Laser Skin Tightening in Nairobi

Loose and saggy skin can sometimes prove to be quite a menace for some of us. This might be affiliated with the idea that they make us look and feel older. Most of us like to have a forever-young appearance and loose skin is probably one of our biggest enemies when it comes to this. There are many available ways to reverse the effects of loose skin. Some of these methods are the use of over-the-counter drugs and cosmetic products such as creams. Other forms of treatment might be surgical or non-surgical procedures such as micro-needling. Avané clinic brings you one of the best non-invasive skin tightening treatments through laser skin tightening treatment.

When we are young, we fancy the idea of growing old and make up all sorts of dreams and plans for the future we wish to have. Ageing brings along lots of new memories, experiences, knowledge and wisdom. A common adage says that age is gold. While this is true for most aspects, it doesn’t reflect well on our appearance after a certain age. The more we age past our youth, the more our smooth and lovely skin turns saggy. The more it develops wrinkles and lines and becomes prone to acne attacks and other skin-related defects. Ageing changes our appearance. As much as this is natural and normal, not many of us are comfortable with this.

A change is the elasticity of our skin that cannot be attributed to ageing only. It can also be caused by a myriad of other factors, such as:

• Genetics
• Frequent exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) rays
• Extreme weight loss or weight gain
• Too much-processed foods in the diet
• Smoking

What causes skin laxity?

Our skin is held together by a meshwork of fibres called collagen. Collagen fibres are made of protein and are the most abundant proteins in the body. These fibres help hold the skin in its structure and place. Additionally, they also form the joint tissues between the muscles and the bones. Collagen is naturally produced in the body. As you age, the body produces lower levels of collagen. Consequently, this causes the skin to be less elastic and more wrinkled. Moreover, lower collagen levels also lead to lower levels of fat in the deeper layers of the skin. This tends to leave unoccupied space underneath the skin layers. This causes the skin to droop or sag.

How does laser tightening work?

Laser tightening is one of the best ways to reverse the effects of the sagging or drooping of the skin. The technique involves exposing the skin to laser beams at set frequencies for a certain duration of time. The laser heats the skin layers, triggering the body to consider this as harm to the tissues, even though, no harm is done to them.  The body activates its self-healing mechanism, which involves the production of more collagen and elastin fibres. This help tightens the skin and gets rid of wrinkles and saggy skin. Additionally, it also nourishes the skin ad gives it a full look. This treatment is mostly used on the face, neck, chin, upper arm, thigh, abdomen and decolletage. It can also be used on any other body part, but as recommended by a medical specialist.

Forms of laser skin tightening treatments.

Ablative lasers- These lasers are considered to be a little bit more aggressive. The lasers penetrate the skin and may cause damage to the collagen fibres. Too much or too strong frequencies of these lasers can even destroy the collagen. This eventually triggers the skin to produce more collagen, leading to tighter skin. Ablative lasers are not recommended for people with psoriasis. They are also harmful to people who have recently undergone radiation therapy. Moreover, these lasers might have effects on dark skin tones.

Non-ablative lasers- These are the less aggressive lasers. They tend to heat the collagen within your skin without damaging or destroying them. This heating evokes collage production from the skin, thus, creating a tighter skin appearance. Non-ablative lasers are more suitable for people with dark skin tones, as they have little or no safety concerns.

Types of laser treatments.

There are 3 types of laser skin tightening treatments. They may either be ablative or non-ablative. These are:

Ultrasound treatment- This focuses on the use of ultrasound energy to heat the skin at a deeper depth. It ensures that you’re tightening and lifting the skin from deeper under the skin. The treatments are delivered by a handheld device that delivers ultrasound waves. During the procedure, the doctor will use ultrasound technology to look at the deep layers of skin that they're heating. This is done to ensure you're getting lift exactly where you want it. The procedure is done fast and easily and takes 45-90 minutes. It has no downtime, and the results can be seen almost immediately. However, you will notice the best result after 3 months. Additionally, one needs a repeat procedure to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. The doctor will help you find the right schedule for subsequent visits.

Radiofrequency treatment- Radiofrequency devices use a handheld tool to penetrate heat deeper into the skin, targeting the middle layers of the dermis. The heat stimulates collagen production, which, in turn, gives your skin a tighter, more lifted appearance. Radiofrequency treatment has minimal downtime and thus, can allow one to resume normal activities and work soon afterwards. On the other hand, it may cause a little bit of redness after the procedure.  

Radiofrequency micro-needling- Radiofrequency micro-needling isn’t the typical micro-needling with the pen. It’s more of a stamping technique. It involves a motorized stamper with 37 gold-plated needles. The procedure involves stamping the skin to create microscopic holes. Once the needles are in the holes, radiofrequency waves are emitted to tighten the layers. This procedure is painful since it involves poring little holes into the skin. The doctor numbs the skin in the area to be treated before the procedure begins. It is done fast and easily. However, one needs multiple treatments for the full results to be attained. You will need about three to four sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart

Anyone can be a good candidate for laser skin tightening. People with young and healthy skin can still seek skin tightening procedures to get ahead of saggy skin. As you seek a solution for loose skin, it is best that you consult with our team of specialists at Avané clinic, led by Dr Pancholi. Here the specialist will examine you for any other condition and give you insights into the treatments. The doctors will discuss the types, benefits and risks or side effects of these treatments. Moreover, they will also help you choose the best type of laser treatment. The choice will depend on your skin’s condition, the costs and your preference. They will also give you precautions on how to keep your skin healthy before the procedures, and even after the procedures.

Side effects.

The most common side effect is pain during the treatment. The doctors use numbing techniques on the areas to be treated. This ensures that you don’t feel pain during the procedure. They will also prescribe painkillers to deal with the possible post-treatment pain. Other side effects include scarring, bacterial or viral infections, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Additionally, laser skin tightening might also result in acneiform eruptions or ectropion.

Takeaway note.

Loosening of the skin, as a result of ageing or factors, should not let you feel old or less beautiful. You should not have low self-esteem or confidence. Skin loosing is normal, and is not a sickness. You could embrace the change and appreciate the new appearance. You could also visit the Avané clinic at the Yaya Centre in Nairobi for skin tightening treatment. At our clinic, we use laser skin tightening techniques which are safe, clinically tested and approved for medical and cosmetic use. Moreover, we have a knowledgeable and experienced team of specialists at the clinic. Don’t let the change in appearance put you down. Visit us today or contact us to book an appointment with our doctors or enquire about our services.