In some cases, with new technology, it is possible to tighten sagging or wrinkled skin — without undergoing surgery.
There is a new crop of skin tightening procedures that heat the deeper layer of the skin (the dermis) in order to encourage increased collagen production and remodeling of existing collagen. Supportive underlying tissues of the skin contract, resulting in a tighter, more uplifted appearance to the skin. Tthe two treatments that are best known are Thermage and Titan.
Keep in mind that these procedures are not meant to deliver the exact same results as a surgical face lift. You cannot expect to erase 15-20 years with non-invasive tissue tightening. And results vary from patient to patient due to differences in skin thickness and texture, healing response, and lifestyle variables.
I recommend these procedures most for younger patients to stave off more invasive procedures, or for those patients for whom surgery is not an option. Skin-tightening procedures seem to work best in patients who have thin faces who don’t quite yet need a facelift and want to put it off for a few years.
These treatments have been used with success on the face and areas of the body. Some of the most dramatic results have been seen in the area of the neck and jaw line. However, these treatments are also showing some promising results on sagging skin on the abdomen, upper arms, butt, and thighs, and seem to offer some help with diminishing the appearance of cellulite as well.
Since dermal collagen remodeling takes place over time, you cannot expect to see the final result until up to six months following your final session (number of required sessions vary). This means that patients may be able to expect to see some immediate results, with improvements continuing for up to six months following the procedure.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office manager, Ann Carbone at 201-261-7550.