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Skin Tightening Procedures
Kalpana Kumari
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There are both surgical and non-surgical options for tightening sagging skin. Nowadays, most people prefer non-invasive skin tightening procedures since they are effective and have very less side effects.
Wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines are some of the signs of aging that everyone is well aware of. But, sagging, loose facial skin is what makes a person look older than his/her age. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and it becomes more fragile. Due to the decrease in the production of collagen, skin starts to sag.
This sagging of skin is noticeable around the jawline and under the eyes. There are many skin tightening procedures that a person can opt for. Surgical option like facelift is usually recommended for people who have pronounced skin sagging.
Non-invasive procedures like Thermage and Fraxel Laser are also quite effective in recontouring the face and tightening skin.
Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Options
Thermage
Thermage is a non-invasive procedure which aims at tightening the skin, restoring the facial contours, and building healthier collagen. It is commonly known as non-surgical facelift. It is not a laser or light based treatment. Rather, thermage makes use of a powerful radio frequency (RF).
RF warms up the skin and naturally provides collagen to the uppermost layer called epidermis. Unlike some other procedures, a single sitting is effective in tightening skin. Thermage is effective for treating sagging skin, loose jowls, wrinkles, lack of definition along the jawline, under eye bags, sagging neck, and hooded eyes.
Fraxel Laser
Fraxel laser is a resurfacing technology for the epidermis layer of the skin to treat wrinkles and photo aging due to sun damage. It is most commonly used for tightening of the skin which has mild to moderate wrinkles. Fraxel laser usually takes place in several sessions.
The result is noticeable only after 3 - 4 sessions. Each session of Fraxel laser treatment takes around 15 - 45 minutes. The skin becomes red and swollen and remains as such for the next two to three days. The cosmetologist administers a topical anesthetic to the area to be treated. Numbing of the skin allows minimum discomfort during the procedure.
Titan Skin Tightening
Titan is another example of non-invasive skin tightening procedures. It makes use of a laser device to tighten the wrinkled and sagging skin. The laser stimulates the collagen remodeling in the middle layer of the skin called dermis. In the Titan skin procedure, an infrared device is used to deliver heat on the dermis of the skin.
It causes contraction of collagen. As a result, the skin looks tightened and lifted. The heat also stimulates the formation of fibroblasts which give rise to collagen. Thus, the procedure promises continuous skin tightening over time. The procedure can be done on any part of the body which is suffering from skin laxity.
Sculptra
Sculptra is a form of non-surgical skin tightening procedure. It is described as the long-lasting dermal filler which is excellent for removing wrinkles. Sculptra also increases volume in hollow areas and tightens loose sagging skin. It is known to be an excellent non-invasive alternative to procedures like facelifts.
It reverses the signs of aging skin to some extent. The effect of injectable fillers are noticeable only after a few months. However, the result lasts as long as 4 years.
Surgical Skin Tightening
Surgical skin tightening is also known as facelift and it is one of the most effective ways of reducing the signs of aging. In this procedure, incisions are made in front and behind the ears and the excess fat is suctioned off. This surgery is generally done under general or local anesthesia.
Post-operation, some degree of swelling and discoloration is seen which usually subsides in a few weeks. Scars due to incisions fade away in four to six months. Before undertaking a facelift surgery, it is important that you discuss the risks and side effects involved in this procedure with your surgeon.
It is important to remember that non-invasive procedures for skin tightening will not give the same results as a facelift. Before opting for any skin tightening procedures, it is best that you consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist.