Collagen is a vital protein that gives our skin structure and elasticity. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen, resulting in the telltale signs of aging. Accent skin tightening is a safe, easy procedure that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and actually boosts the production of natural collagen. Read on to find out how this revolutionary procedure can make you look years younger.
What is Accent Skin Tightening?
Accent skin tightening is a non-surgical technique that uses laser technology to tighten skin. The laser heats collagen under the skin, which makes skin firmer and more supple. This FDA-approved procedure firms up loose skin on the face, neck, abdomen, breasts, upper arms, and more. Additionally, accent skin tightening actually stimulates growth and absorption of collagen on the treated and surrounding areas, which further enhances your skin’s youthful appearance.
What Can You Expect During the Skin Tightening Procedure?
You should arrive to your appointment with a clean face – no sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup. Before the skin tightening procedure, the technician will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. You’ll be asked to wear protective eyeglasses. Once the procedure begins, the technician will use a handheld laser to briefly pulse the treatment area with infrared light. The device will also emit cool air onto the treatment area for your comfort. The technician may treat the area up to three times for the best results. Expect your appointment to take 30 minutes to an hour.
For optimal results, you’ll likely need three separate sessions spaced about a month apart. With accent skin tightening, there’s no downtime, which means you can return to your normal activities immediately after a session.
How Soon Will I See Results?
You’ll notice immediate results after your first skin tightening procedure. As you follow up with more appointments and your natural collagen production is stimulated, you’re likely to see the most optimal results three to four months after you begin treatment. Depending on the location of the treatment area and the degree of skin laxity at the beginning of treatment, many patients will schedule a yearly maintenance appointment to keep the area looking its best.
What Are the Side Effects?
Side effects are minimal with laser skin tightening. Usual complaints consist of minor redness or swelling at the treatment site, but these side effects subside within a day or two. Patients who are more sensitive to the laser may opt to take an over the counter pain reliever prior to the procedure. In extremely rare cases, patients have reported blistering, bruising, and a change in the pigment in the treatment area.
How Does Laser Skin Tightening Compare to Other Skin Smoothing Options?
Because laser skin tightening is non-invasive, results are less noticeable than for facelifts or skin resurfacing. Skin resurfacing also uses a laser, but it penetrates skin more deeply by removing several layers of skin to remove wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, and other cosmetic imperfections. Since it breaks the skin, skin resurfacing requires up to three weeks of healing time and wound care for optimal results.
If you’d like to find out if accent skin tightening is right for you, provide your information in the “Request an Appointment” link on this page to set up a consultation with one of the physicians of Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists. We have seven convenient locations in south Florida to serve you.