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 a renowned expert in body contouring procedures and non-surgical skin tightening for the body. Our gold-standard body skin tightening devices (Genius® Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling and Ulthera/Ultherapy®) deliver tighter, firmer, younger appearing skin.
To start refreshing your appearance with non-surgical body 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.
Genius® RF Microneedling is a no-downtime treatment that utilizes radiofrequency to improve fine lines and tighten skin. In addition to treating fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and sagging skin on the face and neck, Genius® can also be used for skin tightening on body areas with lax skin. It’s also one of the only devices available to treat mature stretch marks. Genius® RF Microneedling represents a huge advance in technology for anyone with a more pigmented skin type because unlike laser treatments, there is no risk of pigment change. Similarly, treatments can be performed all year long with no restriction based on sun exposure.
Genius® RF Microneedling combines fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology with microneedling to precisely deliver energy to the dermis through gold-plated microneedles using a stamping technique. The dermis is the layer of the skin beneath the surface and is responsible for skin’s elasticity because it contains collagen and elastin. By delivering heat energy from RF to the dermis, Genius® RF Microneedling encourages collagen growth and tissue tightening precisely at the proper depths in the skin. The precision offered through this technology improves wrinkles, scars and skin elasticity, and tightens skin.
Genius® RF Microneedling uses unique and innovative technology to protect the top layer of the skin, which allows for treatment on all skin types, even tanned skin.
Patients can expect to see changes in their skin soon after they have completed a series of treatments, with further improvement over time. Given that your body will continue to rebuild collagen for several months following the procedure, you will continue to see results over the following six to twelve months.
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. Additionally, the treatment also works on areas of the body like the abdomen, arms, and knees. 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 around the abdomen, arms, and knees.
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 tighter, younger-looking skin.
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 the abdomen, arms, and above the knees. 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 Ultherapy®’s effectiveness long-term, repeating treatments approximately every two years ensures optimal results for 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.
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 body skin tightening option is best for you.
To learn more about how non-surgical body 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.
