Michele S. Green M.D., FAAD., is a Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and has been an international leader in cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years. Upper East Side patients and those around the globe flock to her practice for cosmetic dermatology treatment. A graduate from Yale University, with an MD and Chief residency from The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC, Dr. Green treats some of the most discerning, demanding women and men in the world, with issues ranging from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, wrinkles, acne, skin laxity, hair loss, and sun damage.
Why is laser skin tightening needed?
Sun exposure and the natural aging process contribute to the depletion of collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen and elastin are essential skin proteins responsible for providing a firm foundation and elasticity, respectively. As these proteins diminish, various signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin, begin to develop.
What is laser skin tightening?
Laser skin tightening is a highly effective non-invasive cosmetic procedure for skin rejuvenation, offering minimal downtime. There are several skin-tightening treatment modalities available, each utilizing unique technologies to heat the existing collagen beneath the skin's surface. This process stimulates the production of new collagen in the dermis, resulting in smoother, firmer, and tighter skin, promoting a more youthful appearance.
Who’s a good candidate for laser skin tightening?
Laser skin tightening, such as Thermage®, is designed for patients who are noticing the first visible signs of aging, including sagging jowls, brows, eyelids, cheeks, or deep nasolabial folds. It can effectively address the loss of jawline definition, making it an excellent option for those looking to proactively combat the aging process, improve skin tone, and tighten the jawline. Moreover, laser skin tightening serves as a "collagen bank" by encouraging new collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It is also an attractive option for patients who previously had a facelift and seek further skin tightening without undergoing additional surgery. However, individuals with an excessive amount of sagging skin, and needing surgical intervention, may not be suitable candidates for Thermage®.
Is laser skin tightening permanent?
While laser skin tightening treatments can replenish collagen levels and yield significant results, they cannot halt the natural depletion of collagen that occurs with age. As a result, the cosmetic improvements achieved through laser skin tightening are not entirely permanent. Nevertheless, undergoing maintenance treatment sessions periodically encourages continuous collagen production, allowing patients to enjoy ongoing skin rejuvenation benefits without the need for invasive procedures or extended recovery time. During a consultation with Dr. Michele Green, a personalized treatment plan and timeline can be created to best suit individual needs and goals.
What is the recovery time like for Laser Skin Tightening?
A notable advantage of laser skin tightening treatments is their non-invasive nature, with minimal downtime associated with procedures such as Thermage®, Vivace RF Microneedling, and BBL®. Unlike traditional surgical options like facelifts, which typically require significant recovery periods, non-invasive laser treatments allow patients to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Some initial results may even be visible immediately, with continued improvement over the following four months as the skin progressively tightens. Thermage® stands out as a cost-effective choice, with only one procedure generally needed, further contributing to its appeal.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Michele S. Green
What is Thermage skin tightening?
Thermage is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that utilizes radiofrequency laser technology to promote skin rejuvenation without any downtime. As part of the natural aging process, collagen levels are depleted over time. By replenishing collagen, Thermage creates firmer, tighter, and smoother skin in the treatment area, improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of skin conditions like cellulite dimples, fine lines, and wrinkles. It is a safe and effective laser skin tightening treatment suitable for patients of all skin types and tones. During the Thermage treatment, radiofrequency (RF) energy is applied to the dermis, heating it while keeping the skin's surface cool for maximum comfort. This triggers the body's natural healing process, encouraging the production of new collagen over time. Thermage can be effectively complemented by other non-invasive cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, fillers, and laser skin resurfacing treatments, further enhancing its skin rejuvenation benefits.
Who is a good candidate for Thermage?
Thermage® skin tightening is well-suited for individuals who are in good overall physical and mental health and have started to notice or wish to prevent signs of aging that their current skincare routine can't effectively address. This non-invasive treatment is particularly attractive to those who have realistic expectations regarding achievable cosmetic outcomes and prefer subtle improvements rather than dramatic changes often associated with cosmetic plastic surgery. Thermage is suitable for all skin types and ages, making it accessible to a broad range of patients.
Thermage's non-surgical approach appeals to those who wish to avoid undergoing surgical procedures, as significant downtime and the risk of serious side effects are typically associated with plastic surgery. Thermage's radiofrequency technology allows for effective skin tightening results without the need for surgery or any recovery time.
Which areas of the body does Thermage help with skin tightening?
Thermage skin tightening is effective for all body parts, including the arms, legs, buttocks, abdomen, and thighs. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green, you can discuss areas of concern, such as sagging skin and cellulite, which can be targeted with Thermage treatment. Dr. Green may also recommend combining Thermage with other procedures to comprehensively address your unique aesthetic goals and needs. During the consultation, she will determine the most suitable Thermage RF tip for your specific requirements and create a personalized treatment schedule.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Michele S. Green
Can I combine Thermage with other facial rejuvenation procedures?
While Thermage is excellent for addressing skin laxity, other signs of aging may necessitate different procedures. For example, age spots can be reduced with resurfacing treatments like chemical peels or Fraxel Dual Laser Resurfacing, while dermal fillers are ideal for treating deep lines and wrinkles. Many patients choose to complement their Thermage procedure with Botox and dermal fillers such as Juvederm, available at Dr. Green's dermatology office.
Dermal fillers, like Juvederm, restore lost volume in the face and come in various types, such as hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g., Juvederm and Restylane), poly-L-lactic acid fillers (e.g., Sculptra), or calcium hydroxyapatite filler (e.g., Radiesse). As collagen production decreases with age, volume loss may occur in various facial areas, leading to sunken cheeks and under-eye hollows. Thermage tightens the skin, while dermal fillers restore volume to sunken areas and diminish deep lines and wrinkles, providing a comprehensive facial rejuvenation solution.
How does Thermage FLX compare to Thermage?
The new Thermage FLX treatment works in a similar way to previous Thermage lasers. With the new Thermage FLX, the technology has been improved and refined. With the addition of AccuREP™ algorithmic technology, the application of radiofrequency energy is extremely precise, and the wider treatment tip is a wonderful improvement on previous Thermage devices. This new technology allows greater hearing of the skin with increased skin rejuvenation. Now, patients can undergo a faster and more comfortable treatment that can both tighten loose skin, create a well-defined jawline, treat fine lines, and generate new collagen production. As a bonus, it reduces the appearance of cellulite on the body in the selected treatment areas, such as the buttocks and thighs.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Michele S. Green
Who is a good candidate for Thermage FLX?
A good candidate for Thermage FLX is any patient with mild-to-moderate skin laxity, as well as those with mild sun damage. Thermage’s radiofrequency technology can be used safely on patients with all skin types. Thermage FLX is extremely effective, and gradually over time, improvement in skin sagging, and fine lines become self-evident. It takes up to 6 months to appreciate the full cosmetic results of Thermage FLX.
The Thermage FLX is a safe and effective treatment for patients of all ages and skin tones. Thermage can be compared to a “collagen bank” – one of the few ways to make more collagen for later! Younger patients benefit from producing new collagen and preventing the visible signs of aging as a maintenance treatment. More mature patients will appreciate the visible signs of aging being repaired with gradual new collagen formation and skin tightening. Yearly skin treatments of Thermage FLX are best for ideal collagen stimulation and maintenance.
How Can You Get Started with Tightening Your Skin Today?
If you’re frustrated by your skin’s laxity, Dr. Green in NYC can help. Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board certified cosmetic dermatologist and is known to be one of the best Botox injectors in New York. Dr. Green has been consistently voted as one of the “Best Doctors” by Castle Connelly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times as a pioneer in the field of cosmetic and medical dermatology. Please call the office today at 212-535-3088 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss if you are a candidate for these laser skin tightening options.
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