Non-surgical skin tightening
Abstract
Skin laxity is an unavoidable consequence of aging and chronic sun exposure. Patients are increasingly turning to non-surgical skin tightening measures for a more youthful look. Non-surgical methods can be effective in treating mild to moderate skin laxity, while offering decreased downtimes and fewer serious complications than surgical interventions. This article reviews the major non-surgical interventions for skin laxity: ablative and non-ablative lasers, radiofrequency, and microfocused ultrasound, noting their physiologic mechanism of actions, clinical benefits, and side effects. Regardless of the procedure, patient selection and expectation setting are crucial to achieving desired results and ensuring patient satisfaction.
Keywords
INTRODUCTION
Skin laxity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable results of aging and chronic sun exposure. Patients often turn to skin tightening measures for a more youthful look. Non-surgical methods of skin tightening have grown popular over the past few decades because they are effective in treating mild to moderate skin laxity, offer decreased downtimes, and carry a lower risk of complications, as compared to surgical interventions[1]. This chapter aims to review the major non-surgical interventions for skin laxity: ablative and non-ablative lasers, radiofrequency (RF), and microfocused ultrasound (MFU). These interventions provide skin rejuvenation through a shared overarching biochemical mechanism; they heat the dermis to a temperature that stimulates the reorganization of existing collagen fibers and the generation of new fibers.
The aging process:
The dermis of the skin is comprised mainly of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM)[2]. Fibroblasts are responsible for the synthesis of collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and amorphous matrix proteins (such as proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans), which are deposited in the ECM. The contours and fullness of the skin are a result of the tightly wound, triple helical structure of collagen fibers, and the absorption of water by amorphous proteins[3]. The elastic fibers are responsible for returning the skin to its normal structure after being stretched or deformed[4].
During the process of aging, there is a net loss of collagen due to decreased synthesis by fibroblasts and increased degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)[5-7]. The increased activity of MMPs is a result of the rise in reactive oxygen species, which is accelerated by sun exposure[8,9]. Collagen fibrils themselves gradually become more fragmented and haphazardly arranged over time[10,11] and lead to skin laxity[12]. While the number of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis actually increases with photoaging, in a process known as solar elastosis, their coarse and disorganized pattern renders them non-functional[13]. Decreased tissue elasticity contributes to skin laxity and wrinkle formation[14].
Skin tightening techniques target collagen and elastic fiber remodeling and synthesis to rejuvenate the skin. Interventional devices heat the dermis to a temperature that unravels the intramolecular hydrogen bonds that connect collagen fibers, allowing them to reorganize and contract into more tightly arranged forms[15-17]. The increased temperature also stimulates neocollagenesis by increasing fibroblast growth and production[18]. This process takes place over weeks to months and accounts for the enhanced clinical results observed months after treatment. RF and MFU have also been shown to improve the structure of existing elastic fibers and stimulate the production of new ones[19,20].
NON-SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS [Table 1]
Ablative lasers
Fully (non-fractionated) ablative lasers were among the first non-surgical interventions for skin tightening[21]. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser targets the chromophore water, which is found in both the epidermis and dermis[21,22]. Therefore, their use leads to damage of the entire epidermis and superficial dermis. This widespread damage evokes a change in the cytokine milieu and stimulates neocollagenesis[23], resulting in improvement in the appearance of rhytids[24-26]. However, it also leads to significant pain and erythema for patients[27]. The downtime associated with this type of laser made fractionated lasers a more sought-after intervention.
Overview of non-surgical techniques
| Primary indication(s) | Mechanism of action | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Ablative lasers | Moderate to deep rhytids and scars | Destruction of the chromophore water (present in the epidermis and dermis) | Effective at treating deep rhytids and scars | Significant downtime High risk of dyspigmentation, especially in darker skin types |
| Non-ablative lasers | Mild to moderate rhytids and scars | Selective destruction of chromophores in the dermis | Minimal downtime Homogenizes color and texture of skin Safe to use in variety of skin types | Not shown to be very effective in skin tightening |
| Radiofrequency | Skin tightening | Heating of tissue with electrothermal energy in the form of an oscillating current | Minimal downtime Well tolerated Shown to be effective for skin tightening of face and neck Can be combined with microneedling | Mild discomfort during procedure |
| Microfocused ultrasound | Skin tightening Destruction of solid tumors | Heating of tissue with a concentrated beam of ultrasound waves | Shown to be effective for skin tightening of face and neck Different probes can target different depths of the skin | Mild to moderate discomfort during procedure May have pain and bruising afterwards |
Fractionation of the laser beam divides the laser beam into vertical microcolumns to create smaller, more focused beams. The laser then penetrates the tissue in a grid-like fashion[28,29], sparing the majority of the treated surface from ablation. The unaffected tissue can provide growth factors and fibroblasts to the damaged microcolumns of tissue to assist in faster wound healing, as compared to non-fractionated ablative lasers[20,30]. Fractionated CO2 lasers have been shown to be effective in the treatment of photoaging after 2-3 treatments in lighter skin types[31]. While fractionation was important in the evolution of lasers, side effects of dyspigmentation, bacterial infections, persistent erythema, and atrophic scarring limit its use[25,27]. Dyspigmentation is more prevalent in dark skin types[32], and different modalities are often employed in these patients.
In our practice, fully ablative Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet and fractional CO2 are used primarily for resurfacing moderate to severe rhytids and scarring. While some tissue tightening can be seen in these patients, we do not use this method for patients primarily interested in skin tightening because it is limited by the length of downtime, wound care, and postprocedure erythema[27].
Non-ablative lasers
Non-ablative lasers, such as 1550-nm Erbium and picosecond devices, target chromophores in the dermis, which allows the epidermis to remain unaffected and largely intact. These lasers can initiate collagen shrinking and the formation of new fibers with similar mechanisms to ablative lasers, but with shorter downtimes and fewer side effects[33]. One study of 50 patients demonstrated significant improvement in photodamaged skin and mild-moderate rhytids with 3 treatment sessions of 1550-nm Erbium-doped fiber laser at 3-4 weeks intervals, without complications of dyspigmentation or scarring[34]. The 1550-nm Erbium laser is a very popular procedure amongst our patients. After a series of treatments, patients can achieve an overall improvement in their photodamage, rhytids, and texture with minimal downtime. Some tissue tightening can also be seen in these patients; however, we do not use this method for patients primarily interested in skin tightening. Furthermore, several of our laser colleagues have been using the 755-nm picosecond to perform the “picotoning” procedure. Picotoning is the use of a picosecond laser at low fluences to improve skin texture and create a more uniform color tone. It has been shown to improve melasma[35], photodamage[36], and acne scars[37], but it has not been demonstrated to produce reliable skin tightening.
Radiofrequency
RF uses the emission of a high-frequency oscillating current that flows from an electrode tip to the target tissue[38]. In contrast to lasers, it is a chromophore independent process. The tissue is heated by electrothermal energy, which is generated from the electrical current meeting resistance in the tissue. The formula Ohm’s Law states that current is proportional to the voltage of the device and inversely to the resistance (or impedance) of the tissue across two points of flow. The electrothermal energy that is generated by RF has been shown to result in collagen contraction, reorganization, and synthesis[39,40]. It also decreases the amount of abnormally accumulated elastin fibers in the papillary dermis, while restoring the structure of the remaining elastic fibers[19].
RF devices differ in their configuration of electrodes. A monopolar RF device emits an electrical current directly onto the skin and recycles it back through a grounding pad[41]. A bipolar device emits current between two electrodes that are adjacently placed on the skin at a fixed distance. Major benefits of monopolar RF devices include their ability to penetrate deep into the subcutaneous fat and volumetrically tighten the tissue[41]. Devices like Thermage are able to selectively heat fibrous septae within the fat (due to differences in tissue resistance), leading to immediate contraction of fibers and new collagen deposition[42]
Figure 1. Before and after pictures of a patient treated with Thermage to the lower face.
Figure 2. Before and after pictures of a patient treated with Thermage to the upper eyebrow.
Figure 3. Before and after pictures of a patient treated with Thermage to the full face.
While the depth of penetration in radiofrequency is influenced by polarity, it is also dependent on the tissue type, current frequency, and tissue temperature[48]. Therefore, in order to overcome the problem of penetration depth, additional methods and tools have been designed to exploit these other parameters. For example, since tissue resistance is inversely proportional to temperature, preheating the target tissue before treatment increases conductivity[49]. The increased conductivity allows for lower voltage settings, resulting in less pain and postoperative complications. Conversely, cooling the surface of the skin during treatment avoids current dispersion and heat loss in the epidermis, allowing for more current to be directed into the dermis[50].
Vacuum assist devices are also utilized to increase conductivity in the dermis. A vacuum on a bipolar device suctions a fold of tissue between the two electrodes to decrease the distance the current has to travel[51]. The vacuum itself may also provide additional collagen stimulation by increasing blood flow and mechanical compression[51].
Finally, RF devices can use microneedling to bypass the epidermis and deliver electrical current directly to the dermis[52]. Microneedling devices use different needle densities and widths, while the needle depth can be adjusted on each device[52]. This type of treatment has been shown to increase reticular dermal volume, cellularity, hyaluronic acid, and elastin[53]. Devices also differ in the needle tips, which can be insulated or non-insulated. Insulation consists of a non-conductive coating that lasts the length of the epidermis. It is thought to be paramount in sparing the epidermis because the current is not emitted until the dermis. However, insulated needles require multiple passes to treat the dermis at various depths[54,55]. Furthermore, it has been shown that non-insulated microneedling RF devices improve skin texture without causing dyspigmentation or epidermal burns[56]. Microneedling RF with non-insulated needles has even been shown to be safe in skin types III to V after multiple treatments for acne scars[57]. Another advantage of non-insulated needles is that they allow for more effective heating and coagulation of vessels in the dermis[58,59].
Clearly, the application of radiofrequency for skin tightening is effective, as evidenced by the broad variety of treatment options available for skin tightening that employ RF. However, many of the currently available devices and procedures have failed to live up to some of the hype surrounding them. While microneedling RF shows theoretical promise, we have been unable to consistently replicate the skin tightening benefits reported by some. This comes after working with more than a half-dozen devices, all claiming to produce superior skin tightening. In the end, we continue to utilize monopolar RF (Thermage) as our preferred skin tightening treatment for the face and body. For smaller areas, such as the periorbital area, we often utilize more focal RF (Pelleve) in a series of 2-3 monthly treatments, with annual maintenance treatments.
Microfocused ultrasound
MFU uses a transducer to emit concentrated beams of ultrasound waves[60]. These waves generate molecular vibrations, and subsequently heat, in a precise treatment area to over 65 °C in milliseconds[60]. The repetitive compressions and rarefactions of tissue from the energy waves also create shearing forces on a molecular level[61], further raising the tissue temperature. Coagulation necrosis and cavitation of the targeted tissue can occur under high-energy settings and long treatment durations[62]. These properties were desired in its initial application in the treatment of solid internal tumors, such as prostate cancer or uterine fibroids[63]. The technology can be used at lower energy levels and lower frequencies to target the dermis and facial superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS)[64,65]. The SMAS is a network of fibrous septa that connect the dermis to facial muscles[64]. MFU stimulates contraction of the SMAS[64] and deposition of new collagen and elastic fibers in the deep reticular dermis[20], resulting in tighter skin of the face and neck[65].
Each device has a transducer that delivers ultrasound waves through a probe at a fixed frequency[38]. Probes with higher frequencies are used for superficial tissues, such as the neck and eyebrow, while lower frequencies are used for deeper tissues, such as the cheeks and submental region[61]. The adjustable parameters are the energy setting and duration of the beam. Advantages to this technology include increased depth of penetration, preservation of the epidermis, and decreased loss of energy in lateral tissue planes[66]. Efficacy of skin tightening has been demonstrated on the face and neck, including the infraorbital cheeks[67], nasolabial folds and jaw lines[68], and eyebrows[69].
Sofwave is a new iteration of MFU technology that focuses on a more superficial depth[70]. It received Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2019 for the indicated use as a non-invasive dermatological aesthetic treatment to improve facial lines and wrinkles[70]. In the clinical study submitted to the FDA, blinded reviewers saw that 78% of the treated subjects had a reduction in a solar elastosis score for perioral and periorbital regions. 72% of the subjects reported improvement in their wrinkle appearance. There were no device-related adverse events, and no subjects withdrew from the study due to pain or discomfort[70]. However, there is a lack of published clinical data on this product, so larger, peer reviewed studies are needed to better assess this device.
The most common side effects of MFU are transient pain, erythema, edema, and bruising, which typically last for a few days[66,71]. A study of 49 patients of Fitzpatrick skin type III to IV observed 2 cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the forehead at 1 month, but not at 6 months[71]. Nerve and bone irritation are rarely encountered, as the frequency of the transducer fixes the depth of penetration.
Monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) and MFU have emerged as two of the preferred methods for skin tightening of the face and neck due to their efficacy, favorable side effect profile, and preservation of the epidermis. A prospective, split-face and neck, evaluator-blinded clinical trial directly compared MRF (Thermage) against MFU (Ulthera) in 20 patients[72]. The study showed significant improvement in face and neck laxity as soon as 30 days after each treatment. There were no statistical differences between MRF and MFU in improvement measures of skin laxity, patient satisfaction, or adverse events.
In our experience, our patients better tolerate MRF, and it has become our treatment of choice for mild to moderate skin laxity of the face and neck. MFU is clearly an effective skin tightening treatment and is used quite successfully by many clinicians, but the pain associated with this procedure is prohibitive for our patients. Further, recent reports of significant side effects with MFU[61] have reinforced to our patients the safety and tolerability advantages we believe MRF holds over MFU.
Contraindications
It should be noted that contraindications to all of the above treatments include the presence of malignancies, open wounds, and implanted devices (e.g., pacemakers and defibrillators), in the field of treatment. Pregnancy is also a contraindication, as a lack of sufficient studies in this population has been performed.
CONCLUSION
Surgical intervention remains the gold standard of treatment for skin laxity. While non-surgical skin tightening technologies have gained popularity, they historically have not achieved the same levels of treatment durability and efficacy. For any skin tightening treatment, patient selection is crucial to achieving desired results and ensuring patient satisfaction. Maximal results are gradual and appear over three to six months. Most patients show a mild to moderate improvement in the appearance of laxity. In our experience, younger patients with mild to moderate skin laxity have better clinical outcomes than older patients with severe laxity and rhytids. We recommend patients have skin tightening procedures every one to two years, for both preventive and therapeutic measures. MRF is our treatment of choice due to its low pain level during treatment, consistent results, positive patient experience, and track record of greater than 95% patient satisfaction for over 20 years.
DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributionsContributed to the scope and format of the review: O’Connor K, Kandula P, Kaminer M
Took the lead in writing the manuscript: O’Connor K
Providing substantial guidance and editing: Kandula P, Kaminer M
Availability of data and materialsNot applicable.
Financial support and sponsorshipNone.
Conflicts of interestDr. Kaminer is a consultant for the following entities: Solta, Arctic Fox, Allergan, Endo, Soliton, and NC8. Other authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.
Ethical approval and consent to participateNot applicable.
Consent for publicationThe figures are obtained copyright permission.
Copyright© The Author(s) 2021.
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