You may have noticed that a big topic on the blog recently has been healthy living and body positivity. Recently this has become a huge part of my life, and everyday I am thinking about making healthier choices and the best ways to feel good in my own skin. You may have seen in a recent post that I visited the wonderful Rejuvenate Skin Clinic in Manchester, who provide non-surgical procedures to help clients with problem areas or to simply give them that confidence boost.
In this post I am exploring a similar topic in more detail for you guys, as another way of helping you to feel the best you can without having to take to extremes such as plastic surgery. This post will be looking at skin tightening using lasers vs. surgery. Laser treatments are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those looking to find surgery alternatives as well as having more immediate effects without downtime.
The Procedures
Laser: At the start of your appointment, the technician may apply a topical numbing cream if you are concerned with discomfort. After allowing the numbing agent to work, they will begin the laser therapy. The cosmetic laser repairs your skin by heating the cells in the dermal layer, stimulating the cells to produce collagen, a healing agent. It also causes the skin to contract, immediately tightening it. The procedure generally lasts about an hour, depending on how large an area is being treated
Surgery: The appointment will start with a medical technician providing an I.V. and starting you on an anesthetic. The surgeon uses a method that involves cutting into the skin, removing excess skin and pulling it tighter. Depending on how extensive the surgery, patients usually can go home the same day, and the surgeon will provide medication for any recovery pain.
The Risks
Laser: The risks with laser skin tightening is far lower now than when it was first created two decades ago. Technology has refined the process to accommodate for skin conditions and to make it much safer for the client. While burns can still happen, they are rare and far less common than in the past.
Surgery: As with any surgery, there are many risks involved. Infection is a major concern and anesthesia has it’s own risk factors. Bleeding, scarring, and nerve damage are also possible so be sure to consult with a doctor to understand all risks involved.
The Recovery
Laser: In the case of laser skin tightening, you can return to your regular activities the same day with very few limitations. It is however generally advised to limit or avoid sun exposure for a week or so, but any redness or swelling should be gone the next day.
Surgery: Plastic surgery takes far longer to recover. Depending on what areas were treated and how in depth the surgery, it may take several weeks or months to fully recover.
The Results
Laser: Laser skin tightening results are noticeable immediately, but won’t be fully realised for two to six months after the procedure. The laser stimulates the cells into producing collagen, which the skin will continue to do for another two to six months.
Surgery: Cosmetic surgery can take a couple of months to see any results. The skin is traumatized immediately after surgery and becomes swollen and red, so until it heals you won’t be able to see the full results. Of course, the results can be more dramatic when the skin has finished healing completely.
There are pros and cons for both sides, but if you are looking for something less extreme then I would advise the laser option above surgery. Of course, I would completely recommend working on these areas yourself before any of the two, wether it be exercise, diet or a combination of them both, sometimes all you need is a little determination. I aways find myself more determined to change how I look or feel about myself when there is a certain area that is making me feel less confident in myself.
If you are looking at these options, understand that laser skin tightening has it’s limits. It works on mild to moderate skin issues such as sagging and wrinkles, but severe sagging or extreme loss of laxity in the skin may possibly be beyond the capabilities of laser treatment, in which case you may want to look into surgery or an alternate option.
LL x
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