Tighten Loose Skin with Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing - Plastic Surgery Clinic Waltham, Massachusetts (2024)

FAQs

Does CO2 laser tighten loose skin? ›

CO2 laser treats an incredible amount of skin disorders and aging issues all at the same time. It not only tightens sagging skin and smooths out deep wrinkles, it is also able to resurface the face and remove acne scars, dark aging spots, uneven pigmentation, and sun damage.

This type of laser removes the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of collagen — a protein that improves skin firmness and texture. As the epidermis heals and regrows, the treated area appears smoother and tighter.

Laser skin tightening treatments have evolved significantly, offering many options for skin concerns. With many types of skin tightening devices available, from fractional lasers to micro-coring technologies, you can enjoy firmer, tighter skin without the downtime of cosmetic surgery.

Laser skin tightening works on most skin tones and types. Patients aged 30 to 65 years old typically see the best results. For those younger than 30, preventative treatments can be beneficial if approved by their dermatologist. Laser skin tightening may not work as effectively for excessively sagging skin.

Advantages of CO2 Resurfacing

It delivers excellent improvement in fine lines, general texture, and a reduction in troublesome pigmentation areas. It has a dramatic effect on deep wrinkling. Acne scarring also responds to CO2 laser resurfacing; most of our patients notice a 50% improvement in their acne scars.

Risks / Benefits

Acne flares may occur after laser resurfacing. This may resolve on its own, or can be treated with conventional acne therapies. Hyperpigmentation, and more rarely, hypopigmentation, may result in the laser-treated areas.

The two main kinds of laser skin tightening are ablative and non-ablative. The procedure may cause side effects, such as swelling, pain, and hyperpigmentation. It is also of note that laser skin tightening procedures are more likely to cause side effects in people with dark skin tones.

Reasons You May Not Be a Good Candidate

You have deep wrinkles. You're on certain medications that might cause more damage to your skin. You have a skin condition that hasn't been properly treated.

Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but it can't give you a perfect body shape. It also can't help you lose more weight beyond the weight of the skin your surgeon removes.

Thermage FLX is an FDA-approved skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin while keeping the surface of the skin cool, which can boost collagen and actively tighten skin on the arms, stomach, legs, and buttocks, as well as along delicate areas like the jawline and ...

Is there surgery to tighten loose skin? ›

Body contouring is reconstructive surgery to remove sagging skin and extra fat, and to improve the shape and tone of underlying tissue. The result is a body with smoother contours. Body contouring may be carried out following major weight loss, when the skin may not shrink back fully.

What Skin Tightening Treats. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a proven treatment method for tightening loose skin. The heat introduced from the laser stimulates the skin and encourages the production of additional collagen. The result is skin that appears much closer to its younger state.

Ultherapy®

One of the best-known skin tightening treatments, Ultherapy uses ultrasound waves to penetrate the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

While the benefits of a CO2 laser treatment are not as long-lasting as a surgical facelift, they still last a considerable amount of time, typically between five to eight years. If you're interested in seeing what a CO2 laser treatment can do for you, call Dr.

A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective. Healing is fastest, however, with milder treatments.

All in all, CO2 laser cutting machines are powerful tools with numerous advantages, but they do have some disadvantages, including high cost, maintenance requirements, material compatibility and thickness limitations, and safety concerns.