Address Skin Laxity Without Surgery in the Little Rock Area
Tight, firm skin requires good elasticity, which is the ability of the skin to “snap back” after it has been pulled out of shape or away from the body. Without healthy collagen and elastin fibers that lie deep in the skin, the tissue becomes loose, so when it is pulled out of position, it retracts slowly—if at all. Using SkinTyte™, the Little Rock area’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas can restore elasticity to aging skin, leading to a tighter and more youthful look.
The Dermatology Group of Arkansas team is trained and experienced in advanced cosmetic dermatology technology, including the infrared- powered SkinTyte™ device. SkinTyte™ treatments are tailored to the patient to maximize safety, comfort, and long-term results.
Contact Us Today
Schedule your consultation for SkinTyte™ at the Dermatology Group of Arkansas for Little Rock, all of Central Arkansas, and beyond today. Call us at 501-227-8422 or submit a contact form to request an appointment.
What Causes the Skin to Lose Elasticity?
The term “skin elasticity” refers to the ability of the skin to stretch and snap back into its original shape. When our skin has good elasticity, it has a plump and youthful appearance. Young skin has the highest level of elasticity. As you get older, sagging skin and wrinkles may develop on the face or other areas of the body. The loss of elasticity is referred to as elastosis. Collagen and elastin molecules break down and are replaced by new ones in an ongoing cycle in the skin.
Age causes this cycle to slow down, so that these beneficial fibers are eventually lost faster than they can be replaced. Environmental and lifestyle factors can also have an impact on the skin. Collagen and elastin fibers break down more rapidly when exposed to sunlight, cigarette smoke, and pollution. When UV rays from sunlight penetrate the skin and reach the cells, collagen fibers are damaged and abnormal elastin fibers are created. The result of the damage from all of these factors is low levels of collagen and elastin, lax skin, increased lines and wrinkles, and sagging.
Although it’s normal and inevitable that your skin will lose some elasticity, there are ways of addressing the damage and even delaying the process, such as infrared skin tightening treatments with SkinTyte™.
How Does SkinTyte™ Work?
SkinTyte™ is an infrared skin tightening procedure that takes advantage of the body’s natural healing response to tissue damage. It uses infrared light to deliver heat into the deepest layers of the skin, which causes controlled tissue damage and prompts contraction of the existing collagen and elastin fibers right away.
In the long term, these treatments stimulate specialized cells to produce new collagen and elastin molecules for an overall improvement of skin firmness. The goal of SkinTyte™ is to make the skin tighter, firmer, and more youthful in terms of appearance and feel.
There are many cosmetic concerns that can be addressed with this treatment, including loss of definition in the jawline and neck, and general skin laxity in the face.
The SkinTyte™ device uses something known as “sapphire contact cooling” to protect the surface and keep it at a more comfortable temperature than the heated deeper layers. This is a safe treatment, but patients should expect some minor side effects, such as skin redness, tenderness, and possible swelling. No downtime is required, as these effects will resolve on their own—but care should be taken to protect the treated areas against sun exposure as they heal.
What Happens During the SkinTyte™ Procedure?
During a SkinTyte™ session, gel is first applied to the treatment area. The device will then be brushed over the skin several times, and the gentle heat it gives off stimulates the growth of new collagen. Infrared energy is delivered by the wand in constant motion. This treatment is usually comfortable and described as feeling similar to a hot stone massage.
There is no need for any topical anesthetic, since SkinTyte™ is usually well-tolerated.
Who Is a Candidate for SkinTyte™?
An ideal candidate for SkinTyte™ is someone who has mild to moderate skin laxity and early signs of aging. This infrared skin tightening treatment is safe for all skin types. Patients who have vitiligo, tattoos on the treatment area, are pregnant, or are undergoing treatments for cancer should not have SkinTyte™. This downtime-free, energy-based treatment is safe for all skin types and tones.
What Can SkinTyte™ Address?
Virtually any area that has mild to moderate sagging and creases due to age-related collagen loss can benefit from a SkinTyte™ treatment. Many patients use SkinTyte™ to get firmer skin on their face, neck, chest (especially the décolletage), and abdomen.
SkinTyte™ at the Little Rock area’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas uses infrared light to cause elastin and collagen fibers to contract, as well as prompt the formation of new collagen and elastin. Together, these effects tighten and smooth the skin, making the treatment ideal for laxity on the face, neck, and upper chest (known as the décolletage).
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How Do You Prepare for SkinTyte™?
Your skin will not need much preparation before this procedure other than sun protection. Prior to this procedure or any other type of infrared skin tightening treatment, it’s recommended that you avoid taking blood thinning and anti-inflammatory medications for at least two weeks. You should also stop using prescription retinoid creams for six months. It’s safe to have SkinTyte™ at any time of the year, as long as you protect your skin with sunscreen after. This is because treated skin is especially sensitive to damage from ultraviolet radiation.
What Are the Results Like After a SkinTyte™ Treatment in the Little Rock Area?
There’s no recovery time needed after having SkinTyte™. Patients can apply makeup and go back to work or other activities as soon as they’d like.
Mild redness and swelling that feel similar to a sunburn may occur for a few minutes after the treatment. The redness may last for up to 24 hours following the procedure. The results of SkinTyte™ appear gradually within the next two to three months as the body heals itself and more collagen and elastin are created. The results will continue to naturally improve over time.
Usually, this treatment will be performed as part of a series. For optimal results, most patients will need four initial treatment sessions and then yearly maintenance treatments. The results of SkinTyte™ usually last for three to 12 months.
What Else Can Help with Tightening Skin and Body Contouring?
Loose skin on the lower face and neck is a common cosmetic problem for many people, and so is excess fat that creates submental fullness—better known as a double chin. To deal with the unwanted fat cells, we offer injectable Kybella®, which can pair with SkinTyte™ to treat both issues and create a more defined neck and jawline.
Loss of collagen in the face can be addressed with a dermal filler, such as Juvederm®, which introduces a hyaluronic acid-based gel below the surface to restore midface contours or plump up thin lips. This added volume “fills in” creases and hollows, pushing the skin outward again for a tighter and smoother look.
Contact Us Today
Contact the Dermatology Group of Arkansas today for more advice about infrared skin tightening with SkinTyte™ in the Little Rock area. Call 501-227-8422 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.