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Skin Tightening

Non Surgical Skin Tightening

Non surgical skin tightening is based on the skin’s response to heat.

The introduction of laser or RF (radio frequency) energy to the skin, both on a surface and deep level basis, affect the collagen in the skin.

Young skin has tightly coiled collagen fibers. Aging skin has looser, more disorganized collagen when translates to more flaccid skin tone and laxity.



Skin Laxity - Computer Generated

Thermage, though not a replacement for surgical lift procedures, does provide some level of collagen re-organization in the skin through the use of radio frequency energy. Although patients seldom see exaggerated response, about 60% of patients are satisfied with the firming effects – moreso in the eye area and jowls. Thermage has application to the face, neck, eye area, arms, thighs, tummy and buttocks. Realistic expectations are in order. Thermage is a consideration for anyone who is interested in skin tightening but does not want to consider surgery or is not willing to experience any downtime.

MiXto Laser, a carbon dioxide fractional laser, has some minimal skin tightening effect along with surface improvements. Part of this effect is from the vaporization of tiny columns of skin tissue. This reduction in skin surface area and the resultant heat-induced collagen shrinkage is what creates the firmer facial contours.

Sciton Laser, if performed as a full thickness resurfacing procedure, will induce an overall smooth tightening effect along with dramatic improvements in the skin surface. These treatments are generally considered surgical as there is specific post treatment care and some associated downtime. Dr. Sikorski may elect to combine MiXto and Sciton for both full surface improvement and deeper tightening. This combination does not increase downtime but is showing more pronounced overall improvement in skin firmness and appearance.

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