Once upon a time, having tighter skin meant plastic surgery for mature patients. Your only alternatives were facelift-type procedures to draw up and remove loose skin. While that is still a viable option in some cases, modern dermatology now offers skin firming solutions that are non-surgical and non-invasive; with minimal discomfort and little or no social downtime.
What is skin tightening?
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body. The main form of collagen (accounting for 90% of it) is made of densely packed fibers. These fibers provide the underlying support structure for our skin, along with tendons, cartilage, connective tissue, teeth, and bones.
The problem is collagen production. After our 20th birthday, our body produces one additional percentage point less collagen every year. That means by the time we turn 50 our body has 30 percent less collagen to work with. That’s why our skin sags, droops and allows the formation of lines and creases. It also allows areas such as our cheeks to flatten and sag.
The concept behind various non-invasive skin tightening procedures is to kick start new collagen production to firm and thicken the skin, erasing lines and wrinkles, and rebuilding new skin.
To do so, skin tightening treatments seek to create heat in the lower dermis layer of the skin. This is the skin’s second layer, between the outer epidermis and the lower fat layer. The dermis is where collagen works to create latticework support for the skin. When the ultrasound energy of Ultherapy penetrates the epidermis and enters the dermis both energies instantly convert to heat. When the body senses heat in the dermis, it assumes there has been a wound. It responds with a wound-healing mechanism to heal the perceived wound, although there has not been any actual wound at all. This healing mechanism is to remodel the existing collagen in the treatment area, instantly firming the skin. But the real changes come from the initiation of the production of new collagen. This continues for 3-4 months and its firms thicken and improve the skin.
Who is a good candidate for skin tightening at Bucay?
Pretty much anyone over the age of 40 is a great candidate. That’s because at that point in life our skin is showing the sagging and development of lines and wrinkles that are a result of declining collagen production. These are completely non-invasive treatments that don’t require any recovery time. If you have been thinking you could use the benefits of a facelift but aren’t interested in surgery, Ultherapy could be great treatments for you. Laser Genesis would also be an option.
Personalized Skin Care
After a patient consultation to understand your areas of concern and a thorough analysis of your skin type, we’ll recommend an individualized program to give your face youthful lift without the need for general anesthesia, cutting, stitches, or several weeks of hibernation while you heal.
We’ll start with skincare products that are well suited to your complexion to avoid the possibility of aggravating oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Possibly, all you need for a more youthful look is the right regimen to firm and tone. If a bit more attention is in order to get you looking your best, we have several options such as Ultherapy.
What is the best skin tightening treatment?
At Bucay Center for Dermatology, we have a variety of skin tightening treatments, including Ultherapy and Laser Genesis among them. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of each. Depending upon your skin issues, we’ll be able to recommend the best option for you.
Ultherapy Skin Tightening & Lifting
Ultherapy™ uses focused ultrasound technology to visualize and to treat the deep structures that support the skin. It is this ability to visualize and then target specific areas to be treated that sets Ultherapy apart. The visible tightening and lifting that develop over the 3 to 6 months after treatment are due to the effects of the ultrasound energy on the superficial muscular layer along with an increase in collagen production in the deep layers of skin.
Ultherapy Skin Tightening Before and After
Non-Surgical Skin Tightening
Does having firmer facial contour, without surgery, sound like a fairytale? Ultherapy provides enhancement that is gradual and natural-looking. They can be used alone or in combination with resurfacing procedures to remove age spots, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve exterior skin tone and texture. They are an excellent complement to Sculptra Aesthetic, which restores facial volume lost due to aging. Dr. Vivian Bucay’s training, technology, and artistic skill make it a dream come true. Call today to learn more about our skin tightening techniques.
How long will my skin tightening results last?
The new collagen that is created with these treatments is permanent. But that’s not the problem. Your body continues to create less collagen each year. So, the increases in collagen you gain with our skin tightening treatments are countered by the continuing natural decline. That’s why we recommend a series of initial treatments to boost your collagen production. From there, you can count on results lasting about one year. Maintenance treatments once every 6 or 12 months are a good idea to keep the collagen production elevated moving forward.
Is there recovery time with these skin tightening treatments?
As mentioned above, these are completely non-invasive treatments. There isn’t any downtime or recovery necessary. You can get right back to your normal activities immediately after your session.
Are there any side effects with these treatments?
Ultrasound and radiofrequency energy are well tolerated by the human body. Both forms of energy are used throughout medicine for various uses, such as prenatal imaging.
After your treatment, your skin will appear flushed, but this passes in just a few hours. You may have some slight tingling, swelling, or tenderness across the treated areas, but this also passes quickly. These are safe, effective treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Areas of the Face and Neck Can Be Treated With Ultherapy?
Ultherapy can address areas where declining collagen has contributed to skin laxity and loss of firmness. Dr. Bucay evaluates your skin, areas of concern, and degree of laxity to determine where treatment can provide the most appropriate improvement.
Can Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Help With a Sagging Jawline?
Non-surgical skin tightening may improve facial contours when sagging is related to declining collagen and skin laxity. Ultherapy stimulates new collagen production to gradually firm and lift the skin, with results depending on the degree of laxity present.
How Soon Will I Notice Skin Tightening Results?
Ultherapy produces gradual improvement rather than an immediate transformation. Collagen production continues after treatment, with visible tightening and lifting developing over approximately three to six months.
How Do I Know if My Skin Is Too Loose for Non-Surgical Skin Tightening?
Non-surgical treatments can be a good option for patients who want firmer skin without surgery, but they cannot provide the same degree of correction as a facelift. Dr. Bucay evaluates your skin and concerns to determine whether a non-invasive treatment can provide the improvement you want.
Does Skin Tightening Change Facial Volume?
Skin tightening primarily works by stimulating and remodeling collagen to improve firmness and support. If age-related volume loss is also a concern, a treatment such as Sculptra may restore facial volume as part of a more comprehensive approach.
What Is the Difference Between Skin Tightening and Facial Resurfacing?
Skin tightening treatments such as Ultherapy work beneath the skin to stimulate collagen and improve firmness and lift. Resurfacing procedures focus more on surface concerns, such as age spots, fine lines, and uneven tone or texture.
Can Ultherapy Be Combined With Sculptra for Skin Laxity and Volume Loss?
Yes. Ultherapy and Sculptra can complement each other when both skin laxity and age-related volume loss are concerns. Ultherapy focuses on tightening and lifting through collagen stimulation, while Sculptra helps restore facial volume lost with aging.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Bucay has been my dermatologist for approximately 10 years. She’s an awesome doctor that understands my needs as well as educating me on my skin. In addition to her professional services, her staff is outstanding! I love each one of them at La Casita ♥️ Thanks to her for the compliments I receive on my skin."
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re interested in learning more about skin tightening please contact us for a consultation. To reach our La Casita location call 210.692.3000, to reach our Stone Oak location call 210.370.9995 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
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