All You Need to Know About Skin Tightening
Skin Tightening Solutions
Explore our comprehensive guide on skin tightening solutions to achieve a firmer, youthful complexion.
One of the most common concerns amongst my patients is skin laxity or sagging skin. Often, people will report that they noticed skin sagging from the age of about 40 years old (give or take a few years). It’s something that creeps up slowly as we get a little older each year, and then suddenly, it becomes obvious – I speak from personal experience.
Although it’s part and parcel of the normal ageing process, skin laxity can be exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as excessive sun exposure, smoking, weight loss or post-pregnancy.
When it comes to our face, there is loss of fat and bony structure as we age (what I refer to as the loss of ‘facial scaffolding’) – which causes the overlying skin to sag or droop. This is often exacerbated by cumulative sun exposure acquired over the years, leading to a breakdown in collagen and elastin. The result is sun-damaged skin which is noticeably thinner, appears dehydrated and fails to bounce back as it once did. Skin laxity is often prominent in regions of the body where the skin is naturally thinner – such as around the eyes or neck.
Skin laxity is also seen in other parts of our body including arms, knees, abdomen, thighs, etc. Loose or stretched skin can become more prominent post rapid weight changes (common post pregnancy). It can be very frustrating when you’ve worked hard to get rid of the baby weight or lose those extra kilograms which have snuck in over the years – only to be left with sagging, droopy skin.
How can you treat skin laxity?
In my opinion, the best non-surgical treatment available to effectively target skin laxity is BBL SkinTyte II Skin Tightening (or SkinTyte II for short). COCO Skin Clinic is proud to be the only clinic in Perth to offer this revolutionary treatment.
Other treatment options which also aid in improving the appearance of loose skin include medical grade skin needling, collagen biostimulator injections, RF needling devices, HIFU and of course, surgical intervention. In this article, we will outline all the details about BBL SkinTyte II Skin Tightening treatment.
What is BBL SkinTyte II Skin Tightening Solutions?
BBL SkinTyte II Skin Tightening is a non-surgical treatment that reduces the appearance of skin laxity and as the name appropriately suggests – it causes a tightening of the treated skin. It is a revolutionary treatment manufactured in the USA by world leading laser company Sciton. Using Broad Band Light (BBL) technology, SkinTyte II utilises infra-red light to stimulate the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen. When new collagen is produced, the skin appears and feels tighter and smoother. SkinTyte II is a great option for anyone wanting to see an improvement in mild to moderate skin laxity – especially in the areas such as face, including around the eyes, neck, arms and abdomen. In fact, almost any part of the body can be treated.
How does BBL SkinTyte II Skin Tightening work?
SkinTyte II Skin Tightening solutions work by heating the deep layers of the skin, using advanced infra-red light, whilst keeping the surface cool and protected using advanced cooling technology. The treatment makes use of light energy which is distributed through gentle pulses into the skin. This light energy naturally stimulates the body’s healing process and collagen production, which leads to the improvement in the appearance of sagging skin.
Patients love that the treatment is non-surgical (no scalpels or needles involved) and involves no downtime, allowing them to get back to their normal activities immediately. It’s a quick walk-in walk-out procedure. Depending on the area being treated, most treatments are completed within just 10-30 mins. What’s more, SkinTyte II is suitable for all skin types.
What can I expect during and immediately after the treatment?
Following a thorough consultation, standardised clinical photography will be taken at your 1st appointment to accurately document your treatment journey. The treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed and conductive gel will be applied. The skin is then gradually heated by continuously moving the BBL handpiece across the skin. The area is gradually heated to a predetermined temperature through the delivery of a series of light pulses. Most people describe the treatment as generalised warmth and only find the treatment mildly uncomfortable during the last few seconds when target temperature has been achieved. Treatment time is 10-30 minutes however large treatment areas such as abdomen will take longer.
Immediately after treatment, patients may experience some mild redness in the treated area but this usually returns to normal within minutes. As there is virtually no down time, patients can return to normal activities following the treatment.
I recommend a series of 3 treatments, at 4 week intervals. In some cases, additional treatments may be required to achieve the desired outcome. However, I have seen great results even after just 1-2 treatments.
What are the results?
Gradual improvement in skin quality, skin tightness and firmness are expected. People report not only tighter skin, but also report more youthful looking skin. Having said that, it is important to note that the results from SkinTyte II treatment varies from person to person as does the number of treatment sessions required. My usual recommendation is a course of 3 treatments, at 4 week intervals. Each treatment has a cumulative effect and results are further enhanced by combining other collagen inducing treatments such as Medical Grade Skin Needling and Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser.
It is important to take into consideration that results are not visible immediately – they occur slowly over a period of time (typically over a 6-8 week period). As the treatment relies on the body’s natural healing abilities and on the individual’s ‘collagen factory’, time is required for these processes to occur.
As the changes occur gradually, it can be difficult to objectively monitor and appreciate the results. At COCO Skin Clinic, we closely monitor our treatment outcomes by using standardised Clinical Imaging photography. We offer a complimentary review appointment 6 weeks after the 3rd treatment, with repeat clinical photography. It’s at this appointment that patients are surprised and thrilled with the results – especially when the before and after photos are compared side by side.
How do you maintain the results achieved?
As with all skin procedures, sun protection is of the utmost importance in order to maintain and prolong the health of skin. Daily use of broad spectrum sunscreen (preferably SPF 50+) should be a ‘non-negotiable’ part of your skincare routine. Regular maintenance SkinTyte II treatments once every 6 months is advised to keep on top of the natural ageing process.
How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for SkinTyte II?
Book in for a complimentary consultation with one our AACDS (Australasian College of Dermal Sciences) qualified Dermal Therapists to find out if SkinTyte II is suited to you. You can book online or call our friendly team on (08) 6193 1838.
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