There’s no doubt that a facelift will achieve dramatic results, but not everyone wants to undergo surgery, and not everyone can afford the cost. But there are lots of other skin tightening options available today – from the gradual to the dramatic, with less downtime and a lower price point. Non-invasive skin tightening treatments are called non-invasive because they leave the surface of your skin unharmed. They work by inducing a wound response that triggers collagen production and remodeling over time. Let’s take a look at some of the more effective skin tightening options currently available:
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency heats the skin tissue beneath the epidermis. A visible tightening effect can be seen right away and collagen production continues over time. Most clients report seeing best results in about 3 months – this is after a series of 6 to 10 treatments.
Radiofrequency with Microneedling
Fractional RF, such as the INTRAcel works by providing RF energy via microneedles exactly where it is needed to stimulate collagen production and tighten loose skin. This allows you to see results faster — usually in about 1 month. Best results are seen after a series of 3 treatments and results last longer – up to a year. There is no downtime. INTRAcel can be used on all skin types, it is also an excellent modality for treating acne scars, surgical scars, stretch marks and photoaging.
Laser treatment
Cosmetic lasers can send heat deep into the skin without wounding the top layer of your skin. These lasers are non-ablative lasers that work deeper in the skin without removing or otherwise damaging the top layers and create a superficial tightening because the heat produced encourages collagen production. Treatment is usually recommended as a series of 3 to 6 procedures (depending on your skin condition) approximately 3 or 4 weeks apart. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes and there is no downtime.
Laser Resurfacing
This is a more intensive procedure with an ablative laser such as a CO2 laser, that actually vaporizes the top layers of damaged skin. This kind of Laser resurfacing does require some downtime. Usually 7 to 10 days. This type of laser treatment is very effective for tightening loose skin. It can also diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin, such as age spots.
Infrared
Infrared treatments utilize a pulsed broadband infrared source to heat deeper layers of the skin without compromising the surface of the skin. This heating activates fibroblasts signaling new collagen production and creating a tightening effect over time. Best results are usually seen after three to five treatments and continue to improve for up to 6 months.
Ultrasound
This is another modality that uses energy to deliver heat deep into the skin simulating a wound effect – which in turn can boost collagen production. Ultrasound is noninvasive but some side effects of treatment can include swelling, redness, soreness, bruising, and numbness. These effects are usually short-term. Ultrasound energy results can be seen after 1 treatment, and most people see a modest visible tightening after about 3 months.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel such as the Institut’ DERMed Supreme Lifting Peel (a TCA -Trichloroacetic Acid Peel) usually requires 5 to 7 days of downtime with peeling skin depending on the peel depth. TCA peels do tighten skin as well as even out skin color, remove sun damaged skin cells and soften fine lines and wrinkles.There are a variety of chemical peel depths, based on the concentration of the peel. A superficial peel will affect the epidermal layer only. A medium-depth peel will affect the epidermis and the upper dermis, and a deep chemical peel will go as deep as the dermis. Most chemical peels impact the surface layer of the skin, the epidermis, so results will vary depending on the individual skin type and condition.
OTC skin firming Serums and Moisturizers
There are a lot of over the counter products out there that promising a myriad of skin tightening results. Realistically you will see a change if a product contains a retinoid, such as retinol, (Institut’ DERMed Vital A Serum, and Institut’ DERMed Renewing Moisturizer) which can help your body make more collagen. Keep in mind that topical ingredients for skin-firming have subtle (but visible) results for diminishing the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles. Topical skincare products work best when used as an at home maintenance treatment that continues to support the professional treatment results.
Check out these and more Institut’ DERMed Spa treatments here: Spa Treatments or call Institut’ DERMed Spa in Atlanta at 404-261-5199 for a complimentary consultation.
