What Is Laser Skin Tightening?

Laser skin tightening is a minimally invasive, non-surgical process that uses an infrared light source (a laser) to tighten skin by heating the collagen under the skin’s surface, causing the skin to contract (tighten). Facial skin tightening is noticeable immediately after the treatment, and there is no downtime, making this an increasingly popular procedure. Additional skin tightening occurs over the next few months, but optimal results usually require two or three treatments about a month apart.Laser skin tightening is an FDA approved method for the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. While laser skin tightening results may not be as dramatic as those of a face lift, patients enjoy moderate results with no downtime. An added benefit of laser skin tightening is that it is safe and effective for restoring a more firm, youthful appearance to skin all over the body. Read on to learn more about the benefits of laser skin tightening treatment.

Skin tightening treatment also encourages the growth of new collagen in the treated areas and promotes the absorption of more collagen from surrounding, untreated areas. With the regeneration of natural collagen, laser skin tightening patients immediately begin to notice smoother, softer skin and a more youthful appearance. The effects continue to improve over the next few months following laser skin tightening treatment, as the skin's natural stores of collagen are gradually replenished.

What to Expect During a Laser Skin Tightening Session

Before a skin tightening treatment session, it is important for a patient to remove all make-up, oils, sunscreens, and any other substances that may be on the skin. Because of the non-ablative nature of laser skin tightening treatment, no further anesthetic should be needed.
Sessions normally last from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the size and location of the area to be treated.

** Is Skin Tightening Treatment Painful?  No, laser skin tightening treatment is not painful.

Laser Skin Tightening:

Many people notice signs of aging when skin begins to sag around the face,neck arms and stomach. Laser skin tightening is appropriate for men and women of all skin types and skin tones who wish to achieve dramatic results without painful surgery and lengthy recovery times. The most successful laser skin tightening candidates experience permanent results as the collagen under their skin is regenerated, producing a more youthful complexion.Laser skin tightening is a safe, effective way to lessen the effects of time. Using advanced laser technology, the collagen beneath the surface of the skin is heated, causing it to constrict, thus tightening loose facial skin and giving the appearance of firm, youthful skin with less fine lines and wrinkles.

Ideal Laser Skin Tightening Candidates:

Men and women between ages 30 and 60 are ideal candidates for laser skin tightening procedures. As long as you're in good health, laser skin tightening can repair loose facial skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines all over the body. Patients with extreme skin laxity might consider combining another surgery, such as a face lift, with skin tightening to remove excess skin while diminishing surface wrinkles and rejuvenating the firmness of their healthy complexions. Laser skin tightening is an effective, minimally invasive option for people of all skin types and skin tones.

Medical Considerations:

There are very few risks associated with laser skin tightening, as it does not require surgery, but it is important to find an experienced doctor who can advise you based on your individual needs. Laser skin tightening is safe for men and women of all skin tones who are in good health and desire firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Side effects are temporary, and may include skin sensitivity (warming or stinging on treated areas), bruising, and changes in skin color, but these symptoms quickly subside.

** Patients prone to herpes breakouts or people who have skin cancers should consult their doctors about additional medical considerations. Pregnant women should not receive laser skin tightening treatments. Patients who scar easily and develop keloids, and people using acne medications should discuss the chance of adverse reactions to skin tightening with their doctor prior to the procedure.

Laser Skin Tightening FAQs

Laser skin tightening is rapidly becoming a very popular cosmetic dermatology procedure for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other effects of skin laxity. Skin tightening is increasing in popularity because it is less invasive than other rejuvenating procedures, such as face lift and body lift procedures, it produces dramatically firmer skin, and it can be used on any area of the body. Added benefits of laser skin tightening are the reduced risk of side effects and the lack of downtime following treatment.

What areas of the face and body can laser skin tightening treat?

Laser skin tightening has been proven effective for tightening the skin on all areas of the body. Patients can enjoy a rejuvenated look when this treatment is applied to the face, neck, abdomen, arms, legs, and buttocks. In fact, patients with minor to moderate skin laxity may opt for laser skin tightening treatment instead of more invasive procedures such as liposuction and even mini tummy tuck surgery, and experience noticeably firmer skin with no downtime and little discomfort.

What is the difference between laser skin tightening and laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin tightening often produces less immediate and dramatic changes than laser skin resurfacing, but it also poses far fewer risks, discomfort, and downtime for patients. During laser skin tightening, a laser is used to heat the collagen under the surface of the skin, causing the collagen to expand and the skin to appear tighter. Laser skin resurfacing uses lasers to remove the outer layers of skin to promote the growth of new, healthier skin. Because laser skin resurfacing actually removes the top layers of skin, it can be used to treat a broader range of cosmetic issues than laser skin tightening, such as wrinkles, age or sun spots, acne marks, and other facial scarring. The risk for unfavorable changes in pigmentation and scarring is stronger with laser skin resurfacing than with skin tightening.