As we age, our skin loses elasticity due to loss of collagen and elastin- two key molecules for maintaining a youthful appearance. Along with the natural aging process, smoking, unhealthy diet, sun damage, and environmental pollution can contribute to the loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. With the advent of laser and radiofrequency technology, more affordable non-invasive options are available now to maintain a youthful appearance with a lot less cost and downtime. Here are some of the options available now for non-surgical skin tightening:
Radiofrequency is a type of energy that is used to produce heat which reaches the skin’s deeper layers and induces new collagen and elastin production. This also increases cell turnover, helping skin become firmer, thicker and more youthful-looking. RF technology used by TemSure, Thermi, Exilis, Profound RF, Thermage, etc., has been used for non-surgical skin tightening for the last ten years. Compared to laser, RF can be used on all skin types without any skin discoloration.
High intensity focused ultrasound can be used for the regenerative process to tighten the skin. Ultrasound waves can boost collagen stores under the skin’s surface, firming skin. Ultrasound penetrates at different depths based on focus of the energy and produces heat without burning the inside of the skin.
This technology uses light to deliver low energy to deeper skin levels, which in turn stimulates collagen and elastin production for firm, tight, and elastic skin. A very simple process using light and heat energy sources can do everything from removing skin flaws to improving dermal tone and texture. Several treatments are best for long-lasting results, but they will never leave you with serious discomfort or the burden of recovery time.
Laser skin tightening is very popular due to the effectiveness of the treatment, zero downtime, and its non-invasive nature. The technology uses an infrared light source to tighten skin by heating the collagen under the skin’s surface, which causes new collagen formation and eventual tightening. Facial skin tightening is noticeable immediately after the treatment, and there is no downtime. Additional skin tightening occurs over the next few months, but optimal results usually require two or three treatments about one month apart. Laser skin tightening is an FDA-approved method for the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Additionally, it is a safe and effective method for restoring a more firm, youthful appearance to skin all over the body. One of the most popular devices is the Icon laser skin tightening system from Cynosure, which uses fractional laser technology to resurface the skin and trigger collagen production within the deeper layers of skin and subdermal tissue.
A chemical peel is a non-invasive aesthetic procedure which can also stimulate new collagen formation and skin tightening. A thin layer of chemical is applied to the area of treatment which peels the top layer of the skin. This will stimulate the body’s own healing process, and the result is bright, rejuvenated, and healthy-looking skin. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes and has little to no downtime, and can be used to treat both the face, the back, or the hand. A quick and easy way to repair damaged skin, this process can target specific trouble areas like the mouth or forehead to reduce wrinkling or alleviate sun damage. It’s an excellent non-surgical skin-tightening choice for first-timers.
If you want to opt out any of these choices and want to maintain the healthy tone of your skin naturally, then do the following:
