UNLIKE Ultherapy and RFs like Exilis, are the skin tightening effects from CO2 permanent?

No, it is not permanent, but if done appropriately and in the right combination with other treatments like J Plasma, radiofrequency, microneedling/prp and ultherapy, you can have long lasting results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Many people are trying to find the "holy grail" of skin tightening without undergoing the knife. In fact many treatments can leave a more natural but less tight effect than facelift. In my practice we use multiple treatments on the same patient to achieve the best results. I call this Q2 Facial Rejuvenation, emphasizing both Quality and Quantity of skin. I use the Exilis Ultra 360 machine just for tightening of the skin and this does a great job for most people. It takes at least four treatments but there is no downtime. It treats only tightening and does nothing to the surface of the skin. CO2 laser (I use Active FX, Total FX, and Deep FX) will tighten the skin a bit (though often not as much as Exilis Ultra) but polishes (resurfaces) the outer layer of the skin. It tightens pores, gets rid of pigmentary changes and basically gives the skin a new baby appearance. One treatment is usually enough except for those with deep acne scars. There is a 5 day healing process where you will not want be out in public. Both of these treatments are good but they do not stop the aging process. You may need to have continued treatments every year of two to maintain the best appearance. 

No, skin tightening is not permanent. CO2 fully ablative is still one of the best, if not the best treatment for textural tightening- namely skin resurfacing, wrinkles, etc... The effects do last for many years, but like you eluded one can not stop chronological ageing. Other treatments such as Thermage, Ultherapy etc are designed to treat under the skin, namely contract collagen under the epidermis, sparing the upper layer. Depending on the textural damage one has, laser may or may not be the answer for you. In most patients, its a combination treatment of improving skin texture, tone and volume that gives the best, and most natural results- this often involves several methods. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Laser and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane. Australia.