauty supply retailers.
These devices are not cheap and need to be used consistently if you expect results.
You may not find these devices effective without the expertise of a trained professional.
Over-the-counter and prescription drugs
Topical creams and ointments usually produce only slight improvements at best.
Look for products that contain retinoids, such as adapalene, tazarotene, or tretinoin, for best results.
While it can take a few months, many people notice an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles with continued use.
Side effects and risks of skin tightening procedures
Skin tightening is generally considered safe and less risky than surgical facelifts or other cosmetic procedures.
It is also significantly less effective than a surgical facelift. Most of these procedures should be performed in the doctor’s office and should take less than an hour.
You should be able to return to normal activities within a day of treatment, and mild discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Their side effects are usually mild and may include:
- Redness
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Bruising
Some uncommon side effects include:
- Skin burns
- Inflammation/allergic reaction
- Contour change
- Infections
- Muscle weakness
