The Four Best Options for Loose Skin in Houston

September 20, 20189/20/2018 Coming to terms with the appearance of loose skin is never easy. While a variety of over-the-counter products claim to tighten and lift the skin at home, none have the power to significantly change the appearance. Luckily, Houston’s Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics has an arsenal of treatments designed specifically to tighten and tone lax skin. Whether you are looking for a small change or a more dramatic lift, Dr. Ravi and Dr. Gopathi offer multiple types of skin tightening procedures for every unique and special need.

1. Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an excision surgical technique designed to remove excess skin and fat at the abdomen. Dr. Ravi, a board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in body procedures and performs hundreds of these procedures in Houston on many body types. The tummy tuck begins with making a low horizontal incision that’s easily hidden in underwear. Stretched skin and extra fat is removed. Liposuction is typically performed at the same time for optimal body sculpting as part of a lipo-abdominoplasty. Once the desired results have been achieved, the remaining tissue and skin is pulled tight and smooth. The belly button is moved and/or recreated for a proportionate appearance. Patients will be tired and sore for the first two weeks post-surgery. Work can be resumed in seven to ten days depending on how labor intensive it is. A thin, even abdominoplasty scar will remain and generally is well-hidden under underwear and bikini bottoms. Patients who continue with a healthy diet and routine exercise can enjoy the benefits of their tummy tuck for years to come.

2. BodyTite PRO

BodyTite PRO is an FDA-approved device that uses heat-based radio frequency assisted liposuction (RFAL) to contour and shrink skin in many areas of the body. This technique is considered a safe, minimally-invasive skin tightening and fat removal method. Not only does BodyTite eliminate unwanted deposits of fat, it has the ability to increase tissue tightness by up to 40%. Areas commonly treated with BodyTite include the upper arms, stomach, love handles, thighs, breasts and the male chest. BodyTite is an outpatient procedure, performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the size and number of areas being addressed. The treatment time depends on the number and size of areas being treated as well as the amount of fat needed to be removed. To begin, a small incision is made along the treatment area. The BodyTite PRO hand piece has one small electrode that is placed underneath the skin via a tiny incision, while a larger electrode remains atop the skin. Once Dr. Ravi turns on the machine, he specifies how much heat is distributed to the treatment area that is sandwiched between the small and large electrodes. Using thermal heat, the adipose (fat) tissue is liquefied (which is later vacuumed away) and the skin is immediately tightened. This directly applied heat encourages the body’s long-term production of collagen and elastin. Over the next twelve months, patients will see their skin appear tighter, smoother, and tauter.

3. FaceTite

Using the same breakthrough technology as BodyTite PRO, FaceTite is designed especially for the delicate skin and tissue along the face and neck. FaceTite uses radio frequency heating to tighten lax facial skin, while liquifying fatty deposits. Lax facial skin becomes firmer and tighter, restoring a healthier, youthful appearance. FaceTite can be paired with an additional treatment such as liposuction, Botox Cosmetic, or dermal filler injections for optimal results. The benefits from FaceTite can be seen immediately with improvement for up to one year. Patients can see their jowls, jawline, cheeks, neck, and forehead looking smoother and tighter in minutes. As everyone’s needs are unique, the FaceTite procedure can be customized to achieve the desired results. While the tissues will continue to age, the results from a single FaceTite procedure will be long-lasting. By following the recommended skincare routine, the benefits can continue to thrive.

4. Injectables

Injectible dermal fillers are designed to plump the skin by pulling in moisture from surrounding tissues, smoothing wrinkles and lifting skin. Hyaluronic Acid fillers can also add volume to sunken areas of the face, like the cheeks and under the eyes, restoring a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. The most popular fillers include Juvederm Ultra XC, Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Lyft, Sculptra and using your own PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). Each filler session takes about 30 to 60 minutes, getting patients back to their busy schedule right away. These small injections are not considered painful, as they are premixed with lidocaine, a local anesthetic. Side-effects are mild, but can include bruising, tenderness, and localized swelling for the first few days. Exercise should be postponed for the first 24 to 48 hours, as it can increase the chance for swelling. Fillers generally last for six to twelve months, depending on the product and the individual patients. For more information on the surgical and noninvasive methods for tightening lax, loose skin, contact Houston’s Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics at 281.242.1061. We will answer your questions and assist in scheduling a consultation appointment with Dr. Ravi or Dr. Gopathi. Remember, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your appearance is to enlist the help of a board certified, experienced aesthetic professional.