After significant weight loss, loose skin frequently remains because the skin has stretched the two uppermost layers, the epidermis, and the dermis.
The epidermis is the top layer of skin which is responsible for pigment, epidermal cells, and proteins. The dermis layer is located just beneath the epidermis and contains the dermal cells, blood vessels and nerves, hair follicles and oil glands that are responsible for providing nutrients. However, the most notable component of the dermis layer is the skin’s collagen and connective tissue.
The collagen and connective tissue are responsible for the elasticity in the skin. Gaining weight will stretch the skin and if there is a significant amount of weight loss, the skin’s elasticity could be overworked, leaving saggy skin behind on the face, stomach, thighs, arms, and back.
Collagen fillers can be injected in order to rejuvenate the skin and its elasticity, however, for more extensive improvement, an invasive procedure such as tummy tucks is recommended. Those that are surgery averse should be aware of the many non-invasive surgical procedures such as laser skin tightening can remove scar tissue, fix uneven skin tone and encourage the collagen-building process in order to create firmer skin.
Other options include the Thermage procedure, which employs a patented technology called ThermaCool™. It has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift the skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy and requires no downtime from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types. The ThermaCool device has been cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles.
*Results may vary.
Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin may feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. Over time, you will notice additional tightening. Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage treatment has produced results in the majority of patients. Your physician will determine the course of treatment that is right for you. The Thermage procedure can take anywhere from twenty minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.
Due to genetics and the inherent nature of skin and fat, many unsightly conditions simply cannot be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Fortunately, Dr. Rokhsar’s practice offers a wide variety of options to combat these stubborn areas.
For problems that can be resolved by tightening skin, patients can look to simple procedures such as Thermage, which uses ThermaCool technology to smooth skin, producing a tight, youthful result. Similarly, VelaShape’s heat energy delivery and vacuum/roller massage help to reduce cellulite, decrease fat, and create extraordinary contours.
Of course, rapid body shaping can be done through SmartLipo and LipoLite, a combination of minimally-invasive liposuction and skin tightening laser. By combining these together, Dr. Rokhsar can dramatically reduce the circumference of problematic areas. The procedure involves tiny incisions, local anesthesia, and a few days of downtime. However, the results are quick and patients are left visibly leaner, while still maintaining the curves and contours that define an attractive body.
Additionally, non-surgical fat removal systems continue to enter the market, such as the UltraShape, Liposonix, and Zerona technologies. These procedures use innovative new techniques to melt fat quickly, painlessly, and with zero incisions. While the results take longer to reveal themselves than with Liposculpture, they are nonetheless remarkable, lasting, and of course, convenient.
With an ever-increasing amount of options for patients to consider, talking with Dr. Rokhsar can help you decide how to best meet your body contouring goals.
Ulthera is another innovative cosmetic laser option that utilized acoustic energy deep into the soft tissue to promote collagen formation and skin tightening. The device can emit the energy at various levels, allowing Dr. Rokhsar to precisely administer the right amount of energy based on the particular area of the face being treated.
Fraxel Re:pair is ablative; meaning it removes tissue. Fraxel Re:pair is a more powerful laser- it removes the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). This means more post-treatment redness, scaling, peeling, and swelling. However, this laser also has unparalleled, dramatic skin-rejuvenation results after one or two treatments.
Fraxel Re:store is non-ablative; meaning it does not remove any tissue. Thus, there is less recovery time and less post-treatment peeling, redness, and swelling.
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Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is the founder and owner of New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center. With degrees from Harvard University and NYU, along with multiple publications and media features, the double board-certified dermatologist and laser surgeon proudly shares his expertise with patients in Garden City, Manhattan, and those who fly in to receive treatments at his offices. Dr. Rokhsar has worked extensively with Vbeam laser, Thermitight, Coolsculpting, and Fraxel laser technology, as well as Allergan and other injectable brands. He pioneered the Non-Surgical Nose Job and continues to be a leader in his field.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
