Thanks to rapidly improving technologies in non-invasive skin treatments, there are fewer reasons than ever to go under the knife in an effort to improve your skin’s appearance. One of those technologies, SkinTyte, is available through a number of local providers, who gave What’s Up? the low-down on how the procedure works and why it’s a smart option for those looking to tighten up sagging skin.
SkinTyte comes from Sciton, the manufacturer behind other cosmetic laser technologies such as BroadBand Light (BBL) and JOULE X, and targets sagging skin using infrared light technology. “I’ve had great success with doing treatments under the chair, arms, and knees,” says Renee Jamerson, MS, RN, CNL, of Sullivan Surgery & Spa in Annapolis. “However, any area can be treated.”
The technology works by heating the deeper layers of the skin while simultaneously using an advanced cooling system on the top layer. The rapid, gentle pulses of the heat contracts and partially coagulates the collagen, which then jumpstarts the healing of that collagen, as well as production of additional collagen, to give the skin a firmer appearance. “It’s a great option for people who want to tighten their skin without resorting to surgery because it ... restores suppleness to skin that’s loose and sagging,” says Melissa Corbin, PA, of Plastic Surgery Specialists in Annapolis.
One particular benefit of SkinTyte versus other types of skin procedures is the lack of downtime required after treatment, Jamerson notes. However, it does require multiple treatments for optimal results—four treatments spaced three to four weeks apart, as well as maintenance treatments once or twice a year. Corbin recommends using SkinTyte in combination with other skincare treatments and injectables to complement and prolong results. “We’ve seen absolutely wonderful results, especially in combination with other treatments,” she says. “Our patients are very pleased.”
