Located in Raleigh, North Carolina and serving patients Nationwide
Preparing For Your Laser Skin Tightening Treatment
Follow these guidelines unless your laser technician directs otherwise.
- We ask that you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, oils, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in.
- If there is excessive hair in the treatment area, we recommend shaving the area prior to treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for two weeks before treatment.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).
- Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days before treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
- Follow instructions regarding all oral prescription medications that we provided at your medical laser consultation. If you are taking any new or different medications, including antibiotics, contact our office prior to your appointment.
- Do not have BOTOX® injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days before laser skin tightening.
What to Expect During Your Laser Skin Tightening Appointment
Following the consultation, if we determine you are a good candidate, we will proceed with treatment. Your laser technician will begin by asking a few pertinent questions about your recent health history to ensure there are no contraindications for treatment. The technician will discuss your treatment desires and at that time you can specifically let us know what areas you would like to treat. The treatment area will be cleansed and prepared for treatment. Your technician will talk you through the treatment to ensure you won’t experience any surprises.
While receiving laser skin tightening, you will be required to wear protective eyewear. You may still be able to see a flash of light, but your eyes will be completely covered. The laser technicians wear protective eyewear, as well. During the treatment, all areas of the body that will not be lasered will be covered with clothing. Only the areas to receive laser treatment will be exposed. We are always mindful of your comfort and your peace of mind; we will let you know ahead of time what to expect.
What to Expect After Your Laser Skin Tightening Treatment
- It is normal to experience redness and swelling in the treatment area following laser skin tightening. This may persist for several days. The treated area may feel like a razor burn or sunburn for a few hours after treatment. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone or aloe vera may be used to alleviate redness and irritation.
- Improper post-treatment care, including excessive heat or sun exposure of the treated area, may increase the chance of scarring, pigmentation changes and skin texture changes. It is imperative that you avoid excessive heat in the treatment area, such as hot tubs, sauna’s or working out for 24 hours after laser skin tightening treatment. Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for two weeks after treatment.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).
- Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days after treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
- Follow instructions regarding all oral medications that we provided at your medical laser consultation.
- Do not have BOTOX® injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days after Laser Skin Tightening.
- We recommend 4-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.
If you have any concerns or questions, please call our office at (919) 870-6066
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Skin Tightening
Will I have to take time from work or my children to recover?
No. There is no downtime or external injury to the skin. A person can return to work or reapply makeup immediately following the procedure. The full face and neck can be treated in just forty five minutes.
How long will the results last?
The new dermal collagen that is produced becomes part of the structure of the treated skin, and thus Laser Skin Tightening can produce improvements in skin which lasts for years. GentleYAG skin tightening is so powerful that new collagen production can continue several months after the treatment. Most people report improvement immediately, with even more dramatic results weeks later. New collagen growth results in continued skin tightening and the development of a more youthful complexion with fewer lines, folds, and looseness of the skin. Continued exposure to the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun will result in breakdown of both existing and new collagen over time, so it is very important to protect your results by limiting sun exposure, using a high-SPF sunblock, and maintaining a healthy and scientifically sound skin care regimen.
Is Laser Skin Tightening effective for both the face and body?
Yes. Laser Skin Tightening can be used to treat any part of the body that may benefit from softer, smoother skin quality, wrinkle reduction, improvement of pore size and texture, or elimination of acne scars. The GentleYAG can provide beautiful firm skin on the face, neck, chest, upper arms, legs and other body areas with no downtime and without the need for potentially dangerous numbing creams.
How many treatments would I have to have?
Clinical studies suggest that 4-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart in most cases will produce a significant increase in dermal collagen, remodeling of dermal matrix components, and a resulting improvement in overall skin tone and vitality. It may take up to six months following your last treatment to see the full results of a laser skin tightening treatment series.
