Get Tight with Infrared: Skin Tightening with Infrared Laser Treatments

Filed in archive Laser Skin Resurfacing , Procedures on February 16, 2010

Like most forms of laser skin treatments, infrared laser skin resurfacing seeks to restructure, refine, and tighten skin by stimulating the skin's natural injury response to heat; encouraging collagen and elastin production. These treatments are non-ablative, and do not significantly damage the epidermis, or top layer of the skin. For many seeking an alternative to traditional ablative CO2 or Er-Yag laser treatments, infrared may provide good or moderate results with very little pain, side effects, or social downtime.

Touted as a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, infrared lasers can treat enlarged pores, sun damage, and fine lines, tighten sagging skin due to pregnancy or rapid weight loss and can help repair collagen and elastin which may have been destroyed by ultraviolet light, smoking, stress, excessive alcohol intake, or unhealthy diet.

Several treatments may be required to achieve the desired effect, and treatments should be 4-6 weeks apart. Treatments can take from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the area treated.

The Procedure:
The skin is cooled to an epidermal temperature of 40-48º C and a dermal temperature of 55-65º C. Infrared heat is applied via the laser. The patient will feel the localized heat and should communicate this to the technician. At this point a cooling device is applied to the area to protect the epidermis from burning or other damage. The area is done in small sections, pulsing and cooling as it progresses.

The Results:
Most people can expect moderate to good results, about 20-30% improvement overall. Many notice a continued firming and restructuring effect, with best results noticed by about 6 months. As with other laser skin resurfacing treatments, some people make better candidates than others. People with fair skin have less chance of developing hyper or hypo-pigmentation complications, and most people experience the mild side effects of temporary redness, swelling, and lingering warmth. Blistering, bruising, and scarring are uncommon side effects, however as with any surgery or procedure they are valid risks and should be considered.

Common types of infrared lasers include the Palomar LuxIR Deep, Titan, Refirme, and Aluma.