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How Does Skin Tightening Surgery Work?

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Posted June 22, 2023 in Blog

If you’re looking to lift, tighten and firm your skin, look no further than skin tightening surgery and skin tightening treatments, which are proven technologies and techniques that can improve the tautness of your skin. Saggy skin takes hold as collagen levels decrease slowly with time at a rate of about 1 percent each year. With less healthy collagen and elastin fibers, the skin loses its elasticity, eventually becoming slack. But the right mix of skin tightening lasers and skin tightening surgery can help tone and tighten the skin for long-lasting results. 

What is the best procedure for skin tightening?

The best skin tightening results will always come from the most invasive options, so if tightening skin that has become loose is high on your priority list, you’ll likely need skin tightening surgery. Surgical procedures excise loose skin from where it is redundant for a tighter, firmer look. 

However, not everyone wants or needs skin tightening surgery, and some people are not ideal candidates. When that’s the case, skin tightening lasers can help. Different skin tightening procedures work towards the end goal of stimulating new collagen and elastin for increased firmness. Some skin tightening treatments use radiofrequency, while others use ultrasound or other types of energy-based wavelengths. 

How long does skin tightening last?

Skin tightening procedures and treatments can last variable amounts of time. Cutting away loose skin will last indefinitely, but skin tightening lasers require maintenance treatments. That is because the natural aging process, genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to skin sagging. Ideally, the earlier you opt for a skin tightening procedure, the better the results. 

It’s also important to consider the laser skin tightening you choose to do because different lasers can have different results lasting for different amounts of time. Typically, laser skin tightening treatments last for one to two years, but some patients may notice longer-lasting results depending on where on the face or body the treatment is done, their age, the quality of the skin, health, lifestyle, and if they do maintenance treatments.  

How often can you do skin tightening treatments?

The frequency of skin tightening treatments varies based on the area you are treating and the method used. Surgery is a one-time treatment, and non-surgical options such as laser skin tightening or radiofrequency treatments are typically done a few weeks apart. A series of treatments is necessary to allow for collagen production and a gradual tightening of the skin. You may need between six and eight sessions, depending on the area you are treating and the technology used.

Skin tightening surgery, such as a facelift or tummy tuck, is a far more invasive option. The recovery period for skin tightening surgery is long and usually requires several weeks or months before additional skin tightening treatments can be performed, if necessary.

How do skin tighteners work?

Skin tighteners target collagen bundles deep within the skin to restructure and strengthen them for improved elasticity and firmness. There are several ways in which skin tighteners work and different technologies that are practiced.

1. Skin tightening laser: These laser treatments emit focused wavelengths of energy that penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen production for tighter skin tightening that’s more elastic and less saggy.

2. Stomach skin tightening: The abdomen is one area commonly affected by saggy skin. It can be firmed through non-surgical methods like radiofrequency or ultrasound, which heat the deeper layers of the skin, triggering collagen production and resulting in tighter skin.

3. Skin tightening products: Topical products designed for skin tightening often contain ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to enhance collagen synthesis, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Natural skin tightening: Several natural methods can help tighten the skin. These include facial exercises to strengthen facial muscles, maintaining a healthy diet rich in collagen-boosting nutrients (such as vitamin C, zinc, and protein), staying hydrated, and protecting the skin from sun damage through sunscreen.

5. Skin tightening facial: A skin tightening facial typically involves techniques such as exfoliation, facial massage, and specialized serums or masks. These facials aim to improve blood circulation, stimulate collagen production, and enhance skin tone and firmness.

Can noninvasive skin tighteners help prolong my surgical results?

Yes! Doubling up on surgery and a skin tightening procedure will lead to optimal improvement. While skin-tightening lasers work on the deep layers of collagen in the dermis, surgery removes any loose skin on the surface. The combination improves laxity and skin tone for the best result possible.  

When will I start seeing results from a skin tightening laser? 

Some people notice an immediate change in the area, while others may need more treatments to see a difference. But the optimal result will appear four to six months after the first laser skin tightening treatment session. Since the treatment includes a process that promotes new collagen growth in the skin, it takes time to see the effects of tighter skin.  

In what areas of the body can laser skin tightening be performed?

Laser skin tightening is most popular for the face to treat the jawline, jowls, and neck. But it can also be performed on other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms, and thighs.

Laser skin tightening is highly effective in tightening the neck and reducing skin laxity while improving skin texture. Skin tightening procedures are safe to use on all areas of the face and help increase collagen production for firmer, smoother skin. Many patients also choose skin tightening treatments to tighten up loose skin on the stomach after pregnancy. Stomach skin tightening is also the perfect solution for loose skin on the abdomen after weight loss. 

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Plastic Surgery Center of Atlanta

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Atlanta, GA 30342
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Atlanta, GA 30342
470-354-3600

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