No matter the cause of your skin laxity, you have treatment options. However, keep in mind that at a certain point, laxity might be so severe that only surgical intervention is recommended. Until then, take a look at our top recommended non-invasive and minimally-invasive options:

1. Lasers!

Laser skin rejuvenation is one of the best ways to tighten the skin while also taking care of a host of other common problems like hyperpigmentation and poor tone. We have one of the largest collections of lasers in the region with options for all skin tones. Two great options for skin tightening include the Fraxel Dual and CO2 lasers. You can expect some pinkness after these treatments, but the downtime is quite brief and easy.

Alternatively, gentler lasers like broadband light (BBL) and Clear + Brilliant can also help with skin tightening. However, these are not as aggressive as some other lasers (in fact, Clear + Brilliant is often recommended as a pre-juvenation treatment for those in their twenties). The right laser for you will be decided in collaboration with your aesthetician. Keep in mind that laser treatments are not usually “one and done,” but rather require multiple treatments, with routine maintenance sessions, for the best results.

2. Dermal fillers.

Sometimes the best way to correct skin laxity isn’t by tightening the skin, but rather by filling in the lost volume. When we start to lose the “good fat” in our face and tops of our hands, it can lead to a witch-like, hollow appearance. When lost volume is the culprit, tightening the skin (either through surgery or lasers) will not give you the results you want. Instead, a dermal filler such as a hyaluronic injectable (HA) like Juvederm can restore a youthful appearance.

There are also “fillers” that don’t provide immediate results like HA based ones, but instead work via collagen induction therapy. They take some time for results to show, but offer results that last longer than HA fillers (up to two years).

3. Botox.

Botox to freeze lines and wrinkles that highlight skin laxity. In some cases, you can’t tell skin is lax if wrinkles, lines, and creases are gone! Botox isn’t technically a skin tightening treatment, but it can address the end result of lax skin. Many people consider Botox a staple maintenance treatment with injections needed every 3 – 6 months depending on the treatment site. You can also use Botox as a preventative measure, training muscles to avoid forming lines in the first place.

4. Thermage FLX

Thermage FLX is all about skin tightening. It works via collagen induction therapy, heating up the deeper layers of tissue without harming the superficial layer. Designed specifically to tighten skin on the face and body, most people need just one treatment to get the best results (which last up to two years). This treatment is exclusively used to tighten and tone the skin with results so significant that it has been dubbed a surgical lift alternative.

5. Morpheus 8

Morpheus8 Fractional RF Microneedling combines two tightening procedures in one. This latest technology combines radiofrequency (RF) energy with the power of microneedling, delivering both treatments at once. Both RF and microneedling kick-start collagen production at the treatment site, so you can double down on your commitment to turning back the clock.

When it comes to getting skin that looks youthful, taking care of laxity is a must. However, remember that there are other signs of aging such as lost volume and sun damage. Let’s work together to create the ultimate treatment plan for you using the latest aesthetic services. It’s not just the treatment but the provider that makes all the difference in your results, so work with the best. Get in touch with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by giving us a call or filling out the online form.

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Thermage FLX for skin tightening.

Many people think getting that “summer body” means fat reduction and perhaps muscle toning. However, anyone who has lost weight knows that skin laxity is a common problem. For years, the only way to fix loose skin was with surgery, but now there is Thermage FLX. This non-invasive treatment can be used virtually anywhere on the face and body, working via collagen induction therapy from the inside out. Most clients require just one treatment for maximum results and there is no pain, needles, or downtime. If you’re ready to get tight and right for autumn, this is the treatment for you.

CoolSculpting for targeted body sculpting.

CoolSculpting is the original non-invasive body sculpting treatment that really works. The treatment has been around for decades, but is always improving. Today, you can “freeze away fat” just about everywhere you want, from popular larger areas like the stomach and flanks to small areas such as below the chin. CoolSculpting targets small areas of unwanted fat and externally treats the area with precise chilly temperatures. This “kills” the fat cells, which the body naturally absorbs and expels in the months following the treatment. Most patients need 4 – 6 cycles per site for the best results. Initial results start to show about one month after the first cycle, with full results six months later.

Emsculpt for muscle toning and building.

One of the most challenging parts of getting fit is building strong, toned muscles. Emsculpt gives you leverage with a non-invasive treatment that forces targeted muscles into 20,000 supramaximal contractions in just 30 minutes per treatment site. These types of contractions are identical to what your muscles do when “strained” during weight lifting or other such activities. It isn’t a replacement for strength training, but complements it. Emsculpt can help you bust through plateaus, take your fitness to the next level, or establish a healthy foundation for those starting or restarting strength training. Most clients need 4 – 6 initial sessions spaced about 30 days apart, with a maintenance sessions scheduled every six months.

Lasers for serious skin rejuvenation.

We are home to one of the largest laser suites in the area, ranging from gentle options like Clear + Brilliant (a favorite for pre-juvenation) to more aggressive lasers like CO2. Whether you want to undo sun damage, minimize lines and wrinkle, improve laxity, get rid of unwanted tattoos or hair, or simply make your skin as clear, youthful, and radiant as possible, we have the right laser for you. Many of our lasers are suitable for all skin tones and types, such as the Halo laser and broadband light (BBL) therapy. Mixing and matching lasers can also be a great approach for many clients.

Learn more about all of the aesthetic services at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care by scheduling a consultation with one of our experts today. Simply call the office or complete the online contact form right now.

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It has been said that the late Michael Kenneth William’s career was driven by his scar. The dancer and actor featured in “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Wire” highlighted his facial scar, a quite substantial remnant from a dangerous encounter when he was 25. A bar fight that involved a razor led to an influx of new roles coming his way. Most of them were for “thugs,” as he once recalled in an NPR interview, but they still opened doors. He told Globe and Mail that the scar is “not something I really think about much anymore, but I always know it’s there.”

The De-Romancing of Scars

Stories like Williams’s are often found in films and books, and not typically in the real world. Scars have long been romanticized as proof of some hard-fought battle, but in actuality, most scars are the fallout of less heroic feats. A car accident, a fall on the playground, or slipping on a freshly mopped kitchen floor are all much more common causes of scars (and they are not much to brag about). Our bodies do a fantastic job of healing themselves, but this does not happen without leaving us something to remember the trauma by.

There are actually many different types of scars, including keloids. A keloid is a raised scar that can form when the body goes “above and beyond” healing itself. Keloids can continue to grow over time, even well after the initial trauma has healed. They can be painful, especially if they are in an area that experiences regular friction (such as where a bra strap touches). Keloids are also tough to camouflage with makeup since it’s not “just” discoloration but also a raised bump that you’re trying to hide. No matter what kind of scar you have, there are treatments available to reduce their appearance.

Scar Treatment

Keloids most often occur in those with darker skin tones, but they can happen to anyone. Keloids also don’t automatically appear when the body is healing, but rather can form over time. You might think you have a “regular” scar and then realize it has become larger, rope-like, and raised months or even years after the trauma occurred. You will most often find keloids on the neck, ears, chest, back, and shoulders. The keloid itself will be bigger and more expansive than the original injury. Ultimately, a keloid scar is actually a benign tumor comprised of scar tissue that is overdeveloped from collagen production.

There is a genetic link to keloids, and any type of injury can cause it including something as common as acne, a piercing, tattoo, or surgery. Those who keloid are typically told to minimize elective surgeries and cosmetic procedures that may cause scarring—or, of course, you can opt for a scar treatment. Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care offers a suite of options for treating scars (including keloids and stretchmarks) such as the Fraxel Dual, microneedling, CO2RE, Vbeam Perfecta, and more. A combination of lasers and/or treatments often yields the best results, depending on the type of scar the patient has. Selecting the right scar reduction treatment plan for you will require a complimentary consultation with one of our laser experts.

Do You Have Keloids?

A skin expert can diagnose a keloid just with a visual examination. Keloids tend to be especially itchy and uncomfortable while healing. “Spontaneous keloids” can also appear, particularly on the chest. Those who are 10 – 30 years old and/or of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent are particularly prone to keloids. Plus, if you’ve developed one keloid scar in your life, you’re more likely to have another.

Since skin trauma can cause more keloids, or worsen the existing ones, it is critical to only work with a laser expert who can match you with a treatment plan that will improve the keloid’s appearance—not make it worse. Schedule your consultation with Zuzana Likar’s team today by calling Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care or filling out the online form.

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There is no governing body to determine the qualifications for a so-called medispa. However, this should indicate that a medispa is a clinic that has medical-grade treatments and procedures, including laser skin rejuvenation. This is where you can come to be treated by highly qualified professionals who have access to not only the best equipment, but have the skills and experience to give you stunning results. No matter what your skin goals might be, working with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care will give you the results you deserve and can’t wait to show off.

The Many Faces of Lasers

Not all lasers are actually lasers, with energy-based technologies like BBL considered part of the so-called laser “family.” We boast 20+ lasers because there are so many fantastic technologies on the market that it’s important to ensure your medspa has every possible tech to treat even the most common skin conditions. However, there are four primary types of lasers on the market, and understanding the difference between them can serve as great foundational information as you start to explore your options.

Technically, laser treatments are medical treatments (legally speaking), which is why they are exclusively available at medical day spas. Laser treatments by definition deliver short, strong, pulsing beams at target sites in order to improve the skin’s appearance and stimulate collagen production. Lasers can be used on just about every skin irregularity from scars to tattoos, wrinkles, and even unwanted hair. Lasers target different colors in the skin (including hair follicles) to give you these results, and when lasers identify their target they heat them up to create a controlled trauma that also kick-starts the body’s healing process.

Your Laser Solution

Ablative lasers are designed to help with skin texture and tone while reducing wrinkles and lines. They can also be effective on scars and warts. Ablative lasers can be pretty aggressive, with downtime average being about one week but redness can be present for two weeks. Such a treatment is very effective at anti-aging and undoing skin discoloration. Ablative lasers have largely fallen by the wayside thanks to the invention of fractional technology, such as CO2 lasers, which are known for boasting a shorter downtime. “Fractionating” the laser means the energy delivery isn’t as strong and, in turn, healing is quicker—still, for the absolute best results, ablative lasers are still considered the “best” if you can manage carving out the time for a proper recovery period.

Non-ablative lasers are meant for treating discoloration such as freckles, dark spots, and melasma. These types of lasers penetrate the skin in a fractionated manner, so they are milder. Fraxel is one of the most well-known, and after the treatment your skin can look like it sustained a sunburn and minor swelling might occur during the first week. However, several sessions are often needed for optimal results from a non-ablative laser treatment option. There are two primary wavelengths for these lasers. The 1550nm is great for fine lines and overall radiance while the 1927nm option is very good at tackling discoloration.

BBL and IPL

While not technically a laser, broadband light (BBL) and intense-pulsed light (IPL) therapies are often considered “lasers.” BBL is the second iteration of IPL, and both technologies are good at helping restore color balance by minimizing hyperpigmentation. The result is skin that is glowing and youthful. Plus, with minimal downtime, a BBL treatment can easily fit into anyone’s schedule. Again, multiple sessions are often required for the best results.

Coupling laser skin rejuvenation with other treatments, such as microneedling and HydraFacial Elite, can lead to ultimate results with skin that is younger-looking, healthier, and beautiful. Schedule your complimentary consultation with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today to see what combination of treatments and lasers work best for you. Contact us via phone or simply complete the online form right now.

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Zuzana Likar is our resident laser expert and she trains her staff to her high standards, including laser treatment best practices. CO2 laser skin resurfacing uses carbon dioxide (CO2) and an ablative laser to tackle some of the most intense skin issues including scarring, very deep wrinkles, and sometimes warts. Ablative lasers are the most aggressive and they traumatize the skin by removing the epidermis while also heating the skin below the surface (the dermis). This controlled trauma is effective because it kick-starts new collagen production as the skin heals. There are also non-ablative lasers that are gentler and do not damage the epidermis, and instead stimulate collagen synthesis below the surface. As you can imagine, ablative lasers like CO2 lasers have a much longer recovery period than non-ablative laser options.

Who Gets CO2 Lasers?

We often recommend CO2 lasers only for those looking to reduce heavy scarring. However, CO2 lasers can also be effective for treating large pores, age spots, lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, and sun damage—though there are other lasers that are not as aggressive that can effectively treat these concerns as well. CO2 lasers are used in a medical dermatological setting to sometimes treat seborrheic keratosis, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, fibrous papules of the nose, and some cysts. Those who tend to form keloid scars may not be a good match for CO2 lasers.

Thanks to numbing creams, a CO2 laser appointment is usually not considered painful. Clients do need to follow after-care instructions closely in order to avoid unnecessary complications and maximize healing. Avoiding hot showers and baths is a must, as is keeping the wound moist and protected with special products that you will be supplied with during your appointment. Taking care of the CO2 laser treated site is very similar to caring for a burn wound since it is ultimately the same mechanism.

What to Expect After a CO2 Laser Treatment

The recovery from a CO2 laser treatment takes 1 – 2 weeks on average. Swelling is to be expected, which often peaks at around day three and largely subsides by day seven. You will probably experience redness and itching, and during the first week oozing and crusting will be found on the dressing. A water-based moisturizer may be recommended for weeks two and three, and an in-office post-treatment skin reconditioning might also be part of your treatment plan.

It’s important to avoid certain products that contain specific acids until the skin is regenerated. Sunscreen should only be used after healing has occurred, which means it’s critical to avoid the sun during the CO2 treatment recovery period. Since CO2 lasers are so relatively aggressive, the results can be excellent for the right candidates who closely follow after-care instructions. Wrinkles are improved 60 – 80 percent on average, with scars improving to a lesser (but still impressive) degree.

The CO2RE Difference: A Single Laser Treating Many Concerns

There are different manufacturers of CO2 lasers, and there’s also the CO2RE laser, a single system that treats multiple concerns. It treats various skin layers in a single pass and can offer both full and fractional (fragmented) resurfacing. The “full-face resurfacing treatment” encourages coagulation and neocollagenesis (new collagen production). It’s different than the CO2 laser because this technology offers various settings, including a fusion setting that maximizes results with just one pass. This means healing periods are reduced by 2 – 3 days compared to the standard CO2 laser treatment.

The “light” setting of this laser may be used on younger patients with minor lines and sun damage, allowing them to get back to their usual routine (including wearing makeup) in 3 – 4 days. Medium treatments require about eight days of downtime.

Getting matched with the right laser or lasers for you will depend on multiple factors, and it’s possible that a CO2 or CO2RE laser will be the best option. However, it’s important to consider the current state of your skin and your goals, including how quickly you want to recover. To get started on your laser journey connect with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or completing the online form.

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