Skin Tightening in Orange County
As we age, our skin undergoes certain changes due to the loss of collagen and elastin which reduces the firmness of the skin. These changes are accelerated in the setting of sun exposure, environmental pollutants and lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Fortunately, there are a variety of skin tightening treatments that can help firm and tighten skin for a more youthful appearance.
Skin Tightening/Texture Options
Microneedling
Microneedling creates microscopic pinpoint channels in the skin that stimulate the production of new elastin and collagen without the downtime that accompanies laser skin resurfacing.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
CO2 laser skin resurfacing remains the gold standard for skin rejuvenation. CO2 lasers are able to precisely remove layers of photodamage in a precise fashion to globally improve skin texture, tightness, and appearance.
PRP or PRF
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a adjuvant treatment which harnesses and amplifiies the ability of the body to heal itself.
What type of conditions can be treated?
- Acne Scars
- Traumatic Scars
- Photodamage, wrinkles, textural roughness
- Thinning hair
How many skin tightening/texture treatments will I need to improve my skin?
Microneedling
Most patients require a series of microneedling treatments to obtain the best result from the treatment. For general skin rejuvenation patients typically undergo 3-4 treatments for their best results.Patients with significant acne scarring may require up to 6-8 treatments for their best response. Treatments are typically scheduled 4 weeks apart.
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
The number of treatments needed to achieve one's goals is dependant upon the condition of the skin. Most patients experience 1-3 years of improvement in the appearance, texture, and tone of their skin. However, patients with significant acne scarring require multiple treatments to achieve their best result. Treatments are typically scheduled 6-12 months apart.
What is the Recovery?
Microneedling
After the treatment patients typically report feeling a sunburn sensation for several hours. The skin is typically red and slightly swollen for 1-2 days. Patients undergoing deeper skin treatments may experience pinpoint bleeding immediately following the procedure and tightness.
The skin will be more sensitive to sun so you should use the recommended sunblock while your skin is healing and avoid and activating products outside your treatment regimen. Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities within 1-3 days.
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
After the treatment patients report feeling a sunburn sensation for several hours. Most patient experience pinpoint bleeding for the first 24 hours, with redness and swelling over the first 72 hours. The skin is completely healed within 7 days, at which point patients are able to apply makeup. Some degree of pinkness may last for several weeks, depending upon the condition treated.
The skin will be more senstive to sun so you should you the recommended sunblock while your skin is healing, and avoid skin care products outside your prescribed regimen. Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities within 5-7 days.
Is the treatment painful?
Topical numbing cream is applied to the skin prior to treatment which enables the treatment to be performed with minimal discomfort.
What is a Vampire Facial?
A "Vampire Facial" is a popularized skin rejuvenation treatment which involves applying one's blood to the treatment area to enhance wound healing. Platelets are one of the first cells involved in wound healing. Applying concentrated platelets (PRP/PRF) to the treatment area has shown to improve wound healing, redness, and swelling following treatment.
How is PRP/PRF performed?
PRP injections are prepared by taking a few tubes of your own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These activated platelets are then applied to the treatment area which release growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces.
Is there a benefit of one treatment over the other (Microneedling versus CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing)?
Microneedling provides the advantage of less downtime, recovery, and risks than other fractional Co2 skin resurfacing procedures. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within 1-3 days following treament. CO2 Laser skin resurfacing recovery can last anywhere from 5-9 days, depending upon the treatment indications. Patients with darker skin pigment are at higher risks of hyperpigmentation following heat-induced collagen tightening procedures such as co2 skin resurfacing. Microneedling provides a safe alternative without the added risks of pigmentation distrubances.
To learn more about treatments for skin texture and tightening with microneedling or CO2 Laser skin resurfacing in Orange County, call 949-273-3112 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jacob Boeckmann.
