Get a Youthful Look With These Skin Tightening Treatments
Aging is the primary reason that causes the skin to sag and wrinkle. Because as time goes by, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness. Luckily, there are skin tightening options available.
The good news is that surgery is not the only option. There are non-surgical cosmetic treatments that can address problem areas. They’re also more affordable and have fewer complications.
Discover top-of-the-line technologies that can give you the skin you desire.
What Is a Skin Tightening Treatment?
Skin tightening treatment is a skin rejuvenation procedure that dramatically improves the appearance and state of your skin. It is a conducted treat skin laxity on the face, neck, or body.
Dermatologists perform either invasive, non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures to help tighten the skin to help you achieve a youthful appearance.
What Are the Best Skin Tightening Treatments?
People may develop loose or sagging skin due to several factors such as obesity, sudden weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun damage. But whatever the reason may be, sagging skin can be very upsetting.
There are different skin tightening treatments available, including microneedling, laser therapy, radiofrequency skin tightening, ultrasound therapy, and many more. Each of these treatments works differently to achieve tighter, firmer, and younger-looking skin.
Learn more about the best treatments here:
1. Microneedling
One of the most popular skin tightening treatments is microneedling. This treatment is also known as skin needling, collagen induction therapy, and percutaneous collagen induction.
The technique involves puncturing your skin with tiny needles evenly across the skin. You will be given a topical anesthetic about an hour before your treatment to reduce the pain caused by the needles.
Microneedling can address the following skin issues:
- Large pores
- Stretch marks
- Scars
- Dark patches
- Acne
- Wrinkles
- Loose skin
The microneedling session usually lasts for about 30 minutes. They will apply a serum or soothing treatment in between sessions. The whole process can take up to two hours as four or more sets are needed to achieve the best results.
After the procedure, controlled damage will force the area to generate new collagen and skin tissue helping your body to tighten the area.
While there are many benefits to microneedling, these are not advisable for individuals who have clotting or bleeding disorders, skin cancer, skin infections, or keloid-prone skin.
2. Laser Skin Therapy
If you are scared of needles and painful procedures, laser skin tightening might be the perfect option for you. Skin tightening with lasers can be done in several ways.
Though therapy can be performed on almost any parts of the body, the most common areas are:
- Back
- Face
- Jawline
- Legs
- Neck
- Stomach
- Underarms
Skin tightening with lasers is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help you look younger with minimal pain. The skin is heated with a laser, which causes the old collagen in your skin to be broken down and make fresh fibers. As a result, you get to have more compact and less wrinkled skin.
For best results, you may need to undergo 3 to 5 sessions. You will notice significant changes between 2 and 6 months.
The laser skin tightening session might cause the following side effects:
- Pain
- Itchy skin
- Swelling of the skin
- Changes in skin color
- Acne
3. Radiofrequency
Another non-surgical and non-invasive skin tightening treatment you can opt for is radiofrequency.
There are two types of radiofrequency skin tightening:
- Monopolar RF Skin Tightening: This procedure uses one electrode to emit radiofrequency waves
- Bipolar RF Skin Tightening: This uses two electrodes to target specific skin tissue with radiofrequency waves.
Both procedures work by heating the dermis (the deep layer of skin) to stimulate collagen production.
Dermatologists use a wand-like device connected to an apparatus that creates radio waves. These waves emit heat which causes your skin to produce more collagen and elastin.
The treatment also increases cell turnover making the skin eventually become firmer and thicker. The overall procedure can take about 30 to 90 minutes depending on how much area is covered.
The treatment may bring minor discomfort but you may notice immediate skin tightening after the session. Although, results may vary as some patients may require multiple treatments or more to achieve desired results.
4. Ultrasound Technology
Say goodbye to turkey gobble neck and wrinkled forehead and chin with this skin tightening treatment. Ultrasound Therapy or most known as Ultherapy is the only non-invasive procedure that is FDA-cleared.
This procedure starts with a thorough cleansing of your skin. Then, the dermatologist will use a device to send concentrated ultrasound energy underneath the desired area. It will stimulate the body to create new collagen.
Fresh collagen is responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity helping the skin to lift and become toned.
After the session, patients may experience:
- Temporary swelling
- Mild tingling
- Bruising or numbness in some areas
What Are the Benefits of Skin Tightening Treatments?
Skin tightening treatments provide plenty of benefits. If you want to look younger or slow down the aging process, these treatments may be for you.
Here are some of the benefits:
1. Enhances Skin Elasticity
Skin tightening treatments stimulate collagen in the body. When that happens, the skin’s elasticity improves. Not only do they make the skin more defined and firmer, but they also help slow down the aging process.
2. Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Another benefit of skin tightening treatments is the significant reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. These treatments trigger collagen production that will tighten the skin over time, giving you a more youthful and vibrant look.
3. Eliminates Extreme Discomfort
Skin tightening treatments don’t have to be painful. The good news is that you can achieve vibrant and long-lasting results with little to no pain.
4. Requires Less Time
Non-surgical skin tightening treatments usually take 20 to 60 minutes per session. You can go about your day after a visit to the dermatologist.
5. Produces Natural Results
Skin tightening treatments don’t stretch the skin in various ways. They utilize the body’s collagen production to bring back the skin’s former appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Skin Tightening Treatments?
Everyone wants to look younger. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for skin tightening treatments. For instance, pregnant women can't avail themselves of these treatments. Patients who want to tighten loose parts of their skin must have a stable body weight for the treatment to be effective.
But before deciding on a skin tightening treatment, it is important to consult with a specialist to discuss the best option for you.
There are also risks and side effects associated with all skin tightening treatments, so it is best to understand the pros and cons before deciding on a treatment.
You may be qualified for skin tightening treatments if you have:
- mild to moderate loose, sagging skin on your face, neck, or body;
- no history of hyperpigmentation;
- no history of eczema;
- sunburn; or
- mild unwanted fat.
Find the Best Skin Tightening Treatment for You
As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity and tone. This can result in skin that is loose and saggy. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your skin, you may want to consider skin tightening treatments.
However, it is best to consult with a licensed dermatologist to discuss your specific concerns and goals. They will be able to recommend the best skin tightening treatment options based on your individual needs and goals.