The natural aging process means that eventually your plush, youthful skin will start to appear loose and less elastic. While this is an unavoidable aspect of aging, many people try to correct skin laxity on the face with over-the-counter collagen creams. Unfortunately, these skincare products aren’t powerful enough to make a significant difference when used alone. At Impressions Skin Solutions in Hendersonville, TN, we know that laser treatments like Pico Genesis can be an effective way to rejuvenate your appearance.
Traditionally, Pico Genesis is a laser system that is used to treat superficial skin concerns, including sun damage, melasma, brown spots, enlarged pores, acne scars, and even rosacea. However, because this non-invasive laser system uses a unique technology that generates thermal energy, many patients can also benefit from the skin-tightening effects of this treatment.
Yes, Pico Genesis can also resolve mild to moderate skin laxity concerns on top of superficial concerns. This laser system is frequently used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face, beneath the chin, and even on the upper neck. The fact that you can treat scarring, pigmentation concerns, and skin laxity with a single treatment is one of the reasons why this laser is so popular.
This laser system generates a moderate amount of thermal energy that seeps into the deepest layers of the skin to promote faster cell turnover and the production of skin-supporting structures like collagen and elastin. The increase of collagen and elastin from this treatment system is a byproduct of the treatment process, but the amount of new collagen generated from the treatment will make a noticeable difference on mildly lax skin.
To be sure, the results of Pico Genesis for skin tightening are moderate at best. If you have the beginning of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, then the skin-tightening effects of this treatment can help you refine your appearance with a single treatment. However, for those who have moderate to severe skin laxity, this treatment may not be the go-to solution for your texture concerns.
That said, most people are good candidates for this laser system, particularly people who want to treat multiple skin concerns at one time. This system is an appropriate choice for people of most skin types and skin tones. You will need to attend a consultation with one of our skin experts to assess your eligibility for this treatment.
Skin laxity is a natural result of the aging process. Starting at around age 30, most people will notice changes in the volume or texture of their skin. These changes are the result of lower levels of structural skin proteins, which decrease in production each year. Over time, fewer proteins in the skin mean the skin has less support, and the skin will then become thinner and more likely to fold in on itself, which causes wrinkles.
Two of the most important structural supports in the skin are collagen and elastin. Elastin is responsible for the elasticity of your skin, or your skin’s ability to snap back like a rubber band when stretched. Less elastin in the skin as you age means the skin will have more trouble bouncing back and maintaining a tight shape.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and is responsible for providing the skin with both firmness and volume. When the production of collagen in the skin decreases with age, the skin quickly loses its youthful, plush, and firm texture. Both collagen and elastin production can only be stimulated through thermal energy as a healing response from the body.
There is no right or ideal age to have a skin tightening treatment. Some people like to begin skin tightening treatments as soon as they notice skin laxity in their 30s and 40s, while others may only turn to skin tightening treatments with aesthetic options like dermal fillers are no longer as effective. Ultimately, the age you should think about skin tightening treatments will depend on your specific skin aging and your preferences.
Many skin care products promise miraculous skin tightening results because of inclusive ingredients like collagen, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. However, it’s important to realize that skincare products are usually used to slow the aging process down (which is why anti-aging products should be used early) or to support the results of anti-aging treatments.
Used alone to reverse visible aging, many people will be disappointed by the performance of skincare products. These products are topical, so they don’t penetrate the deeper layers of skin to promote the reversal of skin aging. Instead, the results achieved with these products are generally superficial and temporary.
The number of skin tightening treatments you will need with a system like Pico Genesis will depend on your skin condition. Most people will need at least three to five laser treatments to see any significant and long-lasting results from any laser treatment. You may need fewer treatments if your skin laxity is very mild, or you may require additional treatments if you are also treating concerns related to pigmentation or scarring.
Laser treatments are non-invasive and therefore easy to prepare for – but you will still need to make some preparations so you can get the best possible results. The biggest portion of your preparation will be related to preventing hyperpigmentation concerns, which is why you will need to avoid sunlight, tanning beds, sunbathing, and self-tanning products. You will also need to stop using any irritating skincare products that cause photosensitivity, including retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.
After your treatment, you should continue to avoid unprotected sunlight and any activity that can trigger melanin production. You will not be able to wear makeup for 24 hours and you will be advised to avoid hot water, scrubbing your face, or irritating skin products like chemical exfoliants. You should also be sure to keep your skin moisturized and protected from the sun by using gentle lotions and SPF when you plan to be outside.
The results of a skin-tightening treatment will generally only last for as long as collagen production remains high in the skin. Most people will notice the results of their treatment within about four weeks of their first treatment; these results will continue to improve as more collagen is produced in the skin. However, even new collagen will only last for a few months before it will deplete again, so most people will have results that last for about 12 months.
The best way to maintain your results is to undergo annual appointments about once a year to maintain high collagen production in your skin. For those who have moderate concerns or additional conditions like rosacea, it may be a good idea to schedule laser treatments twice a year instead. There are other ways you can maintain the results of your treatment, including:
UV rays are a known cause of visible skin aging – in fact, most experts agree that damage from sunlight is responsible for at least 80% of visible skin aging, including skin laxity. Protecting your skin from UV rays during the daytime is the best way to maintain your desired results.
You should aim to wear SPF 30 to 40 when you plan to be outside, although fair-skinned people may want to opt for stronger protection like SPF 50. Your sun protection can be incorporated into your makeup or worn beneath your cosmetics. If you are playing outdoor sports, be sure to reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes for the best protection, particularly during the summer.
Your skin will naturally change as you age, but there may be some things you can do to rejuvenate your skin. Although Pico Genesis is not traditionally used as a skin tightening treatment, many people will notice tighter skin while treating pigmentation and scarring concerns when this treatment is part of your aesthetic rejuvenation. Contact us at Impressions Skin Solutions in Hendersonville, TN to schedule your consultation today.
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