Laser Skin Tightening

Skin tightening is the cosmetic method advocated for removing unwanted fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging. You can apply anti wrinkle creams that are specifically formulated with antioxidants to help treat wrinkles. Other methods that are used to tighten skin include chemical peeling, surgical facelift, laser and radio wave techniques. Of these, the latest fad is laser skin tightening, which is done with the help of laser beams and radio waves. Promoted as a minimally invasive technique to get rid of aging lines, many people keep wondering 'does laser skin tightening work or not?'

Laser Skin Tightening: Procedure

Similar to any cosmetic surgery, a candidate of laser skin tightening needs to undergo certain preparatory steps before undergoing the actual process. The cosmetic surgeon may instruct you to avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least 21 - 28 days prior to the procedure. This seems impossible for most people, as you cannot stop going out in the sun for so many days. Hence, a better alternative to apply a good quality sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30. Also, you may be advised to stop applying lotions, specifically vitamin A based skin creams, one day before conducting laser skin tightening.

During the laser skin tightening procedure, the surgeon first cleans the skin, remove any makeup or adhering oils. Protective eye wear is placed over the eyes and a topical anesthetic is given locally. The surgeon then glides a laser machine over the wrinkled areas, which emits high intensity light and cool air at the same time. The light generates a controlled heat that helps revitalizes the collagen fibers in the deeper skin layers; while the cool air protects the skin epidermis from burning. The overall process promotes increased collagen formation and results in a younger looking skin.

Laser Skin Tightening: Benefits and Side Effects

Laser skin tightening side effects are not too serious. On the contrary, a tightened facial skin with a youthful look is achieved instantly after the procedure. As soon as the session is over, the laser treated skin areas turn reddish with a slightly warm feeling. Other mild adverse effects are change in pigmentation and localized bruising. However, these skin conditions subside gradually within a few hours or days.

Frequently performed laser skin tightening sites are face, hands and stomach. In the face, forehead, areas around the mouth and eyes are tightened with the help of laser technique. In most of the laser skin tightening cases, patients do not experience painful complications. But, if you have a very sensitive skin, taking pain relief medicine will be helpful. Applying sunscreen with a recommended SPF factor is imperative to protect the treated areas from harmful sunrays.

Frankly speaking, the major drawback with laser skin tightening is a very high charge per treatment session. The exact cost may vary based on the patient's skin condition, skin size to be treated and number of treatments required to get rid of wrinkles completely. The average laser skin tightening cost is approximately USD 500 - US 3500 per session. In order to get effective results, the candidate may require to undergo 3 - 4 procedures with a gap of one month between two sessions.

Taken at a glance, laser skin tightening is a much simpler method than the traditional facelift or tummy tuck methods. Besides removing aging lines, laser skin tightening is effective to reduce loose hanging skin developed after quick weight loss.