Many patients who start to notice skin sagging or jowls assume that they need a skin tightening procedure. There are multiple factors responsible for “sagging” or “drooping.” When this phenomenon is first noticed, usually in the mid to late 30’s or 40’s (depending on genetic predisposition), volume loss is the culprit. The gradual loss of collagen, muscle, fat and bone starts in the 20’s, and gradually leads to hollowing and sagging because the volume that was originally present supported the skin. With volume loss, the skin begins to sag; and the initial intervention to reverse that process is volume replacement. Eventually, into the 40’s, 50’s and beyond, skin laxity is also a factor. As recently as 15-20 years ago, the only solution was surgical lifting. Now, there are a vast array of devices that effectively tighten skin, both on a deep contouring level as well as a superficial tightening.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tina West is an expert in non-surgical skin tightening procedures. You can count on the West Institute to offer the most advanced, effective devices. The West Institute is a state of the art facility that skin’s has the most advanced devices designed to tighten deeper layers, reaching as far as 5 mm beneath the skin’s surface to reach the same layer as a surgical facelift, as well as the most advanced superficial skin tightening technology that addresses crepey skin and fine wrinkling on the surface. These gold-standard devices deliverter, tighter, firmer, younger appearing skin. Our armamentarium of skin tightening treatments includes Genius™ Radiofrequency Microneedling, Ultherapy®, and AcuPulse™ fractional CO2 laser. You can learn more about each treatment by reading on.
To start refreshing your appearance with non-surgical skin tightening, contact the West Institute at 301-986-9378 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today! We are located in Chevy Chase, MD, and serve Potomac, MD, Bethesda, MD, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and other communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Lutronic Genius (formerly Infini™), the newest, most advanced radiofrequency microneedling system, was pioneered specifically to tighten skin anywhere on the body with little to no downtime. Genius treatments provide unparalleled, lasting outcomes with Intelligent RF (radiofrequency) technology, delivering thermal energy through microneedles into the dermis. The goal is to stimulate collagen production for long-lasting results. A series of treatments results in tighter skin with no downtime and without concern regarding skin type/pigmentation or sun exposure.
Unique intelligent technology allows Genius to protect the top layers of the skin, while also providing real-time feedback during the procedure to let us know how much energy is actually being delivered (this is one of the features that makes Genius the next generation technology that followed the original Infini technology). Radiofrequency treatments are appropriate for all skin types and colors, including tanned skin. By delivering customized energy precisely to the dermis, Genius RF creates a micro-injury to jump-start your body’s natural healing process for firmer skin.
If you are concerned about finely wrinkled, crepey skin anywhere on your face, neck, chest, or body, then you may be a good candidate for Genius™ Radiofrequency Microneedling. Treatment is typically performed as a series of sessions with treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the treatment area. Dr. West and her team will meet with you to identify if this treatment is appropriate to meet your needs and goals.
You can expect to see changes in your skin soon after you have completed a series of treatments. Due to the collagen remodeling that is induced by radiofrequency microneedling, results continue to improve for at least six months following treatment. While results are long-lasting, aging continues, and many patients opt for treatments once or twice a year to maintain their great results.
Dr. Tina West is a board-certified dermatologist and leading expert in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and body contouring procedures. For over 20 years, Dr. West has dedicated her practice to providing natural-looking results and full patient satisfaction. Dr. West invites you to visit The West Institute for a friendly and informative consultation.
Ultherapy is the only non-invasive procedure FDA-approved to lift skin on the neck, chin, and brow, and improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. The Ulthera® device utilizes ultrasound energy to tighten and stimulate the production of new collagen in the deep layers of skin that would previously have been addressed surgically.
As we age, the collagen in our skin weakens and the elastin starts to break down, leading to skin laxity, especially around the jawline.
Unlike lasers, which penetrate the skin from the outside-in, Ultherapy works from the inside-out to lift and tighten skin non-invasively. Using ultrasound energy, Ultherapy® targets deep layers (down to 4.5 mm) underneath the skin’s surface and reaches the specific temperature necessary to stimulate the production of fresh, new collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer skin and fewer wrinkles.
Ultherapy is safe and gentle, and with zero downtime, it is a preferred procedure for patients who are looking for a faster, less invasive approach to skin tightening on their neck,chest, brows and other areas. We even use Ultherapy to tighten loose skin on the abdomen and above the knees. Ultherapy is also a great option for providing a more contoured, chiseled jawline. Dr. West and her team will meet with you to identify if this treatment is best to meet your needs and goals.
Following Ultherapy, results start to be visible within a time frame of anywhere from six weeks to three months, with continued improvement for up to twelve months. While results don’t “wear off,” aging continues; to maintain results over the long-term, repeating treatments approximately every two years ensures youthful facial contours for the years to come.
In addition to non-invasive, no downtime Genius radiofrequency microneedling, ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing has decades of data proving that the procedure tightens finely wrinkled skin under the eyes, with only one week of downtime. This quick in-office procedure also works to lighten and brighten dark circles. Dr. West is highly regarded for the article that she co-authored in the international peer-reviewed medical literature on the significant reduction in dark circles following full face ablative CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing.
AcuPulse™ Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing utilizes a specific wavelength of laser energy to selectively vaporize water in skin cells, which stimulates your body to repair damaged skin while also stimulating new collagen and blood vessels, a physiologic response known as neocollagenesis.
AcuPulse™ is the gold standard device for treating skin with a crepey texture and tightening fine wrinkling underneath the eye, as well as diminishing the appearance of undereye dark circles. Dr. West will meet with you to identify if this treatment is best to meet your needs and goals.
Following CO2 laser resurfacing, new collagen production continues for at least 12-18 months resulting in continued improvement over time. Results are maximized and maintained with a long-term daily skincare regimen that incorporates active ingredients such as retinoids.
Aging is unavoidable, but skin laxity, hollowing and drooping can be prevented. At The West Institute, we believe that you deserve to look your best and will recommend treatments that will improve your appearance subtly and naturally, including how to maintain your results over time so that you can always be your most confident self. If you desire tighter, refreshed skin without surgical downtime, we encourage you to visit us to learn which non-surgical skin tightening option is best for you.
To learn more about how skin tightening in Washington, D.C. can boost your appearance and give you long-lasting results, contact Dr. West at The West Institute and schedule a personalized assessment! The West Institute is located in Chevy Chase, MD, and proudly serves Washington, D.C., Bethesda, MD, Potomac, MD, Northern Virginia, and the surrounding areas.
