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Understanding Laser Skin Tightening
Laser skin tightening is a non-invasive approach to minimize wrinkles and preserve the skin’s youthful appearance. The term refers to several methods that may be used to achieve this effect, all of which employ a laser light to induce changes in the skin’s structure. With these changes, the surface gradually becomes tighter or firmer, pulling itself taut, and thus becoming less sagged or wrinkled. Do You Need It? Laser skin tightening is an elective procedure, and therefore it is not required for any medical condition. However, a patient may opt to have it done for many situations in which a smoother, firmer appearance is desired. An example is the patient has a sagging neck, arms, or buttocks. Another situation is when the abdomen has become wrinkled, such as after pregnancy. In addition, it may be used when a cellulite patch needs to be hidden or made less noticeable. Moreover, of course, it can firm up the area around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and mouth. How It Works As mentioned previously, there are several laser skin tightening systems available in today’s treatment centers. They differ by the amount of energy they deliver to the desired area, their penetrating power, and their exposure time. Some systems also employ a separate method, such as radiofrequency, to enhance the tightening effect and reduce the patient’s downtime. However, virtually all presently available systems work primarily by affecting the skin’s collagen. It is done this way because collagen is the main connective tissue protein found in the skin. In addition, there, collagen exists as a fiber-like structure, which connects and intertwines with one another similar to bundles of rope. This arrangement is what originally makes the skin firm and elastic. However, as a person grows older or becomes more obese, the collagen gradually loses this tight arrangement, and the skin begins to fold over, creating wrinkles and sagging. With the application of low levels of laser energy, the collagen is heated to the point that it begins to contract, and the remaining energy stimulates the longer-term production of new collagen fibers. Therefore, the patient would immediately feel a tightening effect right after the procedure, coming from the contracted collagen, and after a few days to a few weeks, even more tightening and smoothening will occur as new collagen fibers are laid down. What Are the Risks & Complications? Laser skin tightening does not carry risks similar to a surgical procedure. However, because of the effects of the laser and heat, some patients may experience a certain degree of swelling, redness, bruising, and even blistering. There may also be some pigmentation changes due to the effect of the laser on melanin. However, the incidence of all these is much less than more conventional treatments, and to date, there have been no reports of serious complications. Effectiveness The immediate effect of the procedure is noticeable by most patients, but it is minimal compared to a surgical approach. However, as new collagen is produced (typically after several months) following treatment, a significant change will eventually be noted. Most patients attain the maximum effect after one year. After that, the changes will last for several months, before requiring follow-up sessions in order to preserve the results. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Author is expert for hair transplant and hair restoration in Boston. Follow the links to more about him. |
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