(636) 399-5590
| 16216 Baxter Road, Suite 250, Chesterfield, MO 63017
16216 Baxter Rd, Suite 250
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 399-5590
| 16216 Baxter Road, Suite 250, Chesterfield, MO 63017
16216 Baxter Rd, Suite 250
Chesterfield, MO 63017
The appearance of wrinkles and skin laxity are certainties during the aging process. A number of technologies have been used to reduce the skin laxity, including Laser, Radiofrequency, and ultrasound. All skin tightening devices work by delivering heat in the form of energy to the skin and underlying structures. This creates mechanical and biochemical effects that lead to both immediate contraction of collagen fibers and delayed remodeling and new collagen formation via a wound-healing response. Skin tightening procedures are capable of improving skin laxity and contours in the face or body. Patients who are concerned about recovery post procedure and are willing to accept reduced efficacy and multiple treatments in exchange for mild to moderate improvement and no-downtime, are ideal candidates for these procedures.
Unlike most lasers, which target specific absorption bands of chromophores, heat is generated from the natural resistance of tissue to the movement of electrons within the radiofrequency field. This resistance, generates heat by converting electrical current to thermal energy. Consequently, energy is dispersed to three-dimensional volume of tissue at controlled depths. The depth of penetration is influenced by the electrode configuration (monopolar or multipolar), type of tissue serving as a conduction medium, and temperature.
Monopolar radiofrequency causes moderate discomfort during the procedure, however using lower energies and multiple passes has decreased pain sensation.
Multipolar Radiofrequency devices use two or more electrodes, the depth of penetration is limited to approximately one-half the distance between the electrodes, treatment is comfortable and painless. The newer and more efficacious multipolar radiofrequency devices use either vacuum-assisted suction to bring the target tissue closer to the electrodes to produce better collagen contraction, or use multiple microneedles not only to penetrate deeper into the skin but also to achieve three–dimensional thermal heating. Several Studies have concluded that multipolar radiofrequency treatment results in 37% skin tightening compared to a surgical facelift. Skin tightening treatments using radiofrequency, are generally safe in all skin types.
At Slim Image Aesthetic Center, we offer all radiofrequency treatments (Multipolar RF, Microneedle RF, Vacuum Assisted RF), customized to optimally meet the needs of each patient by tailoring treatment efficacy and safety.
The vibration caused by ultrasound generates friction between molecules which leads to heat generation due to absorption of acoustic energy. The increase in tissue temperature causes collagen contraction and tissue remodeling. Recent devices combine radiofrequency and ultrasound to improve collagen contraction and skin tightening. We offer these single or combine treatment modalities of skin tightening that are customized for each patient based on the area to be treated.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is also a new technology for skin tightening, it uses short, millisecond pulses with a frequency in the megahertz domain, rather than kilohertz as is used in traditional ultrasound. The first intense focused ultrasound device on the market is the ULTERA that incorporates ultrasound imaging, it creates a small wedge-shape zones of thermal coagulation. However, the depth and volume of thermal lesions are preset and cannot be adjusted to minimized side effects. The main advantage is the potential greater depth of skin changes however treatment is painful and facial nerve damage can occur. Due to the relative recent development of this device, large-scale trials are lacking and optimal treatment protocols to decrease pain and nerve damage are still being developed.
Broadband infrared light in the range of 800 to 1800 nm has
been utilized for skin tightening. Results are both immediate and delayed up to
six months however the results are mild to moderate in most patients. Modest
results are observed in patients who have loose draping skin, with less
significant results in sagging skin that is associated with underlying
structural laxity of the subcutaneous tissue. No improvement was noted in the
jowl area.
Recent laser devices using 1064nm and 1320 nm wavelengths
have been used for tissue tightening. The chromophores for the 1064 nm
wavelength in decreasing order, are melanin, hemoglobin and water, and the
primary chromophore for the 1320 nm wavelength is water. As the other laser
devices, modest improvement was noted in both modalities.
In General, combination therapy is a leading theme in
cosmetic dermatology. Patients are able to achieve a better overall result when
procedures such as non-surgical skin tightening (RF + Laser, RF + Ultrasound,
Ultrasound + Laser), are combined with other therapies such as Botox, Fillers
and other modalities.
At Slim Image Aesthetic Center, we offered these
technologies and combined them with other therapies to achieve better results.
We customized treatments to optimally meet the needs of each patient by
tailoring treatment efficacy and safety.
16216 Baxter Road, Suite 250, Chesterfield, MO 63017
Call us today to schedule your consultation!
During your visit, you’ll meet personally with Dr. Ramos or Dr. Pawlikowski, who will provide you with a complete understanding of the available cosmetic procedures that will best match your aesthetic needs.
Office: (636) 399-5590
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.