Infra Red Laser Skin Tightening In Oldwhat

The science of non-surgical skin tightening is a fast growing area of aesthetic medicine. With more and more of us demanding minimally invasive ways of improving skin laxity, without succumbing to the knife and a surgical face lift, more and more devices and modalities are being discovered which can meet this need.

Practitioners are now able to use technologies such as radiofrequency and various types of lasers, or a combination of the two modalities for skin tightening treatments; and now infra red light is also being used.
 
All of these technologies are being harnessed in a variety of devices which can then deliver the energy to a targeted area of the skin, causing heating of the underlying tissues. This heat causes the collagen within the skin to be damaged, in a controlled way, that makes it tighten almost immediately, and also starts off the body’s own healing process to produce fresh, new collagen which continues the tightening process over a period of months; aiming to produce a more youthful appearance to the skin in the treated area.
 
If you are considering treatment with infra red laser skin tightening, the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure. It can't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient. Please ask a practitioner about anything you don't understand.

Careful discussions regarding your reasons for wanting treatment are very important before you begin the treatment. You must also make sure that this treatment can deliver what you want and how you would like to look afterwards. Your practitioner should be able to answer all these questions.

A medical history should also be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t undertake treatment. You may be asked to read detailed information and sign a consent form which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
 
Your doctor will give you specific instructions before coming in for the procedure. This may include avoiding the use of aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drugs for a couple of weeks before treatment. They may advise you to stop smoking as this can delay wound healing, and avoid alcohol for a few days before the procedure.
 
Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a "before and after" comparison at a later date.
 
Anaesthesia
 
No anaesthesia is required.
 
The procedure
 
Infra red light is delivered in pulses from a bespoke hand piece placed on the skin to the targeted area. This energy is preferentially absorbed by the water content of the skin; heating up the water and causing uniform heating of the treated area. This heat acts on the existing collagen, causing it to immediately contract and tighten. It also stimulates the fibroblasts in the skin to produce new collagen, thus creating further tightening over time
 
The length of the treatment session depends on the size of the area(s) being treated, but can take between ½ and 1 hour. Expect 1 hour or longer for treating an area such as the tummy or full face and neck.
 
Results
 
Although some people notice an immediate change following treatments, the results are seen gradually over a period of 1 – 3 months as new collagen is formed and the skin tightens further.
 
The manufacturers of the Titan™ device claim that clinical studies have shown the improvements last 1 – 2 years.
 
Repeat Treatments
 
A single treatment session has produced very good results for some people. However, most people need two treatments, spaced 1 month apart. Severe skin laxity may require 3 treatments. Your practitioner will advise you as to the number and frequency of treatments recommended for optimal results.
 
Further maintenance treatments over the years (every 1½ - 2 years) can be given when needed.

Treatment is generally considered by most people to be ‘near’ painless, with no pain or discomfort post-treatment being reported. A warm sensation or feeling of heat has been reported during treatment. Some people, depending on pain thresholds, may find this uncomfortable.
 
There are very few documented side effects to date, although mild swelling and redness post-treatment is to be expected. This may last 24 hours but will normally resolve after 1 - 2 hours.
 
In very rare cases, small blisters (or burns) may occur on the skin, which should heal in under a week. This is generally considered to be a risk (albeit an extremely rare one) in more boney areas of the body, such as on the forehead or along the jawbone.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable candidates.

As long as you are generally healthy and don’t have any skin diseases or infections in the area treated, there are few medical reasons why patients should not undergo this treatment.
 
Large areas of loose or redundant skin, such as after massive weight-loss may be better suited to surgical approaches.
 
Also, until further studies have been carried out it is advisable not to have treatment directly over dermal filler products.

You will not be able to access this treatment via the National Health Service (NHS).

Private costs for Infrared Laser Skin Tightening depend on the area(s) being treated.

Prices with the Titan™ device for example can start from approximately £750 per session for areas such as the whole face or abdomen (tummy). Larger areas such as the face and neck combined start from approximately £900. Smaller areas such as the neck or part of the face (upper or lower) range from £300 - £500 per session.

Prices can be lower for other devices using this technology.

Before and After images using the Titan™ device.

Before treatment and immediately post single treatment.

Before treatment and 2½ months after single treatment

Before treatment and 1 month after single treatment

Before treatment and 2 months after two treatments.

Images provided courtesy of General Practice Lasers Ltd.

Right picture shows Improvement in the Jawline contour and corner of the mouth line following a course of treatment with Infra Red Laser Skin Tightening

Left image before treatment. right image showing improvement in jawline after course of laser skin tightening and three IPL sessions at MediZen

All before and after photographs are real patients, your results may differ.