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Laser skin tightening is a safe, noninvasive procedure that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging while tightening and lifting the skin for an overall younger and fuller appearance. This treatment can be used to treat all areas of the face and body, and is most commonly performed on the cheeks and neck.
Many patients choose laser skin tightening for its slimming, firming effects that can be achieved using much less invasive means than procedures such as a facelift or neck lift. Some patients seeking body tightening may choose to undergo laser skin tightening as an alternative to more invasive procedures like liposuction or tummy tuck, as laser treatment offers noticeable results with significantly less pain and recovery time.
The advanced laser used during the laser skin tightening procedure heats the underlying layers of skin in order to stimulate collagen production and cause the skin to contract (tighten). The result is a significant reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity and other signs of aging, leaving skin that is full and younger-looking.
Nearly any patient seeking fuller, tighter skin can benefit from laser skin tightening as a safe, noninvasive and effective procedure. The laser skin tightening procedure can be fully customized to help each patient receive the best possible results, depending on the skin condition, size and location of the targeted area and the strength of the laser exposure.
Most patients can achieve their desired results after four to six treatment sessions spaced approximately three weeks apart. Significant improvements will be noticeable before treatment is completed. In fact, most patients notice changes to the tone and overall condition of their skin immediately after treatment. Results continue to improve over time.
After laser skin tightening, patients may experience mild redness and swelling for 24-48 hours.
Laser skin tightening is considered safe for patients of all skin types, as it does not involve any burning or breaking of the skin. Patients can resume their regular activities shortly after this noninvasive treatment with only a minimal risk of rare complications.
Autologous Fat Transfer, also known as Fat Grafting, is a surgical procedure that restores or adds volume to the face or other areas of the body with the patient’s own fat. Commonly transplanted areas include the back of the hands, laugh lines, cheeks and areas around the eyes. Fat can even be transplanted to the buttocks or breasts to achieve a more desired, aesthetic appearance.
Fat is usually removed using liposuction from the abdomen, thighs or other area. The fat is then processed and injected into the area being treated. A portion of this fat contains valuable stem cells, which are believed to have unique benefits when being transplanted.
Unlike fillers and other volume-enhancing treatments, fat grafts are taken from the patient’s own body, and as a result cannot cause an allergic reaction. The fat is naturally accepted by the body. Autologous fat grafts also usually last much longer than synthetic materials.
During the procedure, fat is harvested from the donor area by inserting a cannula and suctioning out the fat, similar to liposuction. This is done under local anesthesia to minimize any potential discomfort. The harvested fat is then purified so that only the fat cells are grafted. Once the fat is ready to be placed, it is injected into the targeted area through a cannula until the desired appearance is achieved.
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in our office, under local or tumescent anesthesia. Because of the different aspects involved, treatment time can vary significantly depending on each patient’s individual procedure.
Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising after the fat grafting procedure, which can be minimized by icing the area. Fat grafts usually last longer than fillers and other volumizing treatments, and are considered safe for most patients since no foreign material is being injected into the body.
While fat grafting is considered safe for most patients, there are certain risks as with any type of procedure. Some of these risks may include:
These risks can be minimized by choosing a surgeon experienced in skin and soft tissue surgery to perform your procedure, and by following his instructions before and after surgery.
To learn more about autologous fat transfer, call us today to schedule a consultation and find out whether or not this procedure is right for you.