Nonsurgical Skin Tightening in Marin & San Francisco, CA

When you're born, your body has a full supply of collagen and elastin to keep your skin smooth, soft, healthy, and resilient. Eventually, this natural supply of nutrients runs low, and the skin of the face and body decreases in elasticity, which leads to lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. If you want to improve the tightness and overall appearance of your skin without surgery, nonsurgical skin tightening at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin could be a solution. Using advanced Fraxel and ResurFX laser technology, Tracy Evans, MD performs nonsurgical skin tightening that stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin in the treated areas so you can have firmer, healthier skin. Dr. Evans is pleased to provide nonsurgical skin tightening to her San Francisco, CA patients wishing to tone up their skin without the time and expense required with surgery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Evans at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco to learn more about nonsurgical skin tightening.

Surgical skin tightening or “lift” procedures, like facelifts, remain the most effective way to minimize sagging, loose skin. Nonsurgical skin tightening can help if you do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure. Nonsurgical skin tightening can be used on most areas of the face and body, including the neck, stomach, arms, and thighs. The best patients for this procedure:

• Are in good overall health
• Are at or near a healthy, stable weight
• Have mild to moderate skin looseness on the face or body
• Have lines or wrinkles on the face or body
• Want to improve the health and appearance of their skin

Before your procedure, the areas being treated will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any makeup, dirt, or oil. A topical anesthetic can be used upon your request, but most patients report only mild discomfort during the treatment that is brief and easily tolerated. Once you are ready, the laser applicator will be passed evenly over the skin multiple times for the most effective treatment. The energy prompts the body’s natural healing properties to produce collagen and elastin, which tightens and firms the skin. The procedure can take about 30 – 90 minutes, depending on the size and number of treatment areas. After the procedure is complete, you will be able to leave and resume your normal activities.

After your nonsurgical skin tightening procedure, the treated areas may be slightly red, swollen, or numb. This is normal and should resolve on its own within about a week. During your consultation, Dr. Evans will discuss the best ways to care for your skin after your treatment, including keeping the skin moisturized and protected from the sun. Most patients will not be able to see visible results immediately after the procedure. Since the collagen and elastin stimulation and growth is a gradual process, you can expect to see the full results of your treatment within 2 – 6 months after the procedure. However, these results should be long-lasting and improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. You may need multiple treatments to get the ideal outcome. During your consultation, Dr. Evans will help you develop your custom treatment plan based on your needs and cosmetic goals.

What is the cost for nonsurgical skin tightening?
Depending on the size and number of areas being treated, the cost of a nonsurgical skin tightening treatment will vary. Prior to your treatment, we will customize a specific treatment plan for your needs and discuss your costs. We can also discuss payment options and where to find low-interest medical financing.

Why is collagen important?
Collagen is a protein-based tissue that occurs naturally inside the body. It works to help keep skin hydrated, tight, and firm, among other important functions. During the aging process, the natural supply of collagen becomes depleted, leading to thinner, laxer skin. This is a large part of why we develop sagging and wrinkles. Stimulating your natural collagen supply is important for fighting the visible effects of aging.

Does laser skin tightening hurt?
During a nonsurgical skin tightening treatment, you may experience a slight heating sensation but no major discomfort. If necessary, a local anesthetic may be applied to the area prior to your treatment, but this is typically not needed. If you are nervous about your treatment, we can take our time and explain every step. 

What happens right after the treatment?
After a nonsurgical skin tightening treatment, you may experience some numbness, swelling, or redness of the treated area. This will usually subside within a few days. The results of your treatment will continue to develop in the months following your procedure as more collagen continues to be produced. Some patients may need several treatments before achieving their desired outcome.

How does nonsurgical skin tightening work?
The nonsurgical skin tightening treatments at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin combine two technologies, Fraxel and ResurFX. The Fraxel laser stimulates the production of collagen while the ResurFX laser removes older, damaged skin. They work together to promote cell turn over, resulting in newer, tighter, clearer skin. In general, nonsurgical skin tightening is best for early problems with loose skin. 

If your goal is to keep your skin firm and tight as long as possible without going under the knife, schedule a consultation at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin. Nonsurgical skin tightening is an effective, noninvasive treatment that requires no downtime after the process. It can help you improve the health and tone of your skin at the earliest signs of lines, wrinkles, and looseness. Get a customized treatment plan for nonsurgical skin tightening during your consultation with Tracy Evans, MD or one of her experienced medical professional staff members.