Skin tightening is becoming a potent factor in giving skin a youthful appearance. Among patients fo Dr. Kenneth Thompson, the questions and considerations are usually the same, but the answers lead to many choosing procedures that include tightening. Both surgical and non-surgical options are out there and most work with those who have underlying conditions that might otherwise not make them a candidate for this sort of skincare.
Surgical Procedures
A face-lift is a surgical way to tighten the skin on the face; with an incision, the skin is pulled with extra skin being cut away. It takes care of all the areas of the face like the jowls or a double chin. This surgery is done under general anesthesia, there will be bruising and swelling but recovery time is usually several weeks.
The abdomen is targeted with a tummy tuck; during a tummy tuck the skin is tightened by getting rid of any extra skin and fat. It can take two to three hours and is done with general anesthesia. There may be a tube for drainage of fluids that are left for a little while afterward. An abdominal binder will need to be worn for at least six weeks; for several weeks a patient should not strain the area of the incision.
With a lower body lift the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks have the skin tightened. Extra skin is removed and the areas have a smoother look. The patient will be under general anesthesia and the lift starts with the patient on their stomach as the buttocks are taken care of first. Then they will be moved to their back to complete the surgery. For this procedure, there is a required hospital stay of at least one night and activities should be on a limited basis for several weeks. It might be several months before a patient can see the most change.
Non-Surgical Options
Ultrasound will cause the skin to heat up and this procedure helps in producing more collagen while causing the skin to firm. The ultrasound device is handheld will in use with these treatments lasting between 60 to 90 minutes, final results are usually seen in several months. There can be some redness or bruising in the area, so those with skin conditions should be cautious about its use.
With IPL/RF or intense pulsed light radio frequency, much like ultrasound heat, causes collagen production. The intense pulsed light reaches deeper layers to achieve any lasting effect on the selected areas. This treatment requires several sessions. Radiofrequency also uses heat to encourage collagen production. A difference from the ultrasound concerns how it deals with the epidermal layers. The procedure is done in an office, for subdermal treatment there is an incision. To get the best from this procedure, there may be up to six treatments under a doctor’s care.
Creams or lotions offer little or no help. They mostly moisturize the skin allowing it to appear plumper. Those that contain retinol work with the body to add collagen but still provide less of a chance than doctor-recommended procedures. Only a minute change can be seen by the user and it diminishes as soon as a patient ceases using the product.
