There are many ways to tighten one’s skin. Historically, chemicals applied to the skin surface worked. The next generation of care was to provide laser energy to tightening one’s skin. Both of these techniques do provide skin tightening. However, they also can create a change in the color of one’s skin. This can be a problem if a person has sun-damaged skin or has a darker skin tone.
Is there a way to tighten one’s skin without requiring a change to the skin color? Yes, there may be a pathway to do this. By putting the therapeutic energy below the epidermis, the level of the skin that contains the skin pigment, this concept is designed to protect skin color.
To do this, companies have provided technology that has small electrodes that penetrate the skin and then once these tiny probes are below the epidermis, an electrical current is delivered that heats the dermis, the layer of skin below the skin color controlling the epidermis. Once the dermis is heated to the optimal level, the process of healing occurs. This healing process creates new collagen formation, which can smoothen the skin surface.
Does this type of treatment require anesthesia? Is it painful? The answer to this is dependent upon one’s sensitivity and location of treatment. I had the back of my hand treated with average device settings and required no anesthesia. Regardless of my experience, providing pain control can be provided by oral medication, topical anesthetics or nerve blocks. The real answer to this question is dependent upon your initial treatment. Certain areas are more sensitive like the hand, peri-orbital (area around one’s eyes) and peri-oral regions.
Is there a recovery period? The healing process does require a recovery time period. Compared to applying a chemical to ones skin surface or completely ablating the epidermis with laser energy, the ability to deliver electrical energy below the epidermis should provide a shorter recovery time period. From my experience, there is an initial redness and localized swelling. The redness lasted about 4 hours. I had some small dots from the area of electrode penetration that lasted 4 days. These small dots could have been covered up with topical makeup.
How long will the results last? This is unknown. I am reaching out to my past patients to see if this technology would be of interest to you, your friends and others that want to improve skin wrinkling.
There will be no cost for any past patient for a consultation to see if this technology would be of interest.
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
Hello Dr. Kulick:)
I’d LOVE to receive a treatment at no cost for any of the aforementioned body parts (knees, hands, lips, etc)
Thank you,
Jeanne Young
Hi Jeanne,
Please call the office to schedule a visit to see if you would be a candidate. I apologize if you have done this already.
Sincerely,
Dr.K
I would be interested in finding out more about it from you.
Hi Terry,
I would need to see you but you may benefit from such therapy.
Sincerely,
Dr. K
Would be interested in having a consultation with you.
I’ll wait to hear from you Mike.
Terry
I am a past patient from 1977 when I was 50 and had a face lift. I wad very happy with the results. Last year I came down with cancer which left me looking older and with a curved spine that presents an appearance of no neck. I would be interested in this electrode procedure for reducing wrinkles above and around my mouth in particular and would also like to tighten my skin in the neck area to highlight my neck in the best way possible. There may be other things that could help also. I’ll try to call at a convenient time to discuss Thank you. Karen
Hi Karen,
Thank you for responding. I do remember you! I am so saddened by what I just learned about you having cancer that took it’s toll on you.
Please call my office and cone into to see me.
Sincerely,
Dr. K
Hi there,
My name is Amelia Granizo and this sounds pretty awesome but I’m more concerned with my laugh lines . I feel they make me look older.
Does this process help that issue?
Sorry, I do not know of any doctor i NY that does the laser assisted vertical lift.