Before I begin talking about what skin tightening treatment is, let me briefly educate you about the Human skin.
According to Biology and Medical Science, the Human skin is the largest organ any Human Being possesses. Having up to seven layers, it is responsible for shielding our bones, muscles, ligaments and internal organs. With no doubt, it is unarguably the base of our physical beauty and also critical in the identification of our colour and diversity.
After educating you about the Human skin, am sure you know what the Human skin is and what it does. Now let’s talk about skin tightening!
What is skin tightening?
In a layman’s language, skin tightening is the stimulation of the production of subdermal collagen in order to reduce fine lines and looseness of the skin (wrinkles).
They say what goes up must come down, we can absolutely say the same for the Human skin. The Human skin is bound to get loose as we age, due to reduction of collagen production. We have no power over this, but science has given us a chance to alter this inevitable natural phenomenon.
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There are various procedures of skin tightening which are going to mentioned and talked about on how they work below. I advise you to fasten your seat belt and enjoy the roller-coaster ride. Some of these methods are:
Dermal Fillers
This method is not only advisable for individuals with minimal looseness of the skin, it is highly recommended to this category of individuals, Dermal fillers provide immediate lift and volume of the targeted area(s). Some of these popular fillers are:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm
- Collagen: CosmoDerm, Zyderm, CosmoPlast and Zyplast, Bellafill.
- Polylactic Acid: Sculptra
- Calcium Hydroxylapetite: Radiesse.
- Body fats: Fat transfer.
Fillers like Polylactic Acid (Sculptra), stimulates natural production of collagen whilst returning volume and fullness to the skin, while Hyaluronic Acid are recommended for lifting and enhancing the contours of the facial skin. A gel-like filler in Calcium Hydroxylapetite is to correct the appearance of aging hands.
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The cost of these sets of body fillers vary from a $1000USD to $2000USD.
Botox
This is a treatment where a purified Botulinum Toxin is the chemical agent used by injecting it directly into the muscles in the face to block temporary contractions that causes sagginess and wrinkles on the face. In this case, the use of Anastasia is not needed, but there is infinitesimal discomfort, with recovery duration unknown. Improvements are seen in the space of a week. Effects fade off and can be safely repeated at four months’ interval.
Treatment usually costs around $300USD to $1000USD at flat rate, while per-unit rate is usually around $10USD to $15USD per unit.
Microneedling
Also called Collagen Induction Therapy, this a skin tightening treatment that comprises the creation of microscopic
channels or paths through the skin surface leading to formation of new skin and production of collagen. This creates minor skin injuries, inducing the skin’s natural healing process and thereby initiating the production of collagen and fibers that thickens the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
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On average, Microneedling cost around $100USD to $700USD per session, and it is recommended to undergo 4 to 6 treatments depending on condition of the skin and age of the individual.
Laser Skin Tightening
This method of skin tightening has been proven to effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging of the skin to provide a more youthful appearance. This method does not require any forms of incisions, so patients need not to worry about suffering from bruises, bleeding or long recovery duration. Laser skin tightening involves heating the collagen under the skin surface, causing it to contract, thereby tightening the loose or saggy skin on the body.
Cost of Laser skin tightening ranges from $500USD to $3500USD per session.
Skin Resurfacing
Involving the removal of the outer layer of the skin to reduce wrinkles, lines and also removal of other skin conditions such as acne and skin damage by the sun. This operation sets off the body to respond to healing by increasing collagen production, thereby tightening the skin. Recovery duration depends on how deep the operation is.
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With various types of skin resurfacing available, these are the most frequently patronized:
- Chemical peels: Removal of outer layer of the skin with the use of acid solutions
- Laser peels: This is the use of high intensity carbon (iv) oxide lasers, less power-hungry erbium laser, or Fraxel lasers requiring multiple sessions to address varying level damage of the skin.
- Microdermabrasion: skin polishing with the use of non-allergenic crystals for the removal of bad skin layers. It also does not involve use of chemicals.
Cost of treatment ranges from $300USD for one Microdermabrasion to $7000USD for one deep chemical peel.
Facelift Surgery
This has been touted to be the most effective of all treatments for people with moderate to severe facial aging. Facelift surgery allows plastic surgeons to remove excess skin and tighten facial muscles. With variation of facelift procedure ranging from s-lift to a full facelift available, each has the ability to treat different grades of skin sagging and looseness.
According to a statistic from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2016, the average cost of facelift $7048USD
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As stated earlier, the skin is the base of physical beauty of any living Human. A fine skin indicates youthfulness which at some point in our lives we all attain and leave behind, it doesn’t last forever. After reading this article, you should understand that feeling youthful again comes at a price. Then the question then lingers, is it worth it? It’s a yes if you ask me. What about you?
