Combat Face and Neck Skin Laxity with These Four Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Treatments
Through the aging process, the decreased production of essential building blocks in our skin such as collagen and hyaluronic acid can sap the skin of its youthful tightness, thickness, and elasticity, leaving us with wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin. And as busy mothers, it can be a challenge to set aside the time, energy, and expense needed to go through and recover from a surgical procedure.
But with technological advances in cosmetic dermatology, there are a number of very effective skin tightening treatments out there that are minimally invasive, relatively affordable, and require little to no dedicated aftercare or downtime. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain, founder of Germain Dermatology, lists the most popular skin tightening treatments with her Charleston, SC, clientele.
Ultherapy® is a medical-grade device that is currently the only non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA to lift and tighten skin at the neck, under the chin, and at the eyebrows. It also has additional FDA clearances to correct the appearance of lines and wrinkles at the décolletage.
A portmanteau of the words “ultrasound” and “therapy”, the Ultherapy® device works by emitting focused ultrasound waves to boost the natural production of collagen in those areas and gradually improve the quality of skin over time.
Ultrasound waves have been used in the medical field for more than half a century, further establishing their safety and efficacy exhibited in several successful clinical trials. If this makes you think of the kind of ultrasound imaging used on expecting mothers, you aren’t far off the mark – the modality behind Ultherapy® also allows treatment providers to visualize the layers of tissue being treated to confirm that they are targeting the right areas.
Microneedling is a great option for those who would prefer a completely natural form of skin rejuvenation. It is considered to be one of the most universal treatments in cosmetic dermatology, as it can be used safely and effectively on patients of all skin types and shades, including skin that is thin and sensitive or prone to hyperpigmentation issues.
During the treatment, a special micropen holding a cartridge of 12 evenly spaced microneedles is gently moved across the skin to create vertical, near-invisible perforations (or controlled “micro-injuries”, as Dr. Germain calls them) in the epidermis and top layer of the dermis. This minor injuring process kickstarts the skin’s natural regeneration process to start producing more collagen and elastin to repair these punctures.
The added benefit of microneedling (compared to lasers or other treatments that also boost collagen production) is that the micro-injuries created in the process can also serve as tiny channels that allow topical products to better penetrate the skin than they normally would, allowing them to be much more effective.
One of Dr. Germain’s favorite products to apply during the microneedling process is derived from her patients’ own blood – PRP.
PRP
PRP – also known as the “vampire facial” made popular by celebrities on social media – stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. PRP is a protein-rich fluid derived from blood that has a high concentration of platelets or growth factors (i.e. the cells that allow your blood to form clots to curb bleeding). Besides skin care, PRP is frequently used in plastic surgery, dentistry, and orthopedics to stimulate stem cells, facilitating the regeneration and healing of soft tissues and joints.
For the purpose of skin-related aesthetics, a patient’s blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge to extract the platelet rich plasma, after which it is applied topically or injected into the skin to rejuvenate itself at an accelerated rate. Because PRP is a by-product of the patient’s own blood and contains no additional ingredients, there is virtually no chance of an adverse reaction or rejection.
MicroRF or RF microneedling is just that – a newer form of microneedling with the addition of radiofrequency. MicroRF devices utilize insulated needles whose lengths may be adjusted for varying depths of penetration, depending on each patient’s needs. The needles serve as conduits to transmit radiofrequency energy into the skin, which gently heats the skin to promote collagen production and remodeling.
PRP or other topical treatments may also be used in conjunction with MicroRF. In fact, patients often choose to combine multiple treatment types to enhance their results. If you would like an individualized treatment plan to tighten and rejuvenate your skin, you can request a consultation with Germain Dermatology online or by calling 843-881-4440.