How do skin-tightening devices work?
Posted Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Noninvasive and doctor-administered, skin tighteners are machines that employ one of two types of energy, radiofrequency or infrared light, to tighten the skin by heating the dermis. This causes inflammation and a small injury, which makes existing collagen contract and new collagen to be produced.
While there are a variety of different brand names, all skin tighteners utilize at least one of the aforementioned technologies.
Historically, plastic surgeons and dermatologists observed that ablative lasers tightened the skin. From there, a whole crop of nonablative skin-tightening machines hit the market. CO2 lasers were found to tighten the skin to some degree, but potential scarring, increased thermal damage and a prolonged healing period made them an undesirable option for the body.
Most modern-day devices are targeted strictly at tightening without damage to the outer layer of skin, with no downtime. Other current devices make small wounds in the skin, leaving the surrounding skin intact, with longer healing.
Keep in mind, not all lasers are tightening lasers. Some address acne, hair removal or hyperpigmentation; so if you're undergoing one of these treatments, you shouldn't expect tighter skin as an extra benefit.
Have you undergone a tightening treatment? Which one? How were the results? Share your experience by leaving a comment below.
Tags: CO2, collagen, firming, infrared, laser, light, procedure, radio frequency, thermal, treatment