Laser Skin Tightening

What is the function of collagen in the skin?

Our skin is supported by several forms of connective tissue that are held in place by a network of protein fibers called collagen. More than 28 different types of collagen are found in the body and are required to build new cellular structures (like skin) and to repair damage. Types I, III, and IV are critical to the health and appearance of your skin. Studies have demonstrated that, at around the age of twenty-five, we begin to lose collagen at the rate of 1.5% each year. Most people will lose 50% of their facial collagen levels by the age of sixty. The remaining collagen is subject to various types of damage that stretch and loosen the fibers. When this occurs, our connective tissues lose their support and our skin begins to sag and wrinkle.

What is Laser Skin Tightening?

Lasers tighten lax skin by emitting a beam of light that penetrates the surface of the skin and deposits sufficient heat deep into the dermis to contract and remodel the existing collagen fibers while stimulating the growth of new collagen. Contracting and remodeling the existing collagen tightens the skin support while new collagen plumps and firms the tissues below the surface of the skin. It is imperative that the laser is designed for skin tightening. Many general purpose cosmetic lasers emit light at frequencies that are unable to penetrate the skin to the necessary depth without burning the surface of the skin. As a result, they are unable to deposit enough heat into the deeper dermis to significantly affect existing collagen or to stimulate new collagen growth.

Thirty minutes prior to the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the treatment area. During the treatment, you will be asked to put on protective eyewear. The laser handpiece is placed against the skin and a short pulse of light is released. At the same time, a small jet of cryogen (extremely cold gas) is released to cool the surface of the skin. The handpiece is moved to the neighboring area and the process is repeated until the entire area has been treated. Most clients describe the sensation of the pulses as intense, diffuse heat accompanied by a slight tingling or stinging.

The purpose of the treatment is to deposit a large amount of heat into the dermis and most clients will notice that their skin remains very warm for several hours after the procedure. This is a good thing and you should not attempt to cool the area more than is necessary for comfort.

Who are the best candidates for Laser Skin Tightening?

If the laser is designed for skin tightening, people of all skin types and colors will respond well to the treatments. Equally important are the amounts of existing collagen and fibroblasts (collagen producing cells) in the treatment area. Clients with very little existing collagen essentially have nothing to tighten and will see less improvement. Low levels of fibroblasts mean that less new collagen will be produced in the weeks following each treatment. Other procedures that do not depend on collagen growth can often be used for these clients to reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture.

People with connective tissue diseases (lupus, cutis laxa, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, scleroderma, etc) should consult a physician to determine if Laser Skin Tightening is appropriate for their condition.

What equipment does Skin Care By Design use for Laser Skin Tightening?

We use the Candela GentleYAG, an Nd:YAG 1064nm laser designed for skin tightening. This laser has adjustable power levels and spot sizes that allow us to tailor treatments to your exact needs.

Several studies presented to the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery concluded that the GentleYAG tightens skin better than radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) devices such as Thermage® without the need for sedation. The computer controlled cryogen coolant spray provides the most comfortable treatment of any laser today and is far superior to coolant gels or contact chilled tips.View Candela GentleYAG

What results can you expect?

A series of treatments will reduce or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, tighten sagging skin folds, and generate new collagen to provide firmer, more youthful skin. It is not possible to regain all of the collagen lost to the aging process but significant, realistic improvement should occur.

How many treatments do you need?

While individual treatments will provide incremental improvement, we recommend a series of six treatments at four week intervals for optimal results. Following this schedule allows each treatment to reinforce and amplify the benefits of the earlier treatments.

Things you should know.

Side effects are rare and limited to the treatment sites. They include the possibility of mild burns or blistering and discomfort during the procedure. There should be little or no discomfort after the treatment is completed.

Sun exposure during the week prior to a Laser Skin Tightening treatment increases the possibility of the treatment producing burns. UV radiation partially burns your skin (even if you don't notice it) and makes it more sensitive to the laser energy. Laser treatments should not be performed if you have taken Accutane within the past twelve months.

Clients should avoid exposing the treatment area to direct sunlight or high heat (saunas, hot tubs, etc) for twelve hours after the procedure as this could cause discomfort.

How much time is required?

Each appointment is for one hour. The first 20-30 minutes is used to apply the topical anesthetic and allow it to take effect. The remaining time is used for the actual skin tightening procedure.

How much does it cost?

Each treatment includes the full face and neck. We do not treat these areas separately because clients have found that improvements to one area tend to emphasize the uncorrected flaws of the adjoining area.

Individual treatments are $250 and a package of six treatments is $1,200, a discount of 20%.

Before and After Pictures.

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