What is a laser skin tightening treatment?

In the ever-improving and developing field of aesthetic medicine, laser skin tightening treatments are leading the way for device-led treatments. The advancements in such treatments mean that surgery is no longer the only option for those seeking, firmer, tighter and more youthful-looking skin. Amongst the top treatments available Fotona 4D is a laser treatment that uses cutting-edge technology to support its substantial claims as a non-surgical facelift. Read on to find out how laser skin tightening treatments work and what to expect from the Fotona 4D non-surgical facelift.

Understanding Laser Skin Tightening

When it comes to the science behind how laser skin tightening works, there are various different methods and modalities that are used and utilised. In general, laser energy is used to stimulate the production of new collagen and to cause the contraction and remodelling of collagen structures within the skin. The results leave skin looking tighter and more lifted, giving the appearance of a non-surgical facelift. As these procedures don’t require surgical incisions or cuts, there is reduced downtime, which makes this an attractive option for many people.

The Role of Fotona 4D in Skin Tightening

The Fotona 4D non-surgical facelift is revolutionary within its field due to its holistic, multidimensional approach. The treatment utilises a Twinlight™ system which means it combines the usage of two different laser wavelengths to target different needs within the skin. At the Dr Tanja Medical Aesthetic clinic, this treatment has been advanced further with the addition of a fifth step to improve skin laxity and to enhance the tightening results further. Each step within the Fotona 4D treatment has been uniquely designed to tackle skin concerns within the different layers of the skin, this multi-dimensional approach is what gives the treatment its four-dimensional name. The five different modalities are:

SmoothLiftin™: Fotona’s SMOOTH mode is unique to Fotona and changed the game when it comes to skin rejuvenation. The laser utilises an Er:YAG wavelength, which traditionally is known to be ablative (meaning it removes layers of the skin). However, the Fotona SMOOTH mode is designed to be gentle and non-ablative, therefore not damaging the skin. Instead, the heat from the laser triggers collagen production and contraction of existing collagen fibres, resulting in the remodelling of collagen. The lack of damage caused to the top layer of the skin significantly reduces downtime and means this mode can be used for many different indications.

In the Smoothliftin™ step of the Fotona 4D non-surgical facelift, SMOOTH mode is used inside the mouth to treat and target the mucosal wall of the cheek. This step has been cleverly designed to allow for higher energies to be used without the risk of longer downtime periods. This means that the treatment is more effective than alternatives and has a lower risk profile. By treating inside the mouth the production and remodelling of collagen is triggered in difficult areas such as marionette lines and nasolabial folds. Helping to smooth out lines and tighten the skin around the mouth.

FRAC3®: This stage of the Fotona 4D treatment has incredible applications for a number of skin concerns. The setting utilises the Nd:YAG wavelength, a wavelength known for its ability to penetrate deep into the skin. The beam fractionates under the surface of the skin and is absorbed into areas of the skin where there are imperfections. FRAC3® has particular benefits for treating areas of pigmentation and inflammation. The heat from FRAC3® also stimulates the production of collagen deep within the skin. This incredible step can help to improve texture and skin tone, what’s not to love?

PIANO®: This mode delivers deep heat into the skin. The bulk heating effect of the PIANO® stage helps to remodel the collagen structures and create a long-lasting tightening effect on the skin.

TensorTight™: This additional optional step that has been developed by Dr Tanja helps to treat skin which has lost its laxity and has become thin or wrinkled. The Fotona SMOOTH mode is optimised again here to simulate the production of collagen in areas of the skin where it’s needed. At the same time, the controlled thermal injury effect triggers an increase in activity amongst the skin cells. This increased activity helps to improve the skin’s function and hydration.

SupErficial™: This last step is a gentle peel that helps to remove dead skin cells on the skin surface. The peel can be tailored to the skin and the available downtime of the individual, which helps to make the treatment bespoke. The ultimate in exfoliation, SupErficial activates the skin cell turnover which improves the health of the skin. The results leave the skin brighter and more youthful-looking.

The combination of all five modes is what makes the Fotona 4D treatment such a versatile and comprehensive treatment. With the ability to target superficial skin concerns and the deeper layers of the skin, the overall tightening effect is enhanced.

The Benefits of Laser Skin Tightening Treatments

Laser skin tightening treatments offer numerous benefits which is what has helped them to gain popularity, including:

Non-invasive: As there is no requirement to have any surgical incisions or anaesthetic the risk of of a laser skin tightening procedure is significantly less than with surgical procedures. Downtime with the different technologies out there is variable depending type of laser or device being used. One of the benefits of the Fotona 4D treatment in comparison to other laser skin tightening procedures is that there is no downtime following the treatment. The Fotona 4D treatment is often called the “lunchtime facelift”, with patients able to return to normal activity immediately post-treatment.

Versatility: Laser skin tightening procedures can be tailored to the individual depending on specific concerns and the individual’s skin health. The Fotona 4D treatment stands out in its field because it is suitable for all skin types and tones. The energy levels of the treatment are customisable, which allows the practitioner to tailor the treatment to the individual’s skin type. Many laser skin tightening treatments only target one specific concern, with Fotona 4D a wide range of skin concerns can be tackled including; skin health, tone, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles.

Comfort: Laser treatments are considered to be a comfortable option when it comes to producing skin-tightening results. The comfort level can vary from treatment to treatment and occasionally topical anaesthesia is required to increase comfort. The Fotona 4D treatment is considered to be a comfortable treatment and there is no requirement to use topical anaesthesia. Most patients describe the treatment as a warming sensation on the skin. There is minimal discomfort after the treatment with most patients only experiencing slight redness, tightness and light swelling.

Immediate and Progressive Results: Depending on the laser treatment results can vary. The Fotona 4D treatment provides immediate results of improved texture and luminosity with progressive results of tightening and improved facial contours. The process of collagen production and restructuring takes around 4-6 weeks, progressively improving results can usually be seen after this time. For the best treatment results a course of treatment is usually recommended.

What to Expect During a Laser Skin Tightening Treatment:

Treatment times and experiences vary from laser treatment to laser treatment. At the Dr Tanja Medical Aesthetic Clinic, you will have a comprehensive consultation where you can discuss your goals and skin concerns with an expert practitioner. They will review your medical history and help formulate a treatment plan to help you get the results that you want to achieve. For any laser treatment, a patch test is carried out prior to treatment to assess the reaction of your skin to the laser and to ensure your safety.

The Fotona 4D treatment takes around 90 minutes and follows the five-stage protocol above. The treatment is comfortable and not considered painful, with most patients reporting sensations of warmth. Cooling systems are used during some parts of the treatment to make the process even more comfortable.

Post-treatment there is no downtime and normal activities can be resumed immediately. It is recommended that you avoid direct sun exposure 2 weeks before and after having a laser treatment as the skin may be more sensitive to the sun. It is also recommended that active skin care is avoided two weeks before and after treatment.

Laser skin tightening procedures are a great alternative to more invasive methods of skin tightening. Although the risks are considerably lower than other treatments there are risks involved with any procedure. It’s important that you see an experienced practitioner who will manage your safety appropriately. Dr Tanja is a key opinion leader for Fotona Laser and a clinical trainer with over 21 years of clinical experience. Her team are trained to the highest standards and works relentlessly to ensure that they get the best results for their patients.

If the sound of Laser Skin Tightening and Fotona 4D sounds appealing, book in today for a consultation with a qualified practitioner. Contact us on: 01256 213007, hello@tanjaphillips.com, or submit an enquiry through our online ‘Chatbot’.