The Science Behind Laser Skin Tightening

Laser procedures have continued to advance over the years in nearly every field of medicine, and dermatology is no exception. In the past ten years, laser skin resurfacing has altered the landscape of skin rejuvenation. 

As people age, so does their skin, leaving it with increased wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and skin weakness. Luckily, a number of effective laser skin treatments exist to combat these unwanted effects and help increase confidence.

Some laser treatment lasers heat the skin, others target water in the dermis. These treatments increase collagen production. In laser skin tightening treatments done at Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa, this increased collagen production allows collagen to condense, leaving skin appearing tighter, firmer and less wrinkled.

Here, we cover the basics of laser skin tightening treatment, including:

• The science behind this treatment
• How to find the best laser for skin tightening based on your concern(s)
• What to expect
• How to maintain your results after the procedure

What Is Laser Skin Tightening?

Laser skin tightening is a non-surgical procedure that firms the skin on the body. The procedure works by using a photofacial /IPL laser, infrared laser, fractional laser or 1064 YAG laser to penetrate the skin, heating the collagen below the epidermis, or the top layer of skin, and causing the collagen to become firmer.

Laser skin tightening can be used on many areas of the body but is most frequently used on the:

• Face
• Neck
• Chest
• Hands 
• Scars
• Jawline

Clients in Gilbert, AZ commonly come to Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa seeking laser skin tightening treatment to treat loose skin, minimize age-related wrinkles and acquire younger-looking skin. The procedure is popular due to the many benefits it offers, such as:

• Tighter and firmer skin
• A reduction in unwanted aging blemishes
• Increased collagen production
• Most procedures require minimal to no downtime
• More even pigment 
• Improved texture and smaller pores
• Wrinkle reduction 

The Science Behind This Treatment

As people age, collagen production, which is what keeps our skin looking younger and healthier, naturally decreases over time. The concentrated laser treatments restimulate collagen production underneath the top layer of your skin to grow new, healthy skin cells.

These new skin cells help increase the elasticity of your skin, leaving it firmer and tighter.

There are two basic types of laser treatments for skin rejuvenation.

1. Ablative Laser Treatment

Ablative lasers, like the CO2 laser, work to stimulate collagen growth by removing your outer layer of skin as well as the layer of skin underneath. Once the damaged skin has been treated, new collagen develops, and the skin heals with a new sense of firmness and elasticity, decreasing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. 

While ablative laser procedures typically take fewer treatments to see results than non-ablative laser treatments, they:

• Require more time to recover
• Increase downtime
• Can lead to long-term skin discoloration
• Typically require more post-treatment care
• Increased cost

2. Non-ablative Laser Treatments

Non-ablative lasers, like the ones we use at Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa, stimulate collagen growth by heating only the skin cells underneath the surface, avoiding damage to your top layer of skin. These treatments can be just as effective as ablative laser treatments and require little to no downtime and minimal recovery. 

Examples of non-ablative lasers include IPL (intense pulsed light) and fractional lasers minimally ablative, both of which we use at Colair. Clients taking the non-ablative laser route see the best results through a regimen of a few treatments spaced around three to six weeks apart – depending on the device used. 

Once you have decided which type of laser treatment is best for your skin concerns, it’s time to look at which device options will provide you with the best results.

Finding the Best Device for Your Condition

The best laser for skin tightening ultimately depends on your: 

• Concern(s) and/or condition(s)
• Skin sensitivity level
• Current medications and supplements
• Medical history
• Skin tone

Each client is unique and can achieve different results through different laser skin tightening treatments. For example, people who have darker skin may have a higher risk for cell damage from certain lasers, but effective alternatives do exist. The best way to ensure laser skin tightening treatment is a good fit for your skin tone is to consult with one of our expert laser technicians, who will walk you through your specific treatment plan.

The number one factor to consider when it comes to choosing the appropriate device, however, is the result you are trying to achieve. Colair has a variety of laser devices to choose from based on your current skin concerns. Colair uses state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology. All treatment plans start with a complimentary 4D face scan. The scan shows many important scientific factors about your skin, including your dermal layers, elasticity levels, pore size, hydration levels, age ratings, and other important factors that enable us to give you the most personalized treatment plan! 

Devices We Use

Alma Opus 

This device focuses specifically on treating wrinkles and other age-related concerns through laser skin tightening and resurfacing. A fractional, radio-frequency plasma device can achieve results that are similar to ablative laser procedures without the higher risk of side effects.

This device also delivers quick treatments, with full facial treatments able to be completed in as little as 15 minutes.

Cynosure Icon

This comprehensive IPL laser device is used to treat multiple concerns and includes procedures for:

• Wrinkles
• Laser skin resurfacing
• Uneven pigmentation
• Skin texture
• Broken capillaries 
• Rosacea 
• Scars
• Hair removal

Alma Harmony XL PRO

This non-ablative laser device is approved by the FDA to treat more than 65 conditions. In addition, it:

• Is highly effective at skin rejuvenation
• Is completely safe for all skin types
• Requires little downtime or recovery

ClearLift

ClearLift is an effective 1064 YAG skin rejuvenation laser treatment device that reduces the appearance of damage and takes years off your complexion. It’s popular for its relatively little downtime, which is why it’s often referred to as a “lunchtime” procedure since you can return to work immediately after.

While there are a number of different devices available for laser skin tightening, there is no need to be overwhelmed by the variety of skin rejuvenation options offered. Our certified and experienced laser technician at Colair is happy to sit down with you during a free consultation to help you determine the best method for your specific skin condition and to answer any questions.

Is Laser Skin Tightening Permanent?

While laser skin tightening treatments provide long-lasting results, they are not a permanent solution. Typically, clients will see the best results and benefit most from more than one laser treatment, and you may consider yearly maintenance treatments 

A few factors that may affect the results of your laser skin tightening treatment include:

• The number of treatments you undergo
• Your skin’s response to treatment
• Your aftercare efforts

The more treatments you undergo and the closer you follow your provider’s aftercare instructions, the better your results will be.

What to Expect After Laser Skin Tightening

Following your laser skin tightening procedure, you may begin to see some results immediately. If you and your laser technician here at Colair Beauty Lounge and Med Spa determine that multiple treatments would be most beneficial for your skin concerns, you will continue to see results as you follow your treatment protocol.

With laser skin tightening, you should experience minimal recovery time. In the days following the procedure, you might notice some slight redness and minor swelling. Following your provider’s aftercare instructions will reduce these side effects.

How to Maintain Your Laser Skin Tightening Results

Maintaining your results from laser skin tightening is easy. Be sure to schedule follow-up visits with your provider and follow their personalized aftercare recommendations to ensure you are getting the most out of your laser skin tightening treatments.

While your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions, a few general ways to maintain your results include:

• Washing your skin with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser
• Keeping treated skin moisturized with a simple moisturizer
• Wearing a high-quality sunscreen or avoiding sunlight on the treated area

Because laser skin tightening is not a permanent solution, your skin may naturally begin to loosen again in the years following your treatment plan. You can always return to have the treatments repeated if necessary.

Schedule Your Laser Treatment at Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa

Laser skin treatments have been used in dermatology for quite some time now and are only continuing to advance. Laser skin tightening procedures can reduce the unwanted effects of aging by tightening and firming your skin, restoring your skin’s youthful nature and increasing your self-confidence.

If you’re ready to find that young, glowing and confident feel again, contact us at Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa in Gilbert, AZ, to schedule an appointment for your free consultation.