It is a well-known fact that our body tends to slow down the production of collagen and elastin as we start aging. Our skin starts to become loose, and it loses its firm look as the aging process begins. So if you’re someone who is looking to lift, tone, and tighten your skin without having to undergo any major surgery, there’s a solution for you: laser skin tightening.
What is Laser Skin Tightening?
Laser skin tightening is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that firms the skin using lasers by stimulating elastin growth with the help of producing heat on the skin’s surface. It is a non-surgical procedure that aims to tighten the skin on your face, neck, jawline, or parts of your body.
The purpose of this treatment is to use infrared light radiation to heat the collagen within the skin. Certain frequencies of this radiation are utilized to treat various health issues, some of which include:
⦁ Fine lines and wrinkles
⦁ Sun damage
⦁ Loose skin on different body parts
⦁ Sagging skin around the jaw and the neckline
⦁ Under eye bags.
Once we hit our thirties, our skin slackens. This adversely affects the self-confidence and self-esteem of individuals. This treatment has proved to significantly improve the outward appearance of the skin’s texture, restoring a more youthful, firmer, and less creepy look. It is the most effective method to boost your confidence regarding your appearance.
Types of Skin Tightening Treatments
There are mainly three types of skin tightening treatments made available—namely Ablative, Non-Ablative, and Fractional laser treatment.
1. Ablative
These lasers are considered to be a form of more aggressive laser treatment. They penetrate deep into the skin, which causes damage to the collagen, and sometimes also results in its destruction of it. This compels the skin to produce new collagen, which in turn may lead to tighter-looking skin.
Some evidence suggests that ablative lasers can prove to be harmful to dark skin. They may also harm the skin of those with certain conditions, such as psoriasis. A person who has recently undergone radiation therapy may also be at risk.
2. Non-Ablative
These lasers are preferred more as they are less aggressive compared to ablative lasers. Unlike ablative lasers, this treatment includes heating the collagen within a person’s skin without having to destroy it. This heating process promotes collagen production.
Non-ablative lasers may be more suitable for individuals with dark skin than ablative lasers. However, there are still some safety concerns that should be considered before proceeding with the treatment.
3. Fractional
These lasers work by creating columns of beams at skin depth, and they do not cause any kind of damage to the spaces between the columns. Fractional lasers can be of both types, ablative or non-ablative.
Some studies indicate that fractional non-ablative lasers can prove to be no more dangerous and harmful for people with dark skin than for people with light skin. However, it is best to consult your dermatologist before going further with any treatment.
Functional Medicine Facilities in Atlanta
Functional medicine in Atlanta has a lot to offer. Rather than simply treating symptoms, functional medicine focuses on the root causes of these diseases. In the process, it promotes positive vitality. Using nutrition and lifestyle recommendations does not replace the need for prescription drugs, but it can help strengthen the immune system and make you feel better in the long run.
When it comes to determining which healthcare provider offers the best skin tightening treatment for you, it’s a good idea to do some homework. Firstly, we need to understand that functional medicine is not a cure for all your health problems. However, it does work to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself naturally.
Benefits of Skin Tightening Procedures
Collagen and elastin production begins to slow in patients who are in their thirties and beyond. At this point in time, they can benefit from laser skin tightening as it helps to reshape the face and body using proven laser technology to contour a once-more youthful appearance.
Moreover, it can also be an effective treatment for those who have recently lost weight or had a baby. It can target stretch marks, the sagging abdomen common in women post-pregnancy, and improve the appearance of cellulite for firmer, tighter skin.
Common Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects observed after getting the treatment are scarring, swelling, pain, and hyperpigmentation. People also experience bacterial, viral, and fungal infections post this treatment.
People with dark skin are more likely to experience the side effects of skin tightening treatment.
What you should do before laser skin tightening
It is always advisable to keep a check on a few things before getting a laser skin-tightening treatment. Here is a list of a few things you should keep in mind:
⦁ Try to completely avoid sun exposure for 2-4 weeks prior to the treatment.
⦁ Keep yourself away from products like retinoids for 2-4 weeks, as they can lead to high sensitivity.
⦁ Keep yourself hydrated and avoid consuming caffeine 24 hours prior to the treatment.
⦁ Keep your doctor well-informed about any medical conditions that you have or any medications you are taking.
Skin Tightening Procedures
Not all lasers are painful. Most of the treatments that are available require numbing prior to the treatment in order to avoid pain. Usually, the professionals have a numbing cream sitting on the surface of the treatment area for 15-45 minutes while they gather necessary information about your medical conditions and history.
Then they wash your treatment area to make sure it is clean and absolutely germ-free to start the treatment. The treatments are quick and last for about 10 to 30 minutes once a week for four weeks, and the results are immediate.
The treatments last roughly 45 to 60 minutes, but the results are incredible. Usually, the procedures are quite tolerable, but some areas can still feel more sensitive than others. There are a few modalities that penetrate the skin on a deeper level which can be certainly more painful and can occasionally require numbing agents.
There may be some discomfort after treatment as the numbing wears off over a period of time. In most cases, people who undergo laser treatments feel as though they have a sunburn on their skin and their skin is extremely sensitive. If you are looking to treat an area of your body, such as the face or a specific area of your body, the amount of aftercare you will need will vary depending on your specific skin concerns. Your doctor will go over aftercare, or you may already have instructions that were given to you.
What is laser skin tightening aftercare like?
Your provider will guide you regarding a routine you need to maintain aftercare after your treatment. In general, there are certain things to remember for laser skin tightening aftercare.
⦁ You’ll be required to avoid scrubs or any products with harsh chemicals for at least a week after your treatment.
⦁ You’ll want to avoid repeatedly touching or picking the skin on the area of your treatment as it could lead to infections, scars, and pigmentations.
⦁ Try to completely avoid sun exposure for 4-8 weeks after the treatment is done.
⦁ You’ll be required to use the products suggested by your provider to keep your skin clean and infection free.
⦁ Try to avoid any hot tubs or soaking the treatment area until your provider allows you to do so
How long does laser skin tightening last?
As we know by now, laser skin tightening is an innovative and efficient treatment to give immediate results to make the skin firm around the face, neck, and other body parts with saggy skin.
You will likely notice improvements after getting the first treatment, which will continue to improve constantly over the days and weeks following your session. This is because the body needs a little time for the skin cells to regenerate and for collagen production to be stimulated fully. It is recommended to get more than just one treatment if you want notable changes.
There is a possibility that the effects of this procedure will last between 12 and 18 months. To keep your firmer, tighter skin looking its best, you may require regular maintenance treatments every six months. If you compare your skin before and after skin tightening treatment, you will be able to notice a considerable amount of transition in your appearance. With this approach, the initial result can be maintained indefinitely, and maintenance treatments can be performed more frequently if necessary.
Conclusion
The purpose behind laser skin tightening treatment is to use certain laser frequencies, which results in heating up the skin, prompting it to tighten up. The three kinds of laser treatments available are Ablative, Non-Ablative, and Fractional lasers.
Even though the procedure is safe, it may tend to cause some side effects, such as swelling, pain, and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, people with dark skin tones are more likely to experience side effects from skin tightening procedures.
Getting a skin tightening procedure tailored to a person’s skin type should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals can also recommend a reputable and trustworthy clinic for the best skin tightening treatment.
