Laser Skin Tightening in Chicago and Northbrook, IL
Skin Tightening
Fine lines, wrinkles and sagging of the skin are some of the most common signs of aging, and they are virtually unavoidable. As we age, our skin produces less collagen, and it loses some of its natural elasticity. While face lifts and other surgical procedures are highly effective in tightening the skin, they are not for everyone. For those who are looking for a safe and highly effective alternative, non-invasive laser skin tightening is a good choice.
Laser Skin Tightening
Laser skin tightening is a cosmetic procedure in which a hand-held laser device is used to treat areas of the face and various areas of the body. The laser heats the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and thickening the epidermis. At North Shore Aesthetics, we have three laser systems to choose from, including Cutera Genesis V, Palomar Icon, and CO₂ Laser. Your esthetician will help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
All services performed with the Cutera Genesis V and Palomar Icon are handled by our esthetician. Dr. Schlechter performs services with the CO₂ Laser.
Laser Skin Tightening Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is Laser Skin Tightening Performed?
With the exception of the CO₂ Laser, the following steps are taken to perform a laser skin tightening session. Your face is thoroughly cleansed. Depending on the laser chosen, a topical numbing agent may be applied and you can relax while it takes effect. The esthetician will remove the numbing cream at a certain point and the laser treatment will begin. If performing the Genesis, the laser wand is waved repeatedly over the face in a pattern, warming the skin, stimulating collagen and pore-tightening. If performing the Icon, a gliding agent is applied to the skin. Then the laser handpiece is placed on the skin in patterns and pulses of light energy are delivered to the affected areas which may be targeted or over the whole face. The entire session usually takes less than an hour. To see full results, you may need between 4 and 6 treatments at specified intervals.
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Am I a Candidate for Laser Skin Tightening?
Because laser skin tightening treatments in the medspa are minimally invasive, they are tolerated well by most people. The procedure is appropriate for individuals of all skin types and tones. As long as you are in generally good health and your skin is in mostly good condition, you are probably a good candidate for laser skin tightening. Because of the systems available, it is almost always possible to find one that will suit your specific needs.
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Recovery from Laser Skin Tightening
Laser skin tightening procedures require no downtime. The esthetician will apply a post-treatment cream to your skin following your treatment and you will be able to immediately resume most of your normal activities. You will need to protect your skin from the sun for a few weeks following the procedure and you may experience mild redness in the treated area.
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What is CO₂ Laser?
CO₂ Laser is a specific type of treatment that is only performed by Dr. Schlechter and not the esthetician. This procedure is used to correct many issues, most notably skin tightening and resurfacing. Depending on your goals, the recovery can be a few days or a few weeks. Some type of anesthesia is warranted with this treatment but it is done as an outpatient procedure here at North Shore Aesthetics. Please visit our Skin Rejuvenation page on our main menu, under “Non-Surgical” offerings.
