Skin tightening
A state-of-the-art technology for scarless skin rejuvenation
In the last decade, numerous minimally invasive technologies have entered the aesthetic market. Some help for skin rejuvenation, others for skin tightening, some treat certain skin conditions, and others help for skin pigmentation. Regardless of the used technology, it is always important to keep a critical eye on every piece of equipment. As a surgeon, it is important to embrace these technologies, but to also read the science behind it and only adopt the techniques that have a scientifically proven benefit for the patient. The technologies that I have worked with intensively are Radiofrequency (RF) and Helium Plasma induced skin tightening. I have followed in-depth training with both technologies and I am convinced of their strengths. For certain patients, it can deliver fantastic results with regards to skin quality, skin tightening, and skin tone. Patient selection and surgical technique are, as always, crucial to obtain the best results.
The essentials
RadioFrequency is a state-of-the-art technology that can deliver improved skin tone, skin tightening, and skin quality in a non-invasive way.
Helium Plasma can be used in conjunction with advanced liposuction or as a stand-alone treatment to boost skin tightening and give a smoother contour.
An in-office, non-invasive treatment uses the powers of RadioFrequency to treat skin with moderate laxity, lines and wrinkles and make it tighter and smoother. Popular treatment areas are the cheeks, neck, arms, buttocks, and thighs. But basically every area of the body can be treated.
Helium Plasma skin tightening as an addition to liposuction has tremendous effect on the final result, by further improving skin and soft tissue contraction. This will give you an even better result after liposuction, in case you have moderate skin laxity that wouldn’t contract enough. Popular treatment areas are the arms, neck, abdomen, flanks and thighs.
Both treatments also induce an increased production of collagen and elastin, which results in skin rejuvenation and a long-lasting result.
Both treatments can be performed throughout the whole year, on any skin type and skin colour, without any scars.
What are RadioFrequency and Plasma-energy ?
A RadioFrequency (RF) device makes use of the electromagnetic spectrum. A specific amount of electric current is set into motion by the machine to deliver so-called "electromagnetic waves". As soon as these waves touch the skin or subcutaneous tissues, they encounter a resistance which leads to the production of heat. The heat that is generated has a beneficial impact on the surrounding tissues. When the skin is treated, it leads to skin rejuvenation and tightening. When the subcutaneous tissues are treated, it leads to an overall contraction of the structures beneath the skin to give the skin more support and induce more skin and soft tissue contraction after liposuction. At the same time, there is an increased production of collagen and elastin, two important molecules to keep the skin and deeper tissues tight, young and healthy. Furthermore, it can induce moderate fat apoptosis as well for a slimmer body.
During liposuction, I use the strengths of Helium Plasma together with RF to enhance skin and soft tissue contraction to further improve your body shape and silhouette. The same device can also be used without liposuction for areas that suffer from skin laxity without any fat excess. The plasma-energy induces both contraction of the subcutaneous structures as well as a boost in collagen and elastin production. The combined effect on the skin and deeper tissues ensure an overall boost in skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, and skin elasticity.
A non-invasive and painless RadioFrequency treatment gives you a tighter, smoother, and firmer skin.
Plasma-energy may be added to liposuction to further enhance skin and soft tissue contraction and give a better shape and body silhouette.
Which bodyparts can be treated ?
RF-treatments can be used both for the skin and the deeper structures.
When treating the skin, RF can be used for any body part that suffers from moderate laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, and a sunken appearance. Thanks to RF, you get a tighter, firmer skin with a smoother aspect. At the same time, it helps for skin rejuvenation thanks to the stimulated production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are important building blocks of the framework of your skin. Popular areas to treat are the cheeks, the neck, the arms, the buttocks, and the legs. It can be performed in the office without the need for anaesthesia. One of the other advantages is that it can be performed throughout the year, in any skin type, and for any skin colour. Every area of the body may benefit from a RF-treatment.
When treating the deeper tissues, Helium Plasma is a perfect addition to a liposuction treatment. Not only does it enable me get improved skin tightening during the surgery, but it leads to a continuous tightening of the tissues for weeks after the procedure. When the indication is right, the combined effect of liposuction and Helium Plasma can lead to tremendous results. The liposuction improves the overall contour and reduces the thickness of the fatty layer, while the plasma-energy optimises skin and fiber contraction to have the best surgical outcome. Popular areas to combine liposuction with plasma-energy are the arms, the neck, the abdomen, flanks, and back.
What are the benefits of skin tightening treatments ?
Just like every other technology or surgical technique, good results can only be achieved when the indication is right. If there is a clear indication for surgery (for example, you have too much excess skin), then a skin-tightening-only treatment will not give you the result you hoped for. However, with good planning and indication setting, you can have clear benefits from these treatments:
Skin-tightening effect of body areas where you are bothered from a loose aspect of the skin
Improved skin tone and firmness
Skin rejuvenation thanks to a stimulated production of collagen
When combined with a liposuction treatment, it ensures an increased level of skin contraction with less risk of post-operative skin laxity, contour irregularities or fat under-resection
Minimally invasive treatment without any scars afterwards
Both treatments can be performed throughout the whole year, you are not limited to a certain period or season
Both treatments can be performed on any skin type and any skin colour, without an increased risk of complications or bad skin reactions
Fast treatment with a minimal downtime
Long lasting results
Are you a good candidate for a skin tightening treatment ?
As mentioned before, there are a lot of good indications to perform skin tightening treatments, either alone or in combination with a liposuction surgery. However, good results will only take place if the indication setting is correct. My goal is not to advise you into opting for such a treatment, if I don’t expect a great result from it. If surgery is the best option, I will make that clear. If skin tightening can bring you the improvement you hope for, then I will clearly explain to you why that is and what to expect from it. In general, you are a good candidate for skin tightening treatments if:
You would like to tackle one or more of the following skin concerns: fine skin lines and wrinkles - hyperpgimentation - loose skin - surgical scars - acne scars - stretchmarks - saggy neck skin - mild facial jowling
You have mild skin laxity with moderate skin excess in other body parts and you are not ready to undergo surgery yet
You are not satisfied with your current skin texture and wish to have a smoother looking skin
You are planned for liposuction and the addition of plasma-energy will further improve post-operative skin contraction for an overall better result
If you recognise some of these concerns of wish to get more information on this state-of-the-art technology, I recommend you to plan a consultation in order to see how we can use skin tightening as a stand-alone treatment or in addition to your liposuction surgery.