Skin Tightening
With the advancement of technology, we have obtained the capability for non-invasive skin tightening, something that was previously solely in the hands of surgeons. Surgery still remains the leading method for removing large excesses of skin that occur due to significant weight loss. However, minor skin excess, sagging skin, and poor tone can now be addressed non-invasively without the need for recovery post-treatment.
Factors that influence skin sagging include:
- Aging, which results in the loss of subcutaneous fatty tissue and the degradation of connective tissue (collagen and elastin).
- Genetics.
- Rapid weight loss.
- Hormones.
- Skin stretching due to pregnancy.
Skin tension depends on the density and firmness of connective tissue, the amount of subcutaneous fat, muscle tension, and its sheaths. We use various technologies and methods depending on the degree of skin laxity and the assessment of the underlying tissue as support.
RADIOFREQUENCY has revolutionized skin tightening treatments. By heating tissue to 41°C, it stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin, thus tightening the skin.
HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound, targets energy on the SMAS muscle sheath, providing a firm support for the skin. It causes thermal damage at 60°C with the aim of natural healing, resulting in tightening of the SMAS layer.
PLASMAGE produces plasma (a state between liquid and gas) and, through pinpoint applications on the skin, retracts excess.
CO2 fractional laser is an ablative laser that rejuvenates the skin by remodeling collagen. Synthesis of new collagen and improvement of skin appearance continues for up to 6 months post-treatment. Anesthetic cream is applied prior to the treatment, and during the procedure, the skin is cooled with cold air at -25 degrees, making the treatment more comfortable and reducing skin redness. Depending on the skin’s appearance and condition, the number of treatments is determined. Sometimes just one treatment yields excellent results. The treatment can be repeated after 30-45 days.
COG MEZONITI are long biodegradable threads of polydioxanone that are applied subcutaneously. Around these threads, solid connective tissue forms, providing support and tightening the skin, while the thread itself degrades over 6 months.
CARBOXYTHERAPY involves the subcutaneous injection of CO2 gas through small needles, stimulating the formation of new collagen and regeneration, thereby tightening the skin.
Treatment
Radiofrequency
No preparation is needed. A cream is applied to the treatment area, over which the radio wave treatment is performed. During the procedure, a pleasant warmth is felt. The treatment lasts between 30 – 60 minutes, depending on the area, and is done twice a week, requiring a minimum of 5 sessions. The treatment is completely non-invasive.
HIFU
It is recommended not to take anti-inflammatory drugs 3 days prior to the treatment, as they can disrupt the positive inflammatory response induced by the procedure. Ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area, over which the HIFU is performed. During the procedure, a prickling sensation is felt, and in some spots, a more intense stabbing. The treatment takes 30 minutes and focuses on a specific area. Typically, 3-4 treatments are needed with a month’s gap in between.
Plasmage
An anesthetic cream is applied before the procedure. During the procedure, a tingling sensation is felt. The treatment duration varies between 30-60 minutes depending on the area. Typically, 1-2 treatments are needed with a 30-day gap in between.
CO2 fractional laser
Anesthetic cream is applied prior to the procedure. During the treatment, a slight tingling sensation is felt, which becomes more intense with a higher number of laser passes – it can be done up to 5 times. The skin is cooled with cold air at -25 degrees during the treatment, making it more comfortable and reducing redness.
COG mezoniti
The number and size of threads need to be determined beforehand. An anesthetic cream is applied before the treatment. Threads are pulled subcutaneously and tightened in the opposite direction of skin sagging. During the procedure, there’s a slight discomfort due to the passage of threads under the skin but without any pain. The treatment, including preparation, takes up to 60 minutes.
Carboxytherapy
No preparation is required. CO2 gas, which is preheated to make the treatment more comfortable, is injected subcutaneously. During the treatment, a mild tingling sensation is felt. The treatment duration varies from 20-40 minutes depending on the area’s size. The treatment is repeated after a week. 2-5 treatments are required, depending on the skin condition.
Candidates
Each method has its contraindications.
People with implanted pacemakers and metal implants are contraindicated for radiofrequency, Plasmage, and HIFU treatments. Those with epilepsy, metastatic tumors, fever, skin diseases in the treatment zone, pregnant individuals, and those with a significant excess of skin are contraindicated for all treatments.
People with autoimmune diseases are contraindicated for mezoniti treatment.
Results
The goal of all methods is collagen and elastin synthesis. Results usually manifest 3-4 weeks post-treatment, and they improve over time. The skin day by day becomes tauter and more tightened. With Plasmage treatments, results are visible a few days after when the crusts fall off. With CO2 laser treatments, the final result can be seen up to 6 months until collagen is fully remodeled and rebuilt.
Recovery
After the radiofrequency and HIFU treatments, there is no recovery period. You can immediately return to your daily activities.
After the Plasmage treatment, scabs remain which are recommended to be treated with Maxitrol for the first 5 days. During this time, it is necessary to avoid soaking with water and applying any products. Sun exposure and going to a sauna are prohibited until the scabs fall off.
After the CO2 fractional laser treatment, there is swelling (edema) and redness. The swelling lasts 2-3 days, and the redness becomes more intense during this period, with the formation of small scabs on the skin surface. This is then followed by skin peeling, which usually completes by the 6th to 10th day after the treatment. During this time, it’s essential to hydrate the skin, and compresses of saline solution can be applied to the treated area. Sun exposure should be avoided until the skin recovers, and the application of high sun protection factor is mandatory if the area is exposed to the sun.
After the mesotherapy (mezoniti), the tissue might be slightly swollen due to the subcutaneous trauma, which typically subsides within 2-3 days.
Carboxytherapy can be accompanied by light bruises at the injection sites, which usually fade within a few days.