Everything about skin tightening treatment for face and stomach
Non-surgical skin tightening procedure is a cosmetological treatment that changes the appearance of the face and abdomen. Some argue that these procedures are much less invasive than surgical options such as facelift and abdominoplasty and can achieve similar results. It also has a low risk of complications, is inexpensive, and is easy to recover. These treatments are based on new technologies. That means there are still research gaps in understanding how effective they are and the long-term side effects.
This article discusses different types of non-invasive skin tightening treatments, research content, and considerations before trying.
Types of skin-tightening treatments
When born, the skin is rich in proteins known as elastin and collagen. These proteins give your skin structure and elasticity. With age, the body’s production of these proteins slows down. This makes the skin lose its elasticity.
Gravity, pollution, stress, and the hundreds of daily movements of the facial muscles can cause the skin to stretch and sag. Other factors such as pregnancy and weight loss can also cause stretch marks and sagging skin.
Non-surgical skin tightening treatment targets the sagging areas of the skin and stimulates collagen production under the skin. The two main types of treatment are:
- Informal skin tightening procedure
- Home equipment for self-treatment
Informal skin tightening procedure
High frequency (Thermalift, Thermage, and Expires)
The thermal lift was the first technology to introduce the concept of “awakening” or recovery of lost collagen. Thermalift uses the device to apply controlled radio waves to areas of the skin that you want to tighten. The procedure is performed with or without local anaesthesia and does not require recovery time.
Thermage requires one treatment session, but some people may benefit from multiple sessions. Other types of radiofrequency treatment usually need various sessions to confirm the results. The results are only slightly noticeable immediately, whether or not they have received one or more treatments, and it usually takes four months for them to be fully effective.
Intense Pulsed Light / High Frequency (Velashape)
The Velashape is a device that claims to attack and contract fat cells. A wearable device is used to send infrared rays to the skin layer to break down fat deposits.
High frequencies are also used. This procedure does not require anaesthesia. For the most visible results, it’s usually a good idea to have multiple appointments.
Home Device
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound Skin Tightening uses ultrasonic waves radiated deep into the skin to stimulate the production of collagen. Handheld devices that use this technology can be easily bought online and from select cosmetology retailers.
These devices are not cheap and should be used consistently if you expect results. Without the expertise of a trained vendor, you may find these devices ineffective.
For the face
All treatments in this article are for the face, neck and abdomen. Thermage, Thermalift and Exilis are popular facials. Velashape works on the face but is often useful for larger areas of the body.
For the stomach
The surface of the stomach is larger than the face. In addition, stretch marks and slack are likely to occur. Thermalift, Thermage, and Exilis work on the face, but Velashape is usually best for the abdomen.
Does it work?
A limited amount of studies on non-invasive skin tightening treatments suggest that these treatments work. The results are not as dramatic as microdermabrasion, laser treatment, or surgical methods, but these studies show that people have more problematic skin. 2011 study before concluded that radiofrequency was an effective means of reducing facial wrinkles. This study was significantly limited by sample size (only 6 participants), but the results were promising.
Another 2011 study concludes that consumer devices that use high frequencies to tighten the skin are safe and effective. This study was also limited in scope, weakening the conclusions.
A recent 2017 study of 25 participants concluded that high-frequency-based skin tightening methods were effective after 5 to 8 treatments. The results of the participants were also very satisfying.
Side effects
Side effects of these treatments are mild to moderate. Likewise, side effects may include:
- bruising
- redness
- swelling
- soreness
- tingling
In rare cases, your skin may become burned. Using a licensed and trained practitioner dramatically reduces the risk of serious complications.
Costs of tissue tightening
Non-invasive skin tightening procedures are one of the elective cosmetic procedures. That means your insurance won’t cover them, and you should expect to pay the total amount out of pocket.
Your cost depends on several factors, including:
- The type of treatment you choose
- The number of treatments or appointments you need
- The number of areas of skin you want to treat
- For your results, Your Expectations
Radio Frequency Treatment Starts at $ 200 Per Person Sessions for the abdomen and other areas of your body. It usually requires multiple treatment sessions. That means costs range from $ 800 to $ 2,000.
In 2018, the American Society of Cosmetic Surgery reported that the average cost of non-surgical fat reduction services was $ 1,559. If you’re looking for a cheaper home replacement, you may get a shock by the stickers. Even household high frequency and ultrasonic therapy equipment start at $ 450, and most of them are more expensive.
Surgical alternatives to skin tightening
Non-surgical skin tightening alternatives is a much more invasive procedure. Facelifts and abdominal tucks have dramatic results but require lengthy recovery times. Surgical treatment may likely meet your expectations if you are looking for permanent, immediate, and noticeable results.
Surgical alternatives also carry other risks. Non-surgical methods of tightening the skin do not require downtime, but surgery does require considerable recovery time. There is no risk of infection with non-surgical procedures, but post-surgery infections and complications are possible.
Another option in your central area is liposuction. Liposuction is technically a type of surgery, but it is generally less risky than abdominoplasty. Liposuction can make your stomach flat, but it can also cause your skin to appear wavy or sagging.
