Skin droopiness or sagginess is one of the three aspects of facial aging (the other two being skin texture changes and volume loss or fat loss). The three aspects of facial aging combine to make us look older and more tired. This month, we are addressing the causes and variety of solutions of saggy skin, and today were focusing on facial resurfacing with the use of a laser.
Laser skin resurfacing is a broad topic that includes two basic forms of laser treatment: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser treatments removes layers of skin to expose the younger layers underneath, while non-ablative treatments stimulate the growth of collagen and tighten the underlying layers of skin.
Collagen loss is one of the causes of facial sagging. Collagen is a protein that gives our skin firmness and keeps it plump, and as we age the protein deteriorates. When combined with gravity and lifestyle factors, our skin begins a southward journey that makes us look older.
A nonablative laser facial resurfacing can help combat this by stimulating collagen growth and tightening deeper levels of skin. This gives your face a tighter, more youthful appearance, and has the added benefit of decreasing the appearance of folds, fine lines, and mild wrinkles.
A facial resurfacing with a laser is not going to give you dramatic results in the line of a facelift, and it wont eliminate excess skin or jowls. But if you have minor sagging that is increasing the look of existing wrinkles or folds (like nasolabial folds that run from your nose to the corners of your mouth), the nonablative treatment might be perfect for you.
A nonablative facial resurfacing can be done in our office, and will take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the exact type of treatment you are getting and the size of your treatment area. You will be able to resume your regular activities as soon as you leave, though you will need to wear sunscreen when youre outside. You may notice some redness for a few days after the procedure.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (703) 574-2588. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!