Laser Skin Tightening

In modern times, technology makes a very important role in everyone’s life.  Different cosmetic procedures begin to arise.  One of this is the laser skin tightening.  Wonder how this is different from other procedures?

Laser skin tightening is a unique facial rejuvenation treatment producing dramatic and lasting results.  This popular cosmetic procedure successfully reduces the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin for a smoother and more youthful appearance.  In addition, it is more effective than chemical peels and microdermabrasion.  This treatment is painless and requires no recovery, yet produces impressive results.

Laser skin tightening is a less invasive, non-surgical process using a laser to tighten skin by heating the collagen under the skin’s surface which causes the skin to contract.

Signs of aging can be seen when the skin around the face and neck began to sag.  Both men and women of all skin types and skin tones who desire to achieve dramatic results are suitable to have laser skin tightening.  Lasting results can be achieved as the collagen under the patient’s skin is regenerated, hence a more youthful look.

Immediate results and rejuvenating effects of increased collagen production are more evident once the treatment of laser skin tightening is completed and it continues to improve over the next several weeks.  Within a few hours, patients may see the treated skin is red and slightly warm.  Proper care should be done after the treatment, like protecting it with sunscreen for at least two weeks.

Prolonged redness, swelling, or any other disorders to the treated skin are very rare, however it is advisable for patients to contact or see their doctor if these symptoms occur.

Different Kinds of Laser Skin Tightening Systems

There are different kinds of laser skin tightening systems.  Qualified cosmetic dermatologist will determine the most appropriate system for a specific patient which will be based on factors such as the area of the body to be treated and desired results of the patients.  The most popular treatments are Titan and Polaris systems in which laser technology is used to heat deeper layers of collagen while cooling the skin’s outer layers.  Other types are ReFirme, LuxIR, and Aluma.  Each of these systems offers sole benefits and results to a particular patient.

Titan skin tightening tones, lifts, and tightens skin by stimulating the rebuilding of collagen under the skin’s surface.  It is safe on all parts of the body and very effective for loose and wrinkled skin on the neck.  With this treatment, an anesthesia is not necessary and there is no downtime or recovery period.

Polaris skin tightening is used to treat wrinkles on the face, including crow’s feet and wrinkles around the mouth.  This treatment uses a combination of laser energy and radiofrequency energy to provide more effective treatment and increased patient comfort.

ReFirme skin tightening uses lower levels of energy for power.  This means faster treatment for patients and less fatigue for operators.  It is highly effective for treating other areas of the body, including the legs, arms, abdomen, and buttocks.

Aluma skin tightening also uses laser which avoids the epidermis.  This has no post-procedure downtime for patients and it is designed to provide superior accuracy and ease of use.  Effective results can also be seen.

LuxIR skin tightening is unique because of its handpiece and application method.

It is recommended to have up to six treatments with roughly three weeks apart of laser skin tightening depending on the patient’s desired outcome and the area to be treated.  Subsequent to series of treatments, several patients opt for yearly “touch up” sessions.

Laser skin tightening is an inexpensive type of surgery, yet results can still be seen after a few months.

The cost depends on the type of laser to be used and the size and location of the area to be tightened.  It is less expensive than invasive surgeries.  Cost ranges from $450 and $2000.  Financing and package deals are being offered.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

One of the cosmetic medical procedures gaining popularity nowadays is the laser skin resurfacing which is also known as skin rejuvenation. It is a very safe, convenient, and effective kind of procedure. Laser skin resurfacing is a new type of treatment that can improve the texture and overall appearance of one’s skin such as fine lines or wrinkles. Aside from this, it can also reduce or remove acne, including acne scars, chickenpox scars, pigmentation, and facial thread veins to name a few. Laser heats the deep layers of skin in order to stimulate collagen production. In several cases, this results in less bruising, bleeding, and post-procedure discomfort.

Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing

There are some types of laser skin resurfacing.  One is the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser treatment, a commonly used type of treatment, used to treat deeper facial lines and wrinkles.  This uses very short pulsed light energy or continuous light beams to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage.  Recovery time is usually two weeks.

The next commonly used type of treatment is the erbium laser.  This treatment removes superficial lines to moderately deep wrinkles with less pain, fewer side effects, and a more rapid recovery.  It provides a milder and less invasive treatment.

Another type is the Fraxel laser skin resurfacing.  This minimizes signs of aging such as fine lines, crow’s feet, and various skin discolorations.  This treatment is a noninvasive procedure which allows doctors to rejuvenate skin with no downtime and a more comfortable time for patients.  It involves few risks and is a safe way to improve skin quality with short recovery time period.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

Laser skin resurfacing is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. There are some safety measures to be considered before and after the procedure. One, doctors may ask the patient to keep away from direct sunlight. In addition to this, antiviral and antibiotic medications may be given to avoid a herpes flare up and a bacterial infection respectively.

The patient will be sedated and anesthetized to numb the skin. Extensive procedure may require general anesthetic. The procedure takes 10-90 minutes depending on the amount of skin being treated. The patient’s eye is shielded as well as the surrounding of the face. Laser, an intense beam of light energy, is directed at the area to be treated which destroys the outer layer skin and underlying skin to stimulate the growth of new collagen fibers. Results of this are having a smoother, tighter, young looking skin.

After this procedure, severe facial burn will be experienced and your skin may be swollen. Ice and medications may be given for this. The patient will be given instructions on proper care like moisturizing the area with over-the-counter products such as gels or bandage, cream, or ointment to protect the treated skin.

A partial-face treatment takes 30-45 minutes while full-face takes 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

No procedure is risk-free.  Some of the risks are pigmentation changes, burns, scarring, prolonged redness, bacterial infection, and acne breakouts.  In some cases, laser treatment may trigger viruses like herpes or infections.