There are several different types of skin tightening treatments on offer including radio frequency and laser treatment, the use of various creams and gels, and surgical procedures.
It is important to be aware that there are some skin tightening treatments available which have not been proven to work. For example, skin lightening is not considered effective for most people because it can lead to unwanted side effects such as skin discoloration and scarring.
Radio Frequency skin tightening treatment
Radio frequency (RF) treatments involve heating up a target area using RF waves. This results in the tightening of the skin around it. This non-invasive skin tightening treatment may be done by using an electrode which is then applied directly to the skin, or it could be done with an instrument which is attached to the skin. This type of treatment is mostly offered in medical spas.
Laser treatment
Laser treatments work by heating up certain areas of the skin with laser beams, causing collagen fibers to shrink and tighten the skin around the area. The technique is generally more expensive than RF treatment but it has been used in conjunction with other skin tightening treatments in some clinics.
Cosmetic for skin tightening
There are a number of creams available which contain active ingredients which have been shown to tighten the skin on their own. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that they work any better than creams which do not contain any active ingredients. However, some of these creams can have an unwanted effect on the skin and can cause irritation or burning.
Surgical treatments
Surgical treatments involve the removal of excess fat tissue from around the body, and include liposuction and body contouring surgery. This will result in a reduction in the amount of fat which is present in the treated area. As the fat cells are removed they are replaced by new skin which makes the skin look tighter. Some people also report that surgical treatments make them feel more confident in their appearance and more able to wear clothes that fit.
Other Treatments
There are also a number of other treatments on offer which have not been scientifically proven to work. These include light therapy (using LED light) and the use of devices such as the MTP-800, which is used to reduce wrinkles. There are also a number of home based remedies for tightening the skin, some of which may be effective in reducing some skin wrinkles but there is little evidence that they work for all skin types or for all types of wrinkle. The best course of action in any case is to seek expert advice and discuss any treatment options with your GP before embarking on any new skin treatment regime.
Skin tightening treatments are usually carried out by a trained medical professional in a clinic or by a trained practitioner at home. Your GP will be able to discuss which type of treatment would be best for you. You will need to decide whether to undergo a series of treatments or a single treatment.
