Skin naturally begins to sag due to factors like gravity, genetics, and aging. Skin laxity is caused by depleting collagen and elastic fiber production as well as muscle atrophy and loss of fat which will create deep wrinkles as the skin is pulled downward. Sagging skin often makes patients appear tired and aged, but there are solutions to retain youthful skin with minimally-invasive and non-invasive skin tightening treatments. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers advanced skin tightening procedures, including their proprietary ThermiSculpt³ treatment option.
What Is Skin Tightening and How Do Treatments Work?
Skin tightening lasers and devices spur collagen and elastic fiber production to effectively lift and tighten the skin for a smoother and more youthful appearance. Skin tightening treatments utilize heat, radio frequency, and ultrasound energy, allowing physicians to customize treatments to the precise needs and goals of each patient for the best possible results.
What Non-invasive Skin Tightening Treatments Are Currently Available?
There are several minimally-invasive and non-invasive skin tightening treatments available, including:
Radiofrequency Microneedling: RF Microneedling is a minimally-invasive treatment that combines microneedling and radiofrequency technology to penetrate the dermal layer and trigger collagen and elastic fiber production. The system uses tiny electrode needles to heat the underlying tissue, treating skin laxity and wrinkles and improving texture. A series of treatment sessions may produce the best results.
Thermage®: Thermage is a non-invasive procedure that does not require topical anesthetic due to the integrated cooling system. The device combines deep heating and cooling to increase collagen and elastic fiber production in the dermal layers while protecting the epidermis. The treatment tightens and contours the skin with minimal downtime. It is frequently used to tighten crepey skin on the upper and lower eyelids as well. Thermage is ideal for all skin types and tones. It can treat loose skin after Ozempic® and can even be combined with Fraxel® for total skin rejuvenation.
Ultherapy®: Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that tightens sagging face and neck skin. The device uses ultrasound energy delivered deep into the dermal and subcutaneous layers to increase collagen and elastic fiber production. The gentle heat provides effective lifting and tightening results.
Sofwave™: Sofwave is another ultrasound device that boosts collagen production to firm up skin over time. The gentle treatment is appropriate for all skin types, making it the procedure of choice for patients that might not be good candidates for other devices due to a darker skin tone. Sofwave targets mild to moderate laxity of the forehead, neck, submental tissue under the chin, as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
Thermi®: The Thermi device delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the skin with a probe that heats the skin to stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production. This minimally-invasive device is suitable for many areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, breasts, stomach, and legs.
ThermiSculpt³: ThermiSculpt³ is Cosmetic Laser Dermatology’s proprietary treatment that dramatically tightens and reshapes the neck and jawline. The innovative procedure combines facial liposculpture, ThermiTight, and dermal fillers to tighten the skin, define the jawline, and remove submental fat.
Which Non-invasive Procedure Works Best for Skin Tightening?
ThermiSculpt³ is an innovative, minimally-invasive procedure that produces dramatic skin tightening results. The combination of treatments can target a range of concerns, such as:
- Jowls
- A double chin
- Weak or recessed chin
- Excess fat along the jawline
- Loose skin around the lower face and neck
The treatment is ideal for patients who want to lift and smooth their face and neck for a more youthful appearance and do not want to commit to more invasive surgery. The proprietary treatment provides a more comprehensive result by targeting multiple areas of concern in one procedure. Patients can expect immediate results that continue to improve as collagen and elastic fiber production increases.
While ThermiSculpt³ is an excellent option for some patients, it is not right for everyone. A consultation with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist can determine which treatment is the best option for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Skin Tightening Treatments?
Men and women in relatively good health may be candidates for skin tightening treatments. You may be a candidate if you:
- Want to avoid invasive surgical procedures
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity on the face, neck, or other areas of the body
- Have isolated fat under the chin you want to remove
- Are concerned about early jowl formation
- Desire an improved facial contour
- Want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
You can explore different concerns and treatment options that may suit your needs during your consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Your expert physician will evaluate your health and previous cosmetic and medical history to ensure you are a candidate for treatment. With a personalized plan, you can effectively reduce signs of aging and achieve firmer, more youthful skin.
How Long Do Non-invasive Skin Tightening Treatments Last?
Minimally-invasive and non-invasive skin tightening treatments are safe and effective treatment options that produce long-lasting results. Treatments like Thermi, Thermage, Sofwave, and Ultherapy can last several years, while microneedling RF results last up to six months or even longer. Your dermatologist will work with you to monitor results and schedule regular maintenance to retain the desired results.
The renowned, board-certified dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offer more than 50 laser and light treatments, allowing us to customize procedures with the precision necessary to achieve superior results. We have also participated in multiple research studies involving these devices, giving us exceptional experience and expertise in all of the procedures we provide.
Contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego to schedule a consultation and learn more about non-invasive skin tightening treatments.
