Everything You Need to Know About Laser Skin Tightening

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As we age our bodies slow down their production of elastin and collagen. When this happens our skin can start to loosen, losing its firm look. To keep skin tight many will seek surgical skin tightening options. But in many cases, clients could have amazing results without surgical procedures by using laser skin tightening treatments. In this article we’ll talk about laser skin tightening, the types of treatments, how they work, and how much laser skin tightening costs. 

What is laser skin tightening?

Laser skin tightening is a non-surgical procedure that uses lasers to increase collagen production for skin tightening.  This can help the skin appear firmer, tighter, and less crepey.

How does laser skin tightening work?

There are many different types of lasers but the general premise is that they cause controlled damage or heating of the skin in order to increase collagen production. Some of them are ablative, meaning they remove the outer layer of skin or parts of it. Others are non-ablative, meaning they do not break the skin. They all cause controlled damage that stimulates a wound healing response and collagen production. 

Read more info about laser skin tightening with ResurFX and how it works HERE.

Who should get laser skin tightening?

Laser skin tightening works best for clients ages 30-65 who would like tighter, firmer, and less crepey skin. Those who haven’t had noticeable loosening of the skin yet may also find it to be beneficial as a preventative measure. If you are a patient with skin that has become extremely lax, a better alternative may be a surgical lift procedure.

What types of treatments are used for laser skin tightening?

There are many different types of lasers available for skin tightening so we’re just going to focus on a few of our favorites that we offer here at Elite.

IPL

IPL is technically not a laser but a light energy that targets skin discoloration. However, the light beams are able to heat up water in the skin creating a tightening effect when the treatment is done consistently. For more info visit our IPL page or read our IPL 101 BLOG.

ResurFX 

ResurFX is non-ablative fractional laser technology that is able to resurface and tighten the skin. It’s great for fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin. For more info visit our ResurFX page.

RF Microneedling

RF microneedling combines the power of microneedling, well known for increasing collagen, with RF (radiofrequency) to heat up the skin. It’s like getting a 2-in-1 to tighten loose, crepey skin as well as reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. RF (radiofrequency) technology is often used alone for skin tightening as well. For more info visit our RF Microneedling page.

How much does laser skin tightening cost?

Laser skin tightening treatments will vary in cost based on the type of procedure you’re having, what part of the body the procedure is being done on, and who is performing it. Remember, each of these procedures will require 3-6 treatments to see desired results. Below is a guide on how much it may cost based on the type of treatment.

IPL

$250-450/treatment

ResurFX

$700-900/treatment

RF Microneedling

$500-700/treatment

More on Pricing

What areas can you have laser skin tightening done on?

Laser skin tightening can be done on any part of a patient’s body, but is most commonly used to tighten skin on the:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Stomach
  • Arms 
  • Legs

For example, the neck is a common area we see that clients want treated. To read more about laser skin tightening for just the neck read the blog below.

Neck Tightening 101

What should you do before laser skin tightening?

Always follow the instructions given by the provider doing your procedure for the best results. In general though you’ll want to :

  • Avoid sun exposure for 2-4weeks before treatment
  • Avoid Retinoids and other products that could lead to sensitivity for 2-4 days before treatment
  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of caffeine-free fluids for 24 hours before your treatment (many lasers target water in the skin so you want to be hydrated)
  • Let your provider know about any medical conditions you have and any medications you are on

What is laser skin tightening treatment like?

Most treatments require numbing prior to the procedure to help with pain. So usually while the provider is talking to you about what to expect and going over any necessary medical history, they will have a numbing cream sitting on the treatment area for 15-45 minutes.

Then your face will be washed and the treatment will start. Usually the procedures are quite tolerable but some areas can still be sensitive. 

After treatment, as the numbing wears off, some discomfort is expected. Most people feel like they have a sunburn after laser treatments and their skin is quite sensitive. Your provider will go over aftercare or you may already have instructions that were given to you.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Is laser skin tightening painful?

Most laser procedures are quite tolerable but even with numbing cream there are always a few sensitive areas. Talk to your provider about the specific type of laser treatment you are having and what to expect. There are always things that can be done to minimize pain and discomfort.

What is laser skin tightening aftercare like?

Talk to your provider about aftercare for your specific treatment, in general:

  • You’ll want to avoid any harsh chemicals or scrubs for up to a week post-treatment for non-ablative treatments and longer for ablative
  • Avoid touching or picking your treatment area as this can lead to infection, scars, and permanent changes in pigment
  • You’ll want to avoid sun exposure for 4-8 weeks post-treatment depending on what you had done
  • You’ll want to keep your skin clean and dry and use only products approved by your provider
  • Avoid hot tubs or any soaking of the treated area until approved by your provider

What are the side effects of laser skin tightening?

Side effects for this procedure are generally mild but may include:

  • Warm or stinging skin in the area treated
  • Bruising
  • Changes in your skin color
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • In rare cases loss of pigment or darkening of pigment may occur
  • If the skin is broken, infection is another rare side effect that can occur

How much downtime is there for laser skin tightening?

Skin tightening is a favorite procedure for Elite Medical and Aesthetic clients because the types we offer have very minimal down-time. Most clients are able to get back to light activities immediately after the procedure and feel fairly normal within 24 hours. 

Before and after laser skin tightening

Laser Skin Tightening Before and After on Neck
Before and After Laser Skin Tightening on Neck

How long does it take to see results from laser skin tightening?

You may begin to see some changes immediately after your first treatment but these are not permanent and are usually from mild swelling. It is recommended that you have 3 treatments spaced out every 4 weeks to achieve the best results for most types of treatments. Some practitioners say the best results will appear 3 months after your last treatment because the skin continues to produce collagen and remodel itself for 3-6 months after.

How long does laser skin tightening last?

For patients that use sunscreen and work to take care of their skin, laser skin tightening should last for 2-3 years. After this point, patients can book the procedure again to maintain the results. Many people will do maintenance treatments yearly to keep up with their results. 

Does laser skin tightening really work?

Depending on the technology, and the provider administering the technology, laser skin tightening can really work. Here are just a few studies on the various technologies we talked about in this article:.

 IPL has been shown to be extremely effective in tightening the skin, as highlighted in this piece. As above, this is because it is able to not only reduce pigment but also create new collagen production by heating up the water in the skin.

RF microneedling also has great studies on skin tightening and is being used more and more for not only the face but also the body, as highlighted in this case study. 

This study talks about non-ablative fractional resurfacing technology (like ResurFX) and how it is safe and effective for all skin types, even darker tones.

What is the difference between laser skin resurfacing and laser skin tightening?

These two terms go hand and hand. When the goal is skin resurfacing, to reduce unwanted pigment as well as fine lines and wrinkles, there is also a skin tightening effect. This is because the controlled damage to the skin increases collagen production therefore tightening the skin.

However, some products are better for skin tightening and others better at resurfacing. Talk to your provider about your goals and what technology is best for you.

What is the best non-surgical skin tightening procedure?

When we’re talking about a goal of skin-tightening usually the RadioFrequency (RF) technologies are the best (in Nurse Practitioner, Ali’s, opinion) when weighing risks, benefits and outcomes. This is especially true when combined with microneedling to get a controlled depth of tissue damage with controlled energy. This helps to tighten the skin without going too deep and causing unnecessary damage or also dissolving fat in areas we don’t want to (like in the face). 

These treatments are also much more tolerable and come with less side effects than some of their competitors such as ultrasound skin tightening technologies like Ultherapy.

Should you get laser skin tightening?

Whether something is “worth it” or not is highly subjective but we have had immensely positive feedback about IPL, ResurFX, and RF Microneedling. These minimal downtime procedures work across many different areas and can last 2-3 years.

If you live near Lone Tree, CO consider coming in for a consultation at Elite Medical & Aesthetics by booking an appointment below.

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Chin Filler 101

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before and after chin filler

Introduction

When most people think of dermal fillers, chin filler is probably not on their minds. But for many clients, precisely injected chin filler gives them the opportunity to enhance the shape and proportions of their chin. 

In this article we’ll break down:

  •  What chin filler is
  •  What the procedure is like
  •  How much chin filler costs
  • Other commonly asked questions

If you are new to filler injections, in general, read our Filler 101 Guide for more commonly asked filler questions

Read Filler 101

Table of Contents

What is chin filler?

Chin fillers are dermal fillers injected into the chin with the goal of enhancing the shape, size, or proportion of the chin. It can be done as a single treatment or as a series of injections spaced 2-4 weeks apart, depending how much the chin needs to be built up. 

It is a nonsurgical procedure that is not permanent but can last several years. Many clients getting chin fillers hope that the procedure will give them a stronger, more balanced chin.

How much does chin filler cost?

Chin filler cost is mainly dependent on the type of filler used, the amount of filler needed, and where you have the procedure done. For most procedures chin filler will cost between $500-$1500. This is the point where we have to remind you that the most expensive type of filler is the kind you have to have twice. Make sure you pick the right injector, not just the cheapest.

More on Pricing Here

What is chin filler treatment like?

A chin filler treatment is a very quick outpatient procedure that should take an hour or less. The injection portion of the procedure may only be a few minutes. When you get to the office the injector will walk you through the procedure and assess the structure of your face.

After going through any questions you may have, they will carefully select where to place their injections using a needle and syringe or in some cases a cannula. The injections will be done quickly and without much discomfort and after some brief aftercare instructions, you will be on your way to resume your day.

 For more insight on what filler appointments are like, read THIS!

Is chin filler painful?

The chin filler procedure can be mildly uncomfortable but tolerable. The mentalis muscle (chin muscle) can be a bit tender, especially afterward because we move the chin so much to talk and eat. The quick pricks with a needle will feel mildly uncomfortable in some areas and sharper in others. Most fillers used for the chin have small amounts of lidocaine to help reduce the discomfort of the injections.

After your procedure, your chin may feel a bit sore and possibly heavier than it usually feels which may make things uncomfortable temporarily while it heals.

What types of filler are used for chin filler?

In general, injectors use a thicker filler for the jaw and chin area to add volume. In most cases, injectors will use a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler or a calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) filler “off label” for the procedure. Some of the commonly used fillers are:

To learn more about these fillers, check out our guide on filler.

How long does chin filler last?

Depending on the type of filler injected, and how much was injected, chin filler can last quite a long time, between 10-24 months. At that point, patients will often have the procedure redone to maintain results. They may also come in at regular intervals for touch-ups to maintain the treatment.

What should you do to prepare for chin filler?

Talk to your injecting provider for a complete list of pre-care instructions and things to avoid. In general, it will likely be recommended that you:

  • Avoid over the counter blood-thinning medications and supplements like ibuprofen, fish oil, and aspirin (unless these are prescribed for a health condition). 
  • Read this article on tips to avoid filler bruising and swelling HERE
  • Eat pineapple in the week leading up to your treatment if you are nervous about swelling. You can also take Bromelain tablets in the 24 hours before treatment to help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Consider taking arnica which will help limit bruising at the injection site.
  •  Avoid drinking alcohol prior to your treatment. You’ll be unable to consent to the procedure and it may also make your recovery slower by increasing bleeding and bruising.
  • Consider limiting the amount of sodium you consume prior to your appointment. Sodium can cause your body to retain more water which will increase your swelling.
  • Talk to your injecting provider about any medical conditions or concerns that you may have. 
  • Show up with a clean, makeup-free face.

What is chin filler aftercare like?

You’ll want to talk to your injector about specific aftercare instructions that may be specially geared to your situation. Most likely, you’ll be able to return to mild activity immediately following your procedure. In general, it will be recommended that you:

  • Consider applying an ice pack to the area injected to reduce swelling for the first 24 hours.
  • Avoid touching or massaging the area treated.
  • Take acetaminophen as directed to alleviate any pain or discomfort. Ibuprofen can delay the healing of bruises or make them worse if present.
  • Avoid any heat with the area (places like saunas and hot showers, as well as hot wax) unless instructed to use warm compresses for bruising after the first 24 hrs.
  • Consider taking arnica to help reduce any bruising or discomfort. 
  • Avoid alcohol or exercise for 24 hours afterward to keep down the potential bruising.

If you’re worried about bruising and swelling from filler injections, read our article to learn about ways to reduce this side effect from filler injections, in general.

Tips to reduce bruising/swelling

Is chin filler safe?

Dermal fillers like chin filler are generally very safe when injected by an experienced professional like Ali. Make sure you do your research and read reviews of different injectors before having your procedure done. That being said, any aesthetic procedure comes with inherent risks, talk to your injector about any concerns you may have. 

What are the side effects of chin filler?

In the days following your procedure you may experience the following mild side effects from your chin filler injections:

  • Redness
  • Itchiness at the injection site
  • Mild bruising
  • Swelling in the area treated
  • Soreness
  • Possible bone resorption (see below)

If you’ve experienced previous chin filler, or any filler, that you are unhappy with, read how you can fix unwanted filler and start fresh here.

Can chin filler move?

Filler migration in the chin area is rare, but possible. Some injectors will massage filler after injecting it to prevent lumps and make sure that it has accurately treated the area. After your treatment, your injector will most likely advise that you do not touch the area treated and avoid certain activities that may cause it to migrate. Talk to your injecting provider about all possible side effects.  

Can chin filler cause bone loss?

A recent study of 80 patients in Asia showed unexpected bone loss of the chin after injections of hyaluronic acid fillers. It was correlated with the amount of filler used. The more filler used, the more bone loss there was. However, there was no change in the aesthetic effect of the chin despite this side effect. 

This phenomenon is not seen in other areas of the face like the cheeks or jawline, even when the filler is also injected directly on the bone. There are many theories on why this may happen. Talk to your injecting provider about his risk and all risks associated with aesthetic procedures. It is always best to have an initial consultation, with a provider like Ali, to learn/understand all of the risks and benefits.

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Can chin filler fix a weak chin?

Yes, chin filler can be injected in a way that adds definition to the chin and makes it appear stronger. This procedure can help patients that have a small, weak, or receding chins achieve more balance and harmony of their facial profile. 

Can filler get rid of a double chin?

Though chin filler will not remove tissue, sometimes the appearance of a double chin may come from the shape and structure of the chin. In these cases filler can be used to reshape the jawline and chin to give it a stronger look. 

If there is significant submental fat (fat below the chin) causing the appearance of a “double” chin, then Kybella is a great treatment to do in combination with chin and jawline filler to reduce the extra tissue. See other alternatives below. 

Client's before and after chin filler

before and after chin filler
chin filler before and after

What other procedures are an alternative to chin filler?

Chin implant

What is a chin implant: a chin implant is a surgical procedure where an implant of the desired shape and size is placed in the chin area to enhance this feature. 

Cost: $3000-5000

Benefits: This is a permanent procedure where the exact shape and size of the chin can be determined.

Negatives: This procedure requires surgery which always comes with risks and is more expensive than other options.

As above, when an enhanced chin profile is desired it may also be necessary to slim and contour the jawline for best results. This can be accomplished in many different ways but a few treatments often done with chin filler include:

Is chin filler worth it?

Whether something is “worth it” or not is highly subjective, but we have had immensely positive feedback from all of our chin filler clients. It is one of those areas that is subtle but quite noticeable and can really enhance someone’s look while ensuring they still look like themselves. 

If you live near Lone Tree, CO consider coming in for a consultation at Elite Medical & Aesthetics, link below. For more FAQ and Contact information about our practice, read more here.

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Botox Brow Lifts

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Woman with no lines after botox brow lift

Table of Contents

Almost all of us develop lines in between our brows as we age and our skin begins to lose elastin in that area. To soften these lines patients can undergo a surgical procedure called a brow lift or they can use a neuromodulator like Botox to raise the eyebrows. In this article we’ll explore what a Botox brow lift is, who may benefit from one, and how much it costs.

What is a Botox brow lift?

A Botox brow lift is a procedure that uses Botox to raise the eyebrows and eliminate the frown lines in between the eyes. The Botox injections relax the muscles creating the frown lines which allows the forehead to pull the brow upwards.

Small doses can also be placed under the eyebrow or at the tip of the eyebrow to release the pull from the orbicularis oculi, the circular muscle that goes all around the eye and also pulls the middle and outer brow down. See photo below.

What types of neuromodulators can you use for a brow lift?

Some patients may find that they build resistance to Botox or Dysport due to a protein coating that they build antibodies to (more info on this can be found here). These patients are typically able to use a “Naked” Botulinum toxin like Xeomin to obtain the same results.

Who should get a Botox brow lift?

Almost everyone is a good candidate for glabellar Botulinum Toxin injections. Those with heavy lids, heavy brows, flat brows, or with 11’s lines will see the most benefit. To read more about general information about Botox read the article below.

Botox 101

Is a Botox brow lift safe?

Botox brow lifts are safe and fast when performed by trained injectors. To ensure that you’re getting the best results and the safest procedure make sure to find a trained injector like Ali from Elite Medical & Aesthetics. Keep reading to find out more about some of the potential side effects of this procedure.

What should I do to prepare for a Botox brow lift?

As with any procedure, talk to your injecting provider about what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment. In general though, some of the major things to do before your Botox brow lift might include:

  • Researching your injector thoroughly. Check out their reviews and their credentials prior to booking.
  • Tell your injector what medication you’re currently taking.
  • Consider taking zinc prior to your appointment. Zinc may help the Botox last longer. 
  • Schedule your appointment for a good time when you can have a moment to recover without work or activities.
  • Consider icing the area prior to being injected if you’re nervous. It will make the procedure less painful and may reduce post injection bruising.

Some things to consider not doing before your appointment include:

  • Taking things that will thin your blood like aspirin, ibuprofin, omega-3, ginseng, and fish oil (unless prescribed for a health condition) as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
  • Smoking cigarettes, smoking impacts how long it takes for you to recover.
  • Drinking alcohol prior to your appointment. It has the potential to slow recovery time and make bruising worse. You also cannot legally consent to your procedure if under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
  • Using skincare products that could irritate your skin prior to your appointment.
  • Wearing makeup to your appointment. Your injector will need to easily see where they’re injecting.
  •  

For more info on what to do and what to avoid before getting Botox, check out our guide. 

What is a Botox brow lift like?

A Botox brow lift is a very simple outpatient procedure that generally takes under an hour. The procedure itself may only be a few minutes. A good portion of the appointment will be a discussion with the injector and some prep. The injections themselves will be brief and shouldn’t be too painful, feeling like minor pricks. If you are worried about the pain involved, talk to your injecting provider about this, they may have solutions.

When will I see results from a Botox brow lift?

According to studies, and in office observations, we have found that results of Botox brow lifts generally show within a week of the injections. For some products, such as Xeomin, results may show within 24 hours for certain individuals.

What is Botox brow lift aftercare?

Most injectors will have specific aftercare instructions so be sure to follow your specific injectors instructions, but common consideration for aftercare treatment may include:

  • Avoiding lying down for 4 hours after your injections. This is a theoretical precaution to stop the medication from migrating. 
  • Wait at least 8 hours before resuming strenuous exercise and preferably 24 hours. Exercise increases blood flow to the face which theoretically could also cause migration of the medication. Sweat may also irritate the injection sites. 
  • Use a cold compress or ice pack on the area injected to reduce redness and swelling if you need it.

Is there any downtime after a Botox brow lift?

There is very little downtime for Botulinum Toxin injections. Following the aftercare instructions above, you should be able to get back to work or other light activities immediately after. 

The most common after effects to plan for are small bumps that look like mosquito bites, those typically resolve within 30-45 minutes. Minor redness will resolve within this amount of time as well. Very rarely does bruising occur and it usually just looks like a tiny freckle, usually under the eyes. 

What are the side effects of a Botox brow lift?

Mild side effects of Botox brow lifts can include:

  • Soreness
  • Headaches
  • Pain or swelling at injection site
  • Temporary Numbness
  • Mild bruising 

Talk to your injector about all the potential side effects prior to receiving your treatment.

Can a botox brow lift help hooded eyes?

Hooded eyes occur when an extra portion of skin covers the crease of the eye. This gives the eyes the appearance of the eyelid being smaller. This can be genetic or occur with aging. When the muscles that pull the brows down are deactivated with Botox this allows the brows to lift, therefore lifting the extra “hooded” skin.

How much does a Botox brow lift cost?

A Botox brow lift can take anywhere from 20-40 units of Botox (or up to 120 if Dysport is used). This can cost anywhere from $200-$500+ depending on units and what your provider charges. For more on pricing click the pink button below.

Botox Pricing

How long does a Botox brow lift last?

Botulinum Toxin injections will last 3-4 months for most people between the brows in the 11’s area (the glabella). The small doses around the eyes to aid in the brow lift may only last 6-8 weeks because the dose is smaller and it’s a high movement area. For tips on how to make your Botox last longer, read the blog below.

How to make botox last longer

How does a botox brow lift compare to a surgical brow lift?

A surgical brow lift will lift the brows permanently (until further aging occurs at least) whereas a Botox brow lift is only temporary. The Botox can also only do so much depending on each person’s unique anatomy.

For someone with heavy lids, they would likely need an eyelid surgery called a blepharoplasty. This surgery is also permanent (until further aging occurs). So a younger person, or someone looking for a mild change, could consider the Botox brow lift.  An older person, or someone seeking a more drastic and permanent change, should consult with a board certified Plastic Surgeon to talk about surgical options.

Is a Botox brow lift worth it?

Aesthetic procedures like a Botox brow lift, are a personal choice that only you can decide on. A Botox brow lift may be the right answer for those with heavy lids, heavy brows, or 11’s lines. If you would like to learn more, and are located in the Lone Tree, CO ares, book a consult at Elite Medical & Aesthetics below.

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