How Can Skin Tightening Solve Your Problem?

Loose, sagging skin can cause many people to feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, and definitely not their best. In the past, the only solution was surgery but these days there are many non-surgical skin tightening options available. People are able to look and feel their best with safe, effective, and fast treatments that are available at most med spas.

The Cause of Sagging Skin

Unfortunately, sagging skin is a natural part of life. As people age, their bodies produce less collagen and elastin. These two proteins are responsible for keeping skin taught and supple. Gradually over time, as the production of these proteins decreases, people begin to notice that their skin just isn’t as tight and youthful looking as it used to be. Genetics plays a role in age-related skin sagging as well.

Lifestyle can also contribute to the extent of sagging. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin sagging. Extended exposure to UV rays, either from time outdoors without sunscreen or artificial tanning beds, can cause the collagen and elastin to break down. Smoking, rapid weight loss, and some health conditions can also affect the skin’s elasticity.

Having a good skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle throughout life can make the effects of aging a little less visible. Using moisturizing products, sunscreen, and drinking adequate water can all help the skin to appear more youthful. By the time skin sagging is noticed, though, it is usually too late for these steps to make a drastic different. Fortunately, there are many skin tightening procedures widely available.

Skin Tightening Options

Most med spas offer a wide variety of non-surgical skin tightening options to their clients. These treatments are generally recommended for people who have mild to moderate loose skin. Med spa healthcare professionals can recommend the best treatments after consultations.

There are a wide range of skin tightening options available, but generally they fall into these categories:

Ultrasound Skin Tightening

With this type of treatment, ultrasound waves are targeted just under the skin to help the body increase collagen production which helps the skin become firmer. This type of treatment is effective and safe.

Pain: Patients can expect to feel slight discomfort during treatment.

Treatment length: Between 30 to 90 minutes.

Recovery time: None

Side effects: Mild side effects may include slight bruising, temporary numbness, and redness.

Results: It takes approximately two to three months for results to be visible, but ultrasound treatments can last for up to a year.

Radiofrequency Treatments

Similar to ultrasound, radiofrequency also uses targeted heat to increase the body’s collagen production in specific areas. Radiofrequency treatments are thought to give smoother results than ultrasound. These treatments require two to six treatments for best results.

Pain: Very mild with the possibility of slight discomfort.

Treatment length: Between 30 and 45 minutes

Recovery time: None

Side effects: Temporary redness, tingling, and slight swelling.

Results: Noticeable results can take a few months

Intense Pulsed Light Treatments

Intense pulsed light treatments, also known as IPL or photofacials, are often combined with radiofrequency treatments in order to tighten skin and reduce visible skin damage at the same time. IPL is mostly used to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, birthmarks, stretch marks, age spots, fine wrinkles, freckles, scars, and spider veins. When IPL is combined with radiofrequency treatments, patients get all of the benefits from both technologies in one visit to the med spa.

Pain: IPL can slightly sting.

Treatment length: Time depends on the area that is being treated, but sessions typically last for 20 to 30 minutes.

Recovery time: IPL can cause a sunburn-like irritation for approximately four to six hours after treatment.

Results: Skin tightening results take some time to become visible. Repeat treatments may be required for the best results.

Choosing the Best Med Spa

These skin tightening treatments should only be performed by a licensed aesthetician or registered nurse who work under the supervision of a licensed physician. Always look for practitioners who are experienced and highly recommended by others. Most med spas can provide before and after photo albums for potential patients to browse through.

Whether it is to combat aging or to improve skin elasticity after years of sun exposure, choosing a skin tightening procedure can help patients to achieve the look they desire. It is best to consult with a licensed professional to find out which type of treatment they recommend.