FAQ

From the limited research on the subject, noninvasive skin tightening therapies do work. While you won’t receive as dramatic results as surgical intervention, these treatments are an alternative to surgery.

Moreover, one 2015 review of radiofrequency (RF) methods concluded that 96% of studies showed RF skin tightening achieved visible and significant results. Another promising study found that RF therapy was an efficient way to remove facial wrinkling and lines.

You will experience results after 3 treatments. One study showed that participants had a high-satisfaction rating.

Side effects are usually mild to moderate, and may include some swelling, redness, tingling, bruising, and soreness. In rare instances, the skin may burn. By having skin tightening performed by a trained or licensed practitioner, you greatly reduce serious complications.

Costs depend on the treatment you elect, the number of appointments or sessions, and how many skin areas you plan to target

While the aforementioned non-invasive treatments are often chosen for tightening the skin, you can still tighten saggy skin, or skin that does not respond well to less invasive options. Other alternatives include liposuction, tummy tucks, and face or brow lifts. What you decide on will be based on your overall goals, budget, and the recommendations of your plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

No. These treatments fall under the category of cosmetic procedures, and therefore are not covered by health or medical insurance. However, you can arrange financing with some doctors to cover the costs.

These treatments are primarily used to get rid of discoloration, firm the skin, and reduce the looks of fine lines, wrinkles, or minor skin flaws.

Chemical peels make it possible for the damaged outer layer of skin to be removed. Peels smooth the skin and give it a more radiant glow. Patients can choose to get a peel that is light to deep, depending on their specific skin condition. A combination of chemicals is used and applied to the skin. The peel, when dried, is “peeled” off to remove the dull top layer of skin. If the peel is a deep peel, the patient may be put under sedation and an anesthetic applied.

Ablative laser treatments, which include the use of Erbium or CO2 (fully ablative or fractional lasers), are used to remove the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin and promote the growth of youth-reviving collagen. This therapy is often used to remove fine lines and wrinkles.

Mechanical abrasion is another term for dermabrasion or micro-dermabrasion therapy. It may also refer to a process known as dermaplaning. Any of these skin care modalities represent skin scraping methods, meant to soften the skin’s surface and treat dermatological irregularities.