As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and firmness, which can lead to unwanted wrinkles and skin laxity. Loose skin is a common topic in the world of cosmetic dermatology, and a variety of skin tightening procedures have been developed to help firm the skin and provide overall skin rejuvenation. Though many patients may revitalize skin via the use of dermal fillers, Botox, or Microneedling, laser skin tightening treatment can be a targeted, complementary approach to creating firmer skin. Laser skin tightening is an amazing skin tightening treatment that can help to boost new collagen production within the layers of the dermis, tightening the skin without any need for invasive procedures or downtime.
If you’re frustrated by the appearance of loose skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to help. Dr. Green is an expert in reducing the appearance of skin laxity, and she carefully advises her patients to choose the most effective laser skin tightening treatments out there today. With over 25 years of experience in Botox, Juvederm, Kybella injections, laser treatment, and fillers, Dr. Green is an internationally renowned expert in cosmetic dermatology. When you work with Dr. Green, you’ll create a custom treatment plan for you that best fits your needs.
Is laser skin tightening effective?
Laser skin tightening treatmentNon-ablative laser skin
Some of the most popular laser skin tightening treatments include Thermage radiofrequency laser therapy, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, Fraxel Dual laser treatment, and Ultherapy treatment. These laser treatments offer non-invasive solutions to skin laxity, which is a welcome option when compared to surgical procedures, such as a facelift, that require general anesthesia and ample recovery time.
How does laser skin tightening treatment really work?
The process for laser skin tightening treatment is simple and easy. First, you’ll meet with Dr. Green during an initial consultation where you’ll be able to discuss your medical history, individual needs, and aesthetic needs. Dr. Green will be able to narrow in on procedures that will best fit your skin laxity concerns, as well as any other potential concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, age spots, or jowls.
From there, the preparation for a laser skin tightening treatment is quite simple. For light-based lasers like IPL treatment, it’s best to avoid using topical retinoid or alpha-hydroxy acids in the week prior to treatment. For all laser skin tightening treatments, it’s best to show up with “fresh” skin, clear of any makeup or sunscreen. During the procedure, Dr. Green will apply the laser applicator to the treatment area, and patients will be able to continue their normal daily activity afterwards. However, Dr. Green always recommends maintaining a protective skincare routine after a laser skin tightening treatments, using sunscreen or high-SPF lotions to maximize the positive effects of the treatment while avoiding any sun damage.
Which laser treatment is best for skin tightening?
So, when it comes to laser for skin tightening, which one is best? The answer varies depending on what the needs are for each individual patient. However, certain laser technologies are more convenient, successful, and long-lasting than others.
35-44 year old, Thermage (lower face & neck), with Voluma & Restylane Lyft
Thermage FLX
When it comes to reducing skin laxity all over the body, Dr. Green typically recommends the use of Thermage FLX. Thermage FLX is an FDA-approved skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin while keeping the surface of the skin cool, which can boost collagen and actively tighten skin on the arms, stomach, legs, and buttocks, as well as along delicate areas like the jawline and eye area. Thermage FLX not only tightens skin, but also can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite on areas like the buttocks and thighs.
Thermage FLX is one of the most advanced skin tightening technologies, as it has built upon the original Thermage skin tightening applicator. Thermage FLX has a wider treatment tip that can cover a 25% greater surface area during the treatment, which not only offers a comfortable treatment experience, but also an incredibly fast treatment time. The advanced Thermage FLX can tighten skin along all areas of the face within 45 minutes, and can tighten larger areas along the body in under an hour. Further, Thermage FLX uses AccuREP algorithmic technology to create an incredibly precise treatment experience that can be adjusted in real time to create the most effective treatment session possible.
Intense Pulsed Light
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, also known as “Forever Young BBL” or a photo-facial, is a rejuvenating, non-ablative laser that improves the tone and texture of a patient’s skin through the use of targeted wavelengths of light. IPL is designed to use a variety of different wavelengths of light which are then scattered to address a variety of skin concerns. Depending on the wavelengths of light chosen, pigment cells, hair follicles, or blood vessels are targeted and destroyed. This in turn can help to treat a variety of different skin issues, including skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation or brown spots, rosacea or redness, sun damage, freckles, acne scars, laser hair removal, and uneven skin tone or texture.
IPL treatment, like Thermage, is a non-invasive treatment that is able to firm the skin with minimal discomfort and no downtime required. IPL treatment feels a bit like a rubber band flicked against the skin, and patients generally find the sensation mild without any topical numbing cream applied. However, it is important for IPL procedure that patients do not arrive with a sunburn or additional tan, as this could lead to a burning sensation when the light energy is applied. Additionally, it’s best to avoid IPL treatment if you suffer from Melasma, a pigmentation condition that can be made worse through the use of IPL.
Dr. Green relies on the FDA-approved Sciton IPL machine, commonly referred to as the Forever Young BBL (broadband light) treatment, in order to carry out IPL laser procedures. This is the most poser IPL machine in the world of dermatology today, and its pulsed laser allows the short bursts of high-intensity light wavelengths to penetrate different layers of the skin. It’s considered a highly effective, gentle alternative to traditional laser skin resurfacing procedures, and can lead to satisfactory treatment results in as little as four treatment sessions.
Thermage vs. IPL
When it comes to the best laser skin tightening treatment, Thermage and IPL are both excellent options that can provide for firmer, younger looking skin with little to no side effects and zero recovery time. Thermage is a popular option for skin tightening, as only one session is required for optimal results, and typically patients will engage with annual or bi-annual “touch-up” sessions in order to maintain the skin’s elasticity. IPL is an excellent choice for patients who also wish to treat discoloration on the skin, such as age spots, redness, sun damage, or acne scars, as IPL is able to even out skin tone as well as improve skin texture. IPL needs to be repeated monthly, five times, and then biannually to maintain skin tightening results. Thermage produces superior skin tightening results after one single treatment, and the skin tightening results can last up to two years.
Thermage vs. Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a popular treatment option that can effectively tighten skin through the use of ultrasound technology to heat the deeper layer of the dermis, including the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System, which previously was only addressed through surgery. However, when compared to Thermage FLX, Ultherapy is often found to be more uncomfortable, and can lead to less consistent results than Thermage.
Thermage’s two-fold approach of instant collagen production and progressive collagen remodeling leads to near-immediate improvement after a single treatment, as well as continued improvement over the following six months. Thermage targets the collagen-rich dermis, as well as the fiber septae (fibrous bands that connect the dermis to subcutaneous tissue) in order to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite, as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
Types of laser treatments for face
When it comes to laser treatments for the face, there are a variety of options available. These include Thermage FLX and IPL laser skin tightening treatments, Fraxel Dual laser skin resurfacing treatment, CO2 lasers, and the Erbium laser, as well as the popular V-Beam, Clear+Brilliant, eMatrix, and Candela Alex TriVantage lasers. Each skin resurfacing laser offers different benefits and levels of intensity, and vary in effectiveness depending on skin type and current skin condition. When you work with Dr. Green, she’ll be able to determine which laser resurfacing treatment is right for you based on your medical history and current skin concerns.
35-44 year old – Juvedern Voluma Cheeks 1 syringe & Restylane Under the eyes 1 syringe
Kybella, CoolSculpting and skin tightening
For those patients whose main complaint are sagging jowls, coupled with excess fat under the chin, Dr. Green often combines Kybella injections or CoolSculpting to treat this problem area. CoolSculpting has a unique applicator, the CoolMini, which freezes the fat under the chin, removing the “double chin.” This non-invasive way to treat the double chin requires only one hour and no downtime and is a simple solution to this cosmetic area. For patients with a smaller amount of submental fat under the chin, Kybella injections are generally the best way to treat this area. Since Kybella leads to a gradual dissolving of fat, it has the added benefit of skin tightening at the same time as the fat removal. Many patients choose to have the CoolMini or Kybella injections performed for the best non-invasive neck contouring and combine this procedure with skin tightening lasers.
What is the best laser for facial skin tightening treatment?
If you’re curious as to what is the best laser to tighten facial skin, Dr. Green can help you navigate the best possible option based on your individual needs. Patient recommendation for facial skin tightening treatment of course will vary based on the goals of the procedure and current skin condition, and Dr. Green works carefully with her patients to make sure she provides the most effective treatment possible. However, in general, Thermage and is a cut above the rest. Thermage FLX, in particular, is highly recommended by Dr. Green for patients looking to tighten and firm skin while creating a more youthful appearance. Plus, Thermage FLX can be combined with other non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments, such as Botox, dermal fillers, Kybella injections, Fraxel laser, Vbeam laser, or Microneedling.
Which laser is best for wrinkles?
When it comes to treating fine lines and wrinkles, there are a variety of treatments that can help to diminish the appearance of lines along the face and jawline. Thermage FLX, eMatrix, and the Fraxel laser treatment are both successful at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as IPL.
The Fraxel Dual laser is an FDA-approved, non-ablative, fractionated laser that uses two concentrated wavelengths to rejuvenate the skin while encouraging new collagen production within the layers of the dermis. This in turn can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve other concerns like acne scars, surgical scars, sun spots, and stretch marks. However, the Fraxel laser is not intended to tighten the skin; it is best for patients with minimal skin laxity who are treating other signs of aging or scarring. Also, like IPL treatment, the Fraxel laser should be avoided by patients who suffer from Melasma.
If you’re frustrated by the appearance of loose skin on the face, along the jawline, or along the arms, stomach, buttocks or legs, laser skin tightening treatment may be right for you. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in non-invasive cosmetic procedures in NYC. She is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and the New York Times. Contact our New York office online, or call us at 212-535-3088 to create your tailored skin tightening treatment plan through the expert guidance of Dr. Green.
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