What skin tightening treatment has the least downtime, best results and is the most cost effective?

Question

I’m turning 40 this summer and after having Botox and fillers for a couple of years now, I think I’m ready to go a little more aggressive on the anti-aging regimens on my face. I’m very interested in doing some sort of skin tightening treatment (lasers, peels, whatever) that would be a) the least amount of downtime, b) the most cost effective and c) yields the best results. I’m ok with having to purchase a series as long as it is worth the price. Any advice would be appreciated!

Barbara Padilla, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question!
I would recommend the Cutera Titan procedure for skin tightening.  This is a completely light-based treatment, therefore it is also non-invasive.  The infrared laser gently heats the dermal layer below the skin’s surface, which causes the collagen fibers to contract. The epidermis is preserved through constant cooling throughout the treatment. This then causes the skin above to tighten, resulting in a tighter, more youthful appearance. 
  
Since this is a completely light-based treatment, it will result in little to no downtime. You might experience some redness or mild swelling in the treated area immediately following the treatment, but this should go down within a few hours. Patients can see results after just one treatment, although it is common to get 2-3 treatments in total for optimal results.
  
If this is something you would be interested in, I suggest you research trained professionals in your area who have expertise using the Cutera Titan and schedule a consultation to determine if you would be a good candidate for this treatment.
  
Hope this helps!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Skin tightening is a common concern at your age, and the good news is there are plenty of good nonsurgical options to firm the skin and reverse this troublesome aging symptom. We offer Thermage and Ultherapy for this purpose and these are the gold standard methods currently available for tightening facial skin. Both use cutting-edge technology to tighten skin from the inside out, and with both available, we can tailor treatments to the unique needs and aesthetic goals of each patient. Procedures do not require anesthesia, and you can return to your activities right away. For looser skin of the neck and body, other techniques like ThermiTight can be very effective. Results can be quite long-lasting, although touch-up sessions will be needed periodically to maintain your stellar results.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

There are many minimally invasive procedures available that allow for minimal downtime. If you are strictly talking about tightening of the face then Facetite or the new Accutite, Ultherapy, and Lasers such as a CO2, or J plasma if you are looking for additional tightening of the neck. Perhaps a combination of these treatments may be required to give an optimal result. At age 40, you are likely not a surgical candidate but a consultation is required to make that determination.

John Tang, MD · Answer

This would depend on exactly what other skin issues you have and what kind of skin tightening you are looking to do and the areas you need to improve.  One possibility would be Ulthera.  This uses ultrasound technology that is able to go very deep to the skin to lift and tighten the skin.  In most instance at age 40, 1 treatment is usually all that is necessary.  The other benefit is that there is almost always no downtime.  I would recommend that you go for an in person consultation to discuss this and as well other possible treatments.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach is needed to get the most improvement with skin tightening for the face. I recommend J Plasma, lasers (Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, Co2), microneedling/prp, ultherapy, and rf treatments to get the best outcomes. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to review what would be best for you and the pricing options. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael Kerin, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  To get the best skin tightening, multiple different technologies combined together will give you the best result.  There are external lasers, external radio-frequency devices, microneedling with PRP, microneedling with RF - you are going to need to do some research on these devices.  Overall, however, to get the best skin tightening, which is most cost-effective, and less time consuming, you should consider J-plasma (also called Renuvion).  It involves very small incisions, local anesthesia, one treatment, and minimal downtime.Do some research, and get a consult from a doctor who offers different modalities.  Then you can decide what approach is best for you.Best of luck.Michael Kerin MDKerin MedSpa

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Laser Skin Tightening with a long pulsed nd yag laser requires little to no downtime with great results for the right person. PRF (Platelet rich fibrin can also provide skin tightening and help with the surface of the skin, scarring, fine lines, and pigmentation. Find a plastic surgery medical spa that offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical options.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

When it comes to skin tightening lasers we have a few options.First is our 3D Laser treatment-The combination of laser technology is now a nationally recognized hallmark treatment. This treatment uniquely stimulates collagen from within your own skin cells in a three-dimensional way. The neck and face appear lifted, smoother and tighter with fewer lines and wrinkles while providing an immediate radiance to the surface. Ultherapy is also a great treatment for this. Ultherapy® is a safe, non-surgical ultrasound treatment that counteracts the effects of time and gravity on your skin. It uses the body’s own regenerative response to gently and gradually lift skin on the eyebrow, under the chin and on the neck, and smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. It is the only non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA to actually lift the skin.
Ultherapy® is also the only cosmetic procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue targeted during the treatment to ensure the energy is deposited to where it will be most beneficial.

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

Lasers would be a great option if you are a candidate for the procedure. There are many different lasers and the downtime varies depending on what you are trying to achieve. Please see a laser specialist for an evaluation to see what procedure will be best for you.

What skin tightening treatment has the least downtime, best results and is the most cost effective?

Answers (10)

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