Skin Tightening has been a sought after treatment especially for tightening the skin on the lower face and neck for some time. Traditionally, this has been accomplished with ablative laser treatments or even Deep chemical peels that require prolonged down time and can carry a risk of scarring or infection.
As treatments have evolved, the focus of aesthetic medical technology over the last several years has been on a means of rejuvenating the skin on the face and neck without this prolonged ‘downtime’, or risk of scarring. This is often referred to as non-invasive collagen remodeling.
With quick, comfortable treatments that last just 20-40 minutes, offering zero downtime, non-surgical skin tightening in Asheville has become a popular way for our patients to enhance their appearance and self-confidence without taking time for surgery and the associated recovery.
Although this Skin Tightening has been a popular way to improve your appearance, you may wonder, is it safe?
In short, yes–as long as you choose an experienced provider, and a location owned and directed by a Board Certified Medical Doctor, who offers FDA cleared technologies. However, the more you know, the better choices you can make about your treatment options, so we’ve explored this question in greater detail below.
How does the ND Yag Laser from Candela tighten skin?
Laser light has the capacity to produce heat–and while each brand-name application uses a slightly different technology, all laser tightening treatments work by heating the skin’s deeper layers to induce new collagen and elastin production and encourage cell turnover, helping skin become firmer, thicker and more youthful-looking.
An advantage of using the ND Yag Laser to heat tissues, as opposed to other treatments designed to stimulate dermal collagen production (Titan, Fraxel, etc) is that it has no downtime and has very little risk of scarring. These other treatments are more aggressive in nature, however none have been demonstrated to be as effective as the Candela GentleYAG. The GentleYAG has more watts of power than any other skin tightening laser, and is therefore more effective in generating new collagen. The Laser Skin Tightening treatment protocols which we use at Harpe Laser and Wellness, have been shown to be effective and are used in medical offices and medical spas around the country and around the world. Moreover, this laser can safely treat more patients with different skin tones without risking permanent discoloration.
Of course, the safety and efficacy of non-surgical skin tightening or any treatment depends on the experience and skill of the person providing that treatment (more on that later).
Will I have to take time from work or my children to recover?
No. An average treatment for the face and neck takes only approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Because the heat is being delivered to the lower dermis, there is usually only mild redness seen afterward, and this normally subsides within the hour. Most clients can go directly back to work or back to their daily routine. The only precaution is that proper sun block needs to be applied daily and direct sun exposure avoided as laser treatments make the skin more photosensitive. Side effects are typically minimal and short-lived, limited to mild and temporary swelling, redness, and tingling, depending on the treatment you select. Our laser skin tightening treatments can also be performed safely in tandem with injectables, microneedling, or other minimally-invasive treatments. Along with effectively lifting and tightening tissues without the downtime that is commonly associated with surgery, one of the greatest benefits of laser treatments, when performed correctly by Harpe Laser & Wellness, is that post-procedure recovery is very quick and easy.
Always choose a qualified provider for non-surgical skin tightening in Asheville
As low-risk, convenient, and effective as these laser treatments are, one should apply the same level of scrutiny in choosing a provider for non-surgical skin tightening treatments in Asheville as you would for cosmetic surgery. Like any concentrated dose of energy, laser carries a risk for burns if performed incorrectly. There is no substitute for experience when it comes to non-surgical laser procedures and the staff at Harpe Laser + Wellness has plenty of it. You can almost completely mitigate this risk by choosing a provider who has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in cosmetic laser and energy treatments, and specific training and experience in the treatment application you are considering.
Be sure to ask a provider how many years they have performed laser treatments you are considering for your specific issue and skin type. There should also be a consultation prior to the treatment by a Board Certified MD to assess if you are a good candidate for the procedure. This is one of the many ways that the experienced medical staff at Harpe Laser + Wellness will help you feel comfortable and confident in your decision to get your skin tightening treatments at our Asheville or Hendersonville locations.
Call 828.435.2352 to schedule your appointment today!