You probably already know that a face lift or tummy tuck or any equivalent surgery is the fastest way to rid yourself of sagging skin. However, fastest is not always best or easiest. In the world of skincare, it is important to weigh each of your options before making a decision. There are budget, time and physical risk factors all involved in that decision making process, among other things. Therefore, before you have surgery, you should look into other treatments, especially laser skin tightening.
Surgery is the Most Invasive Skincare Procedure
The biggest pro of having surgery to correct sagging skin is speed of results. However, there are several cons to consider. Most of them can be summed up in one word. That word is invasive. Surgery is an incredibly invasive procedure that requires you to not only endure hospitalization but also a lengthy period of recovery after the procedure is over. That can be quite a disruption in your life. For example, you will obviously need to ask for time away from your job for the procedure.
Laser Skin Tightening is Far Less Invasive
In contrast to surgery, laser skin tightening is almost completely non-invasive. The commonly used skincare lasers operated in today’s skincare clinics are precise tools that can treat your skin with minimal side effects. They can also do so while you are fully awake. There is no need for anesthesia. You also should not have to suffer through a lengthy recovery.
Hospitalization in general is not necessary with laser skin tightening. It is a procedure performed in a matter of minutes, or at worst little more than an hour. Therefore, you can squeeze it into even the busiest schedule. You can also look forward to going home right after the procedure is over instead of contending with an overnight hospital stay.
Assessing Your Skin to Determine if Non-Surgical Skin Tightening is Right
Another reason to consider non-surgical skin tightening methods like laser treatment instead of surgery is you may simply not yet be a surgical candidate. Surgery is typically only recommended in severe cases. Mild to moderate skin sags may immediately place you in the category of patients who can benefit from milder treatments.
Laser treatment or other non-surgical skin tightening procedures also have certain uses you may not know about. For example, they can be used in supportive ways after surgery. Surgery does not always correct everything perfectly from the start. Some mild maintenance may be required after the face. Non-surgical skin tightening can also improve your skin quality and general skin health, whether you have been a previous surgical patient or not.
Laser Skin Tightening Treatments and Outcomes
Laser skin tightening is not an instant fix. The laser triggers cellular reactions and can cause your body to amp up production of collagen to repair your cells. However, those internal processes can take a while to take effect. Laser skin tightening sessions also tend to work best when they are performed regularly for a period of time. Up to six treatments are usually recommended to maximize the positive results you can achieve.
Looking Into Other Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Procedures
Of course, when it comes to skin tightening, surgery and lasers are not your only options. You might not be the best candidate for either one. Alternatively, you may simply prefer to try another treatment method for personal reasons. In either case, intense pulsed light (IPL) can offer a more mild alternative. You can also opt to use sound wave procedures like ultrasound or radio frequency treatments to trigger similar cellular healing processes in your body to the processes triggered by lasers. The best way to make your final choice is to consult your skincare clinician and have your skin professionally assessed.
