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CAN NONSURGICAL SKIN TIGHTENING DEVICES REMOVE MY EXCESS SKIN?

fillersThe short answer to this is no. Skin tightening devices if they have benefit at all is to shrink the skin to a relatively unpredictable degree. The gold standard for removing excess skin – even if it’s mild surgery. Neck lift, cheek lift, arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift and abdominoplasty are all major surgical procedures which when performed properly on the correct patient the results can be outstanding.

The nonsurgical devices which began as radiofrequency devices or THERMAGE have now been in usage for more than 10 years. The key to best result for any of the noninvasive nonsurgical skin tightening procedures is patient selection. What that really means is that if the SAG is not too severe then it may be a benefit.

NONSURGICAL SKIN TIGHTENING

Noninvasive or nonsurgical skin tightening devices are many. Lasers, micro needling, chemical peels, all have skin tightening benefits. The basic principles are similar. The application of energy by means of the above-mentioned devices create a controlled damage to the underlying skin at different levels. The technicalities of depth of treatment can be the topic of another blog. This controlled burn or the application of heat through whatever mechanism be it ultrasound, radio frequency, or laser burn or chemical or needles all achieve varying degrees of improvement in the skin.

Most recently a new type of collagen stimulation has come on to the market. The tradename is RENUVION. Furthermore, there’s a company INMODE which uses several of the energy inducing mechanisms to produce its skin tightening. Again, there’s no substitute for surgical excision of excess skin to create the most long-lasting result.

One or more of these devices can be used in conjunction with surgical procedure to further improve the result and maximize the result long-term. Again, there is no substitute for surgery and there’s no easy fix to skin tightening.

I personally have seen many patients who have had these nonsurgical noninvasive treatments consult with us for a more definitive and long-lasting result that is a surgical procedure. If you’re seeking a nonsurgical noninvasive skin tightening procedure I urge you to do your research. There is a great degree of information out there that you should embrace and understand before you make your final decision.

THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
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