Choosing the Best Facial Skin Tightening Procedures
Opinions vary about the best facial skin tightening procedures. Personally, I want effective treatments that are unaccompanied by risks.
The risk/benefit ratio is used by researchers to evaluate drugs and in-office cosmetic procedures, alike. Ideally, there would be no risks, only benefits, but as you will see below, practically all of the popular treatments are accompanied by risks.
After reading the information here, you might still decide to take your chances, but at least you will know what the outcome has been in some cases.
Synthetic Fillers
Sold under brand names like Sculptra and Radiesse, these synthetic fillers work by stimulating the body’s own ability to produce collagen. The fillers are composed of calcium or lactic acid based “microspheres”. The cost is typically between $800 and $1000 per treated area and per treatment. Most providers recommend monthly treatments, until the desired results are achieved.
Reduced collagen production seems to be a natural part of the aging process, but there may be some things that we do to hasten the process. There are definitely some things that we can do to speed collagen production and minimize aging.
Overexposure to the sun, cigarette smoking and poor nutrient intake, leads to a prematurely aged appearance. Limiting sun exposure, avoiding cigarette smoke and other toxins, while striving for optimal nutrient intake, minimizes the affects of age.
While the synthetic fillers may be the best facial skin tightening procedure, in that it is the only injectable that stimulates collagen production, there are risks. Hardened nodules may form under the skin’s surface, as is the case with collagen, hyaluronic acid and other injections.
If too much of the fillers are injected, you can develop an unnatural appearance. Your face could look “fat” or swollen. The long-term effects of injecting these chemical compounds into the skin are unknown.
Collagen Injections
Collagen injections should never have been considered the best facial skin tightening procedures. The only effect that the protein has is to “plump” up the fatty tissue layer, which normally thins with age. Collagen injections do not stimulate collagen production.
By adding to the fatty tissues, wrinkles are smoothed out. The skin’s layers do appear firmer, but it does not help with sagging necklines or “double chins”.
The biggest risks are allergic reactions. Testing for allergic reactions should be conducted before the procedure begins. If you decide that collagen injections are the best facial skin tightening procedures for you, be sure that you are tested for allergies.
Topical Creams
Topical creams are the safest approach to increasing firmness, but they are not always effective. It all depends on the ingredients the cream contains.
Antioxidants fight the effects of overexposure to the sun, cigarette smoke and free radical damage. Protein complexes stimulate the production of new skin cells and collagen fibers. Nutrients found in wakame kelp protect the skin’s level of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for smoothness.
The best facial skin tightening creams contain many different nourishing ingredients. If used on a regular basis, people see results, without risk and for an affordable price.