Have you considered cosmetic surgery but have been uneasy at the idea of going under the knife for a procedure? As more and more technology is developed, there has been an increase in the number of non-invasive and nonsurgical procedures. Some of these procedures acheive nonsurgical skin tightening that uses heat from radio frequency, others use lasers, and others ultrasound technology in order to stimulate the production of collagen and contract tissues.
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Nonsurgical skin tightening procedures are best for those with a small amount of skin lagging since they can get a boost from the thickening of the tissue. It also works as a preventative procedure, delaying the sag of the skin for longer periods of time and delay the need for facelift surgery. While the procedure will produce results when it is administered on its own, it is best used in conjunction with other skin tightening methods. One must remember that nonsurgical treatments are never going to be able to achieve the same degree of tightening as surgical procedures, but for some patients who only need a small degree of improvement, these procedures may work well.
The best place to use nonsurgical skin tightening procedures are:
- Eyelids
- Neck/jowls
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Knees
In addition, there is very little to no downtime associated with these procedures. Most nonsurgical skin tightening procedures allow you to immediately return to your normal activities.
Radiofrequency: In our office we offer radiofrequency skin tightening with Pelleve for the face and Velashape for the body. These modalities stimulate collagen through radiofrequency energy that can penetrate the skin and cause collagen to remodel and tighten.
Ultrasound: Most popular modalities for the face using ultrasound are Ultherapy, and for the body there is Vaser shape. Ultrasound works similar to Radiofrequency by delivering energy to tissues under the skin which causes collagen tightening.
Laser: Most common laser tightening is using a CO2 fractional laser on the face. This modality penetrates under the skin causing injury to the collagen and stimulating it to repair itself. As the collagen heals and repairs, it stimulates skin above it to tighten.
As great as this procedure is for many people, there are some restrictions that limit its usage. This is not generally effective for those over the age of 60 since stimulating collagen at this age is not often effective. Patients who have significant skin laxity will be better suited for a surgical lift, since these procedure cannot mimic the results of a facelift.
If you are considering nonsurgical skin tightening procedures, it is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Yuly Gorodisky will be able to speak with you about the types of cosmetic procedures available for you to have the outcome you desire. For more information, call our office to schedule a consultation.