Signs of skin laxity can begin to present as early as a person’s mid to late 20’s. At Laser Center of Marin in Corte Madera, CA we use both ultrasound and infrared laser technology to safely and non-invasively reverse the signs of aging. Is there an ideal age to have these types of treatments done? This is a very personal choice but we do have advice on when a skin-tightening treatment might be recommended.
A Non-Invasive Lifting and Tightening Solution
The earliest signs of skin laxity in the 20’s can be almost imperceptible but can soon develop into the loose and sagging appearance that inevitably comes with age. By a person’s mid-30’s, loose skin may first be noticeable around the jawline, and then spread to the neck and remainder of the face. If good genetics are on your side, this process may not become apparent until your 40’s.
Thankfully there is a non-surgical treatment that can safely lift and tighten the skin anywhere on the face and neck, leaving no scarring behind. While there are several skin-tightening methods that have been developed in recent years, ultrasound and infrared laser technologies remain two of the best ways to kick-start collagen production and reverse the effects of time and gravity.
When Can a Person Benefit from Treatment?
Whether you opt for an ultrasound treatment such as Ultherapy, or an infrared laser treatment such as Titan, these skin rejuvenating therapies can be safely used at any age by both men and women. While there is no rule against starting this treatment in your 20’s at the first signs of skin laxity, our patients typically tend to range in age from 30 to 65.
Ideally, you will want to start treatment before significant collagen loss has taken place, but successful results can still be achieved later in life. We do see patients over the age of 60 who have retained enough skin elasticity that they can still benefit from a less invasive treatment of this nature.
Can It Be Too Late To Benefit from Ultrasound or Laser Therapy?
The positive effects of skin tightening treatments can be experienced much later in life, although the results may not be comparable to those achieved by a younger person. Patients who have significant signs of skin aging will likely need a combination of treatments to get the results they are looking for. For example, a person over age 50 who has deep wrinkling will likely also need filler and a non-surgical sculpting treatment to restore facial volume and symmetry.
Knowing When It’s Time for Treatment
If you have tried every expensive cream and serum and are just not seeing results, then it may be time to look into a treatment that can produce visible, lasting anti-aging benefits. The reality is that there is no topical product that can rebuild collagen – this can only be achieved by heating the underlying layers of skin and tissue using the latest ultrasound technology administered by a certified medical professional.
How Do Skin Tightening Treatments Work?
There are two types of tightening technology that really work — infrared light treatment that uses light energy to tighten the uppermost layers of skin, and ultrasound therapy that stimulates the supporting layers beneath the skin to lift sagging areas. Both these treatments stimulate collagen growth and produce results that continue to improve the skin’s appearance for many months after the treatment has taken place.
These safe, non-surgical options can be an excellent choice for people who are not willing to deal with the pain, risk, and significant recovery process associated with surgery. While the results will not be as long-lasting as those achieved with surgery, they can easily be maintained at annual follow-up appointments. Younger patients often find that they can maintain their results with session spread out to every two or three years.
Using the Power of Thermal Energy
Light energy has several dermatological applications — it can reduce hyperpigmentation, relieve acne breakouts, and stimulate the growth of new skin cells. For the purposes of skin tightening, this amazing technology can actually stimulate the production of collagen in the deepest layer of skin, creating an anti-aging affect effect that continues to develop for months after treatment.
While this type of therapy requires several visits to achieve optimal results, many patients report that they continue to see benefits for up to 2 years. These results can sometimes be extended even longer with a meticulous skin care regime. A patient’s long-term outcome can also vary depending on the brand of laser used – for example, the Titan system tends to produce longer-lasting results than some other brands.
The Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy
The most effective and well-known brand of ultrasound therapy is Ultherapy, which uses pulsing heat energy to tighten and lift skin on the neck and face. It can also produce excellent results on the chest and other parts of the body.
Ultherapy focuses on areas beneath the skin using ultrasound energy generated at varying strengths and depths. Results may not be visible right away, but within a few weeks, patients notice a tighter, lifted appearance with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. These results typically last for 12 to 18 months. As with infrared therapy, taking good care of your skin can maximize results.
What if You Have More Than Just Loose Skin?
While the therapies noted above can produce exceptional outcomes for tightening and lifting loose skin, some patients have lost so much jawline definition that they require a combination of procedures to get a really noticeable anti-aging effect. Finding a medical spa that also offers the latest non-surgical face sculpting technology can address these problem areas, reducing fatty deposits and toning jowly areas without surgery.
How Long Do Treatment Sessions Last?
The beautiful thing about these types of non-invasive treatments is that they can be performed in under 90 minutes and require no pain medication or general anesthesia (although a numbing cream is usually applied). While patients may experience a tingling sensation for a couple of days following their treatment, there is no significant discomfort and absolutely no downtime.
These are perfect options for people who wish to do something significant for their appearance, but are not able to take time off work or be incapacitated for several days as they would be after a surgical procedure. Patients can return to normal activities right after their session.
A Scar-Free Anti-Aging Solution
The other big reason why more people are turning to non-surgical lifting and tightening treatments is because they are understandably worried about the scarring that comes with surgery. All facial surgery involves an incision of some kind that can take many months to heal. Incision care can be quite bothersome, with the ever-present possibility of infection. In some cases, a permanent scar can be left behind.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Treatment?
People who are experiencing mild to moderate skin sagging and who wish to tighten up a double chin or “jowly” area can definitely benefit from this type of treatment. If you are noticing that your eyebrows are beginning to droop, or that you have “crepey” areas with fine lines, these are problems that can also be helped with a tightening treatment.
However, if you have excessive sun damage or loose skin, you may wish to look at a different type of treatment to address these issues. During your consultation, we can discuss the most effective approach for getting the results you are hoping for. There is almost always a solution to any given skin problem. We may also recommend certain products that can be used at home to improve overall skin health and suppleness.
Having Realistic Expectations
While amazing results can be achieved with laser and ultrasound therapies, it is important for patients to be realistic about what outcome to expect. No procedure, either surgical or non-surgical, can make a person look exactly the way they did when they were 20. If you will be happy looking about 5-7 years younger, then this can likely be achieved with the right tightening treatment.
Do Something Special For Yourself Today!
Finding the best clinic in your area that offers the latest non-surgical anti-aging technology is critical to achieving excellent results. If you would like to learn more about Ultherapy or Titan skin tightening treatments, contact us today at Laser Center of Marin in Corte Madera, CA. Our team of dermatological experts can work with you to turn back the clock and reveal a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
