If you want to instantly lift and tighten your skin without going under the knife, you might be happy to learn about non-surgical skin tightening Arlington treatments. Generally, non-surgical skin tightening procedures use targeted energy to heat deep layers of skin, stimulating collagen and elastic production and gradually improving skin tone and texture. Some treatments also affect fibrous tissue to minimize the appearance of cellulite.

There are several FDA-approved skin tightening treatments and technologies in the market, and each uses a unique mechanism to achieve desired outcomes. Read on to learn more about non-surgical skin tightening and the different options.

Why consider non-surgical skin tightening treatments?

Collagen and elastin are natural proteins that help your skin stay plump, firm, and smooth. As you age, the production of these proteins declines, resulting in areas of lax, sagging skin on your face, neck, and body. If you are unhappy or bothered with the skin laxity, non-surgical skin tightening can restore a firmer and more youthful appearance with minimal discomfort and no downtime.

Am I eligible for non-surgical skin tightening?

Non-surgical skin tightening treatments work best for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who don’t need skin removal and dramatic results possible with cosmetic surgery. Although very few side effects are associated with non-surgical skin tightening, these procedures may not be appropriate for patients who take certain medications, have certain medical conditions, or are pregnant.

The best way to establish your eligibility for skin tightening treatments is to consult an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Ensure you are working with a surgeon who’s board certified and has undergone extensive training in surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Below are examples of the most common non-surgical skin tightening treatments and technologies

Ultrasound skin tightening

As evident in the name, this skin tightening treatment uses focused ultrasound energy to heat skin at specific depths and locations to trigger collagen production. The procedure involves using a handheld device that transmits ultrasound waves through your skin’s surface. Healthcare providers have used ultrasound technology for years, and ultrasound skin tightening has an excellent safety profile.

Radiofrequency treatments

Radiofrequency energy can also heat the skin, but unlike ultrasound, radiofrequency treatments focus on the epidermal layer to achieve a firmer and smoother appearance. Like ultrasound treatments, radiofrequency treatments are effective in older patients who want to smoothen and tighten the skin; Younger patients can also use radiofrequency treatments to postpone the need for a surgical list.

Combined IPL and RF treatments

This third class of skin tightening treatments combines intense pulsed light with radiofrequency to heat the skin’s deeper layers and induce the natural healing response. Adding IPL allows for treating an extensive skin area and various skin conditions, while RF energy focuses on treating deep layers of skin. Combined non-surgical skin tightening treatments are usually effective as they treat multiple concerns in one procedure. Your provider may recommend a series of treatments to achieve desired results.

If you have questions about non-surgical skin tightening, consult your provider at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center.