Lower Face and Neck Tightening
Lower Face & Neck Tightening in Calgary
Collagen is essential for healthy young-looking skin because it gives structure to the cells and supports the dermis. As we age, the production of collagen decreases causing our skin to lose elasticity. This often results in skin laxity and wrinkles. This process is natural but can be expedited by environmental factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and pollution.
When we start to lose volume and laxity to our lower face and neck, we can appear tired and older than our chronological age. Previously, invasive treatments or surgery were the only options to effectively target these trouble areas. However, we now have exciting technology that targets the body’s own natural processes. At Remington Laser Dermatology Centre, we use the SmoothLiftin™ laser treatment to tighten the lower face and neck on our patients in Calgary.
SmoothLiftin™ Treatment
SmoothLiftin™ is an exclusive non-invasive treatment that heats up the skin from inside the mouth. This results in an overall improvement of tightness and elasticity of the skin while also creating a plumping effect – similar to the results from injectable fillers. Patients can feel these results immediately by running their tongue along the inside of their cheek. This is the first method that can literally tighten “from the inside out!”. There is only minimal discomfort during the procedure.
How Can I Prepare for Laser Skin Tightening?
SmoothLiftin™ skin tightening may treat the tissue inside the mouth as well as the surface of the skin on the face and neck areas. Because laser energy converts to heat in the subcutaneous layer of tissue, patients must avoid exposure to UV light before undergoing their procedure. Ultraviolet light is damaging to the skin and can create unnecessary irritation resultant from laser treatments.
How Does Laser Skin Tightening Work?
The SP Dynamis Fotona laser uses exclusive non-invasive laser technology to heat up tissue both on the surface and deep below the skin. Through a process called collagen induction, new collagen is formed creating a stronger foundation for the neck and lower face. The PIANO mode delivers heat into the deeper layers of the skin, denaturing collagen fibers which then contract and tighten as they cool. Similar to putting the results of putting your jeans in the dryer, the heat causes a shrinking effect while simultaneously stimulating healthy collagen production.
The last step, the SMOOTH mode, uses a step-down approach to target the superficial layers of the skin. This creates a pulling effect known as “shrink wrap”, which improves the laxity on the surface of the skin.
By using a 3-dimensional approach to skin tightening, we are able to effectively stimulate collagen from the inside, in the deeper layers and on the surface of the skin. This is a great adjunctive therapy to injectable fillers. It stimulates the body’s natural collagen production to create a stronger foundation for targeted treatment areas.
Is SmoothLiftin™ Safe?
Laser skin tightening has been popular for many years. As the use of laser energy has evolved, new technologies have been developed to increase the safety and efficacy of various treatments. SmoothLiftin™ by Fontana has been carefully studied throughout its developmental process to ensure consistency in the delivery of laser energy. No serious complications have been reported.
How Long Is the SmoothLiftin™ Procedure?
This procedure is customized to include a 2D, 3D, or 4D combination of modalities to address specific concerns. Each additional combination may increase treatment time by a short time. During our consultation for SmoothLiftin™ treatment, we discuss how long the treatment session may be and how long the patient can expect to be in the office.
Is Laser Skin Tightening Painful?
Laser treatments deliver energy into the tissue beneath the epidermis. Laser energy transforms to heat when it is absorbed into the dermis. Patients may feel this as a warming sensation that may at some times feel intense, but should not experience this as painful. Many patients find the procedure very relaxing.
Recovery After Face & Neck Tightening
Most patients can resume their regular daily activities immediately following the procedure. Patients may experience some mild redness and peel for 3-4 days following the procedure. Patients can usually cover this with a collared shirt or scarf.
How Should I Care for My Skin After Laser Skin Tightening?
Patients who undergo any laser treatment, including SmoothLiftin™, are encouraged to practice good sun habits for several days after their procedure. Suggestions include avoiding sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 2 pm) and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 every day. Some moisturizers may contain sunscreen. It is important to confirm that these products include sufficient SPF to protect the skin from photodamage.
How Long After My Laser Skin Tightening Treatment Can I Wear Makeup?
How Many SmoothLiftin™ Treatments Will I Need?
Every situation is unique so some people may need more treatments than others. The adjustable settings featured in this laser system allow us to meet each person’s needs through customization. The way that laser skin tightening works is by triggering the fibroblast cells to produce more collagen, elastin, and other vital chemicals. These substances are involved in building the skin’s firm, supple foundation.
In order to get optimal results, a minimum of three treatments is required at 4-6 weeks intervals. We recommend maintenance treatments annually to continue the collagen regeneration process.
How Long Do Results of SmoothLiftin™ Last?
The results of laser skin tightening can last for several months. However, many factors influence how the skin ages and how it maintains resiliency. The goal of laser skin tightening treatments is to stimulate the production of collagen for an extended period. At some point, the fibroblasts that have been prompted to produce more of this vital protein will return to dormancy. When they do, the signs of aging will gradually return. Periodic SmoothLiftin™ treatments can be conducted to maintain firmer, younger-looking skin.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about laser tightening for the lower face and neck, contact Remington Laser Dermatology Centre today. To contact Dr. Kent Remington, call 403-252-7784. To contact Dr. Todd Remington, call 403-255-1633.
