Non-surgical skin tightening procedures are used to improve the appearance of sagging, aging skin and are performed in the office of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They work by using heat or chemical means to stimulate the deeper layers of the skin and increase the production of collagen.
Thermage
During the Thermage skin tightening procedure, a doctor uses a handheld device to apply laser heat that is targeted to the deeper layers of the skin. As there is some discomfort associated with the procedure, a cooling mist is applied to each area as it is treated. The heat stimulates the skin to produce collagen, and patients may expect to see modest immediate results and continued improvement as collegen is rebuilt over the next several weeks. Thermage treatments can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending upon the size of the treatment area.
ReFirme
ReFirme is similar to Thermage, but uses a slightly different type of frequency and light, termed 'Elos' technology. With ReFirme, there is no downtime and little to no discomfort; however, in order to see optimal results, the patient must return for three to five follow-up sessions. According to the manufacturer's website, Elos technology, "features the revolutionary Elos combination of Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Light energies to precisely heat the dermal tissue within the targeted treatment area." The skin around the treatment area is not affected, and there is no special skin care protocol after each treatment.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is the most invasive of the non-surgical skin-tightening options, but can have dramatic effects for those with acne scars, fine wrinkles and sagging skin. Treatment does not require general anesthesia, but is generally performed under IV sedation. A carbon dioxide laser is applied to the targeted areas to precisely remove outer layers of damaged skin, which reveals new, fresher skin. During a recovery period of four to seven days, skin will be red and weepy, and patients can expect some discomfort. Follow-up treatments are not necessary, but the patient must follow a meticulous aftercare routine for the first few weeks after the procedure to ensure complications such as an infection due not occur.
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