As we age, collagen breaks down in the skin and leads to an overall loss of elasticity. This causes the skin to sag and wrinkle, resulting in a face or body that may betray your true age. Skin tightening treatments are a great option for patients who desire a more youthful appearance without undergoing surgery. These non-invasive skin procedures help patients improve “crepey” skin texture and restore its previous smoothness. Ideal for working professionals, these treatments result in rapid benefits with minimal to no downtime required. Therefore, busy patients can easily schedule future maintenance treatments that are necessary to keep their skin ahead of the aging process.
An area of constant study and research, modern skin tightening treatments harness the power of ultrasound, radiofrequency or plasma energy to provide optimal results to patients. Over the course of his decade-long career, Dr. Hooman Khorasani has helped improve the skin’s appearance for thousands of patients of all ages and skin types. Always pursuing the best possible treatment options for his patients, Dr. Khorasani consistently invests in the latest technology and mentors other professionals who have sought him out for his expertise in this area. As such, Dr. Khorasani will be able to provide you with a tailored therapy plan that addresses your individual needs and employs the latest therapeutic advances.
To find out whether skin tightening can give you a renewed and refreshed look, visit Dr. Hooman Khorasani at our New York City practice. To request a consultation, text message us securely, or contact our Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378.
BodyTite is a new piece of technology that is designed to deliver excellent skin-tightening results, without actually having to undergo an invasive surgery. It is as straightforward as it seems. The only place it gets a little complicated is in the terminology, so let’s break it down!
BodyTite is both the name of the device, as well as one of the treatments it provides. The BodyTite device comes with a variety of attachments that target different parts of the body. One of the treatments is actually called BodyTite, and that refers to the attachment that is used for subdermal skin tightening on larger areas of the body, like the abdomen, buttocks, back, thighs, and arms.
Learn more about BodyTite for breast lifts.
Then there are smaller attachments: FaceTite and AccuTite, which are designed to target smaller, more delicate areas of the body. The FaceTite attachment is used to tighten the skin subdermally, and target the neck and jowls. AccuTite is the smallest probe, and therefore the most versatile handpiece which can be used on various parts of the body. The AccuTite attachment is often used for the more minute areas of the face, like the lower eyelids or nasolabial folds. AccuTite is also a popular option available for treatment of laxity associated with the labia majora.
Other attachments include Morpheus8 and Morpheus8 Body, which are radio-frequency microneedling attachments used to target tissue and tighten the skin from the surface, increase collagen production, and reduce cellulite across all skin tones and various areas of the body. Morpheus8 Body is most recognized for its ability to reach the deepest layers of the skin, as compared to any other RF Microneedling device. Furthermore, it has the ability to treat at 3 different depths with a single pass of the needles into the skin.
BodyTite relies on probes of various sizes that are inserted underneath the skin's surface to heat the skin from beneath, or subdermally. This heat is used to stimulate cells in our skin, called fibroblasts, to boost collagen production.
No matter the attachment used or area of the body targeted, each procedure is considered to be minimally invasive and has the ability to tighten and lift desired areas of the body without having to undergo an invasive surgery.
How? With the use of RFAL — Radio-Frequency Assisted Lipolysis. This energy heats the skin in a precise and controlled fashion, which triggers cells to produce new and healthy collagen. The device has an internal and an external probe which communicate with each other in order to ensure proper delivery of energy and heat. Therefore, this device is safer than some of the competing devices which can cause skin burns.
The desired treatment area is numbed with a numbing agent, before inserting the appropriate attachment underneath the skin in order to heat it. It’s an outpatient procedure that does not require any overnight stay, nor general anesthesia. Patients can return home that same day.
Certain patients who come in for liposuction are also ideal candidates for skin tightening. In fact, when the two are used in conjunction, the results are rather impressive.
Imagine a balloon. (We're not saying your body is a balloon, but this is the best analogy for what happens to the skin). When a balloon is deflated it looks more wrinkled, which is similar to what can happen to the skin after liposuction. In older patients, for example, when skin elasticity starts to wane, the combo of liposuction and BodyTite can be particularly effective. The two procedures are often done at the same time, which minimizes recovery time.
You can expect optimal results after six months, but you'll start to notice significant change around three months, or maybe sooner. The full effect can take a year to set in.
As with most procedures, swelling and bruising is common, so you will not see results immediately. The best way to minimize downtime is to keep up with your post-care instructions. Depending on the size of the treated area, downtime is usually from one to two weeks. Everyone heals differently, and recovery time also depends on what areas are treated.
For optimal results, it's imperative to wear the recommended compression garments (if applicable), but also keep up with a healthy routine like your diet, resting when instructed, light exercise, and lymphatic massages.
FaceTite is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia and light sedation that tightens and lifts the skin without having to undergo an invasive surgery. The device uses RFAL (Radio-Frequency Assisted Lipolysis) to provide controlled heat to the skin of the face. The radio-frequency energy, sometimes combined with liposuction, works to melt fat and tighten the skin. This non-invasive procedure is the closest result to a surgical neck lift, with a fraction of the downtime.
FaceTite is a minimally-invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia or light sedation. Post procedure, patients can go home and resume regular activities shortly after. Wearing a compression garment is required for best results. Post procedure, patients can go home and resume regular activities in just a few days. Wearing a compression garment around the clock and having lymphatic massages are required for best results and the shortest downtime.
Any areas on the face and neck with saggy skin can be treated. This includes the double chin, jowls and other areas with deep lines and loose skin.The lower face and neck can be treated. This includes the double chin, jowls, and other areas of the lower face with loose skin. Often this procedure is used in conjunction with liposuction to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat under the chin.
The results of FaceTite are not as dramatic as the results of a traditional facelift. However, this particular point is preferred by many patients as they may favor more subtle results.
FaceTite does not require a skin excision and therefore, there is minimal scarring. The only marks from the procedure are three small (2mm) port sites where the probe is inserted under the skin. FaceTite is an excellent option for younger patients who are not yet candidates for a traditional facelift, and are looking for an alternative procedure that offers natural looking results.
Results can be seen immediately, with best results noticeable after 6 months, and continuing up to 12 months.It is important to note that results are NOT immediate, and will not be noticed right away, due to post-operative swelling and bruising. By following your treatment’s post-care instructions, this can resolve quickly and effectively. Noticeable swelling and bruising subsides in two weeks. However, it will take a few months to resolve all of the swelling. The best results are noticeable after 6 months, and continual improvements can occur up to 12 months after the procedure.
AccuTite is a smaller version of FaceTite (see description above). It is targeted toward the more delicate areas of the face and body, like the area under the eyes, and the nasolabial folds. The radio-frequency technology is the same — the only difference is the size of the probe used to administer the RF energy. AccuTite provides dramatic improvement to skin laxity in these smaller, more delicate areas of the face, without having to use traditional fillers or surgical skin tightening procedures. The most popular areas to treat include the nasolabial folds and the lower eyelid bags.
AccuTite is a minimally-invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia and sometimes light sedation. Post procedure, patients will be able to go home and resume regular activities with minimal downtime. We highly recommend lymphatic massages to help reduce post-procedure swelling and to reduce your recovery time.
AccuTite is designed for the delicate areas of the face, such as under the eyes and nasolabial folds. It is also used by some practitioners to tighten the skin of female genitalia (labia majora).
By avoiding an excision procedure, patients will have minimal scarring. They will also be able to return to their daily lives much more quickly and without the same swelling and discomfort that traditional surgical procedures entail.
The best results will be noticeable within 6 months, with gradual improvements up to 12 months. By closely following your post-care instructions, it will ensure that you see results as quickly as possible.
Morpheus8 is an FDA approved medical device, offering the ultimate skin rejuvenation solution from a single system with minimal downtime. Morpheus8 is a revolutionary combination powered by fractional radio frequency (RF) and state-of-the-art micro-needling to help stimulate and tighten the skin, even in the deepest layers. This two-in-one device is best suited for patients who desire improvement in skin laxity or wrinkles, but it can also target other structural problems. These include, but are not limited to, cellulite, sebaceous hyperplasia, acne scars, and stretchmarks.
The device works by incorporating radio frequency energy into each individual sterile needle, driving the rejuvenating energy deep into the skin and stimulating the healthy growth of new collagen. This minimally invasive procedure is tolerated with the use of a topical numbing agent and can be performed in less than one hour per treatment.
Morpheus8 uses the same technology as FaceTite radio-frequency energy. The difference is the handpiece used for each treatment. The Morpheus8 handpiece offers radio-frequency micro needling with different exchangeable tips with various length needles, depending on treatment area. It can be used on the face, as well as the body. However, unlike the FaceTite handpiece, which is subdermal, the Morpheus8 generates RF energy on top of the skin through tiny needles.
The needles heat the skin and signal to the body to start producing collagen, which is what helps to tighten and firm sagging skin.
There are different Morpheus8 tips that can be used to treat different areas of the body. For the smallest areas, like the area around the eyes and nose, a 12 needle tip is traditionally used. The face is usually treated using 24 needle tips, and larger areas on the body use 40 needle tips.
Age-induced decrease in collagen production leads to the thinning of your skin and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The radiofrequency energy emitted by the device heats the deep layers of the skin to activate collagen producing cells and their associated enzymes. This begins a cycle of increased collagen production, as each activated cell stimulates its neighboring cells to activate. The radiofrequency energy is delivered to the target areas via tiny needles that penetrate the skin to a precise depth. These needles serve to break-up scar tissue and also induce controlled micro-injuries. The body is then stimulated to increase its production of collagen which, in addition to healing the small areas of trauma, will also serve to tighten the skin. The controlled heat and injury induced by this device is balanced by microscopic areas of skin that are left untouched by the treatment. These untreated areas serve as a scaffold to accelerate wound healing and decrease overall downtime.
RF microneedling can help improve multiple skin issues, as it targets problem areas with both microneedling and radiofrequency energy in one treatment. It is an excellent treatment option for patients looking to improve skin texture, tone or elasticity of the face, neck, or any area you feel these issues are present. Additionally, RF microneedling can improve the appearance of acne scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, stretch marks, and cellulite. Patients of all skin types can consider treatment with RF microneedling, in the hands of the right provider, as there is minimal risk of post-procedural skin darkening (hyperpigmentation) that may be associated with other devices.
The results of RF microneedling are progressive and additive, meaning that they improve over time and with multiple treatments. You may see some minimal tightening within the first week, but several weeks and repeat sessions are required to notice significant changes. Your results will continue to improve over the course of six months, as the body ramps up collagen production and remodels the skin. This procedure is not a one-time treatment, and requires patience to see the full benefits.
Overall, you will notice a tighter, smoother, and more youthful appearance to your skin. There will be marked improvement in skin texture and a reduction in pore size. Fine lines and wrinkles will become smoother, but will not vanish entirely. Scarring, sebaceous hyperplasia, and stretch marks will also become less visible and bothersome.
On average, you will likely need two to six treatments administered four to six weeks apart to obtain optimal results; however, the exact number of treatments depends on your age and particular issues you wish to address.
35-45 years old: Begin with two treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, then follow-up with one annual maintenance treatment.
45-55 years old: Begin with four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, then follow-up with maintenance treatments twice a year.
55 years old+: Begin with six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, then follow-up with maintenance treatments twice a year.
Acne scars, stretch marks and cellulite: Depending on the severity of the issue, we recommend anywhere from two to eight treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.
Aside from its great results, patients also appreciate RF microneedling treatments because they are associated with little to no downtime. Most patients receiving facial treatments should expect to be red for a few hours immediately after the procedure, especially over bony areas like the cheek bone; however, the redness should subside by the end of the day. Patients requiring deeper treatments may have redness that persists for up to seven days. Swelling can also occur, but it is not common unless a more aggressive treatment plan is desired. Additionally, you may notice a sandpaper-like texture over the treated areas and tiny marks from where the needles were inserted. These particular skin findings are not readily visible unless you are looking extremely closely.
For patients receiving treatment on the body, the after-treatment effects are similar; however, they may last up to two weeks, since the body heals much slower than the face as it is less vascular. Aside from its great results, patients also appreciate RF microneedling treatments because they are associated with little to no downtime. Most patients receiving treatments to the face should expect to be red for a few hours immediately after the procedure, especially over bony areas like the cheek bone; however, the redness should subside by the end of the day. Patients requiring deeper treatments may have redness that persists for up to seven days. Swelling can also occur, but it is not common unless a more aggressive treatment plan is desired. Additionally, you may notice a sandpaper-like texture over the treated areas and tiny marks from where the needles were inserted. These particular skin findings are not readily visible unless you are looking extremely closely.
For patients receiving treatment on the body, the after-treatment effects are similar; however, they may last up to two weeks, since the body heals much slower than the face as it is less vascular. Patients should care for the treated areas by applying hyaluronic acid and ample moisturizer, a few times per day, and avoid direct sun exposure.
To prepare for your RF microneedling treatment, avoid ibuprofen, fish oils, or aspirin containing medications for seven days prior to therapy. You should avoid alcohol the night before treatment as well. This will reduce your risk of bruising from the procedure. Following your treatment, it is important to regularly apply sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible for the first few days. You will also need to moisturize the treated areas at least twice a day with a hyaluronic acid.
All in, expect to be at the office for about two hours on the day of treatment. When you arrive, we will numb the treatment area with a topical anesthetic cream. This cream requires approximately 30-60 minutes to exert its full numbing effect. During this time, Dr. Khorasani will review the goals of the treatment with you and customize the device settings to account for your particular needs. The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the size and number of areas being treated.
Other than safety, your comfort is our number one priority. Following the application of a topical numbing cream, you should not experience any pain; however, you may continue to feel sensations of pressure and/or heat from the tiny needles and radiofrequency energy. If at any time during the procedure you are experiencing discomfort, please inform Dr. Khorasani and he will provide you with additional measures to ensure your comfort. These include our in-office Pro-Nox system which employs nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to reduce anxiety and the experience of pain. Pro-Nox can be self administered by the patient as needed to address any discomfort.
After the treatment, you will relax in the office with a mask to cool and soothe the treated area. Finally, we will apply a specialized serum to deliver vitamins and nutrients to your skin, which will enhance the treatment effects and speed up the healing process.
You may begin to see some tightening results within a week, but most results will be seen in around 12 weeks. Improvements continue up to 6 months after treatment.
Morpheus8 can be used on most areas of the body: face, neck, arms, stomach, thighs, and buttocks. Morpheus8 is also used for scar revisions, as well as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and also cellulite reduction.
Morpheus8 is far less invasive than a traditional facelift procedure, which often requires general anesthesia and an OR. Morpheus8 RF microneedling treatments are not a replacement for a traditional facelift. The closest (non-invasive) procedure to a facelift that we offer is called FaceTite, which uses the same RF technology, but the energy is applied subdermally.
The Ultherapy device derives its name from the technology it uses: ultrasound energy. The ultrasound energy released from the device selectively heats the deep layers of the skin to awaken your body’s natural collagen producing systems. As your cells generate new, fresh collagen, your skin will begin to recover its elasticity that was gradually lost with age. The result? Tighter, smoother and more youthful appearing skin.
Ultherapy is FDA-approved for non-invasive lifting of the eyebrows, cheeks, chin, neck and upper chest; however, Dr. Hooman Khorasani has always been committed to advancing the number of therapeutic options available to his patients. As such, he has extensively studied the Ultherapy technology and has pioneered novel off-label applications of the device to address skin laxity in areas like the arms, abdomen or buttocks. Armed with this expertise, Dr. Khorasani is able to work with your specific health profile and aesthetic goals to create a non-invasive skin tightening treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Since its FDA approval in 2009, Dr. Khorasani has studied and worked extensively with Ultherapy to help non-surgical patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Regardless of your age, skin type, or particular problem area, Dr. Khorasani will collaborate with you to devise a treatment plan that best addresses your specific needs.
Ultherapy candidates span a wide breadth of ages, skin types, and degree of skin laxity. Those seeking correction of loose skin typically complain of a mild to moderate degree of sagginess; however, many of our younger patients without loss of elasticity have received treatment as a preventative measure to preserve their youthful, tight skin. Other patients have undergone Ultherapy to help prolong and maintain the effects of other cosmetic procedures.
The ultrasound energy released from the Ultherapy device selectively targets and heats structures in the deep layers of your skin. Previously, these structures were only reachable through invasive surgical measures. Using the device’s specialized imaging system, a diagram of the exact thickness of each of your skin layers is rendered. Dr. Khorasani will then customize the device’s setting to ensure the ultrasound energy is precisely reaching your deep skin structures. This personalized heating pattern stimulates the production of collagen, which helps renew the skin’s elastic abilities. Recovery of the skin’s elasticity leads to skin that is tighter, firmer and more youthful in appearance.
Depending on the size and number of areas being treated, the procedure requires sixty to ninety minutes to complete. During the procedure, you may feel discomfort or heat as the energy targets the underlying structures. The experience of discomfort or heat varies from patient to patient; however, If at any time during the procedure these sensations become uncomfortable, please inform Dr. Khorasani and he will provide you with additional measures to ensure your comfort. These include our in-office Pro-Nox system which employs nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to reduce anxiety and the experience of pain. Pro-Nox can be self administered by you as needed, to address any discomfort.
The targeted functionality of the Ultherapy device prevents heating of the superficial skin. As a result, patients can expect minimal to no downtime and will be able to resume normal activities as dictated by their own personal comfort. Some patients may notice faint redness that resolves within a few hours. You may also experience slight swelling or tenderness in the treated area. These too, however, will also resolve within a matter of hours.
Production of collagen is a gradual process and will require time and multiple treatments in order to yield visible results. We recommend starting with two treatments spaced three to six months apart from each other. You can expect to see noticeable improvements in skin tightness two to six months after therapy. To maintain these youthful effects, we recommend repeating Ultherapy treatments every one to two years, or as needed.
Dr. Hooman Khorasani is quadruple board-certified in Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery. Additionally he led the Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at Mount Sinai for over ten years. His passion for providing patients with cutting-edge treatments to achieve their aesthetic goals has led to his involvement in multiple research projects investigating novel applications and advanced clinical techniques for various skin tightening devices.
As an academic and clinical physician, Dr. Khorasani is constantly investing time and energy to research, acquire and master the latest skin tightening technologies. You can rest assured that any treatment received in our offices adheres to the highest standard of medical care and is optimized to provide you with the greatest results possible. Additionally, over the course of his decade-long career, Dr. Khorasani has developed expertise in treating a broad range of other cosmetic complaints. As such, you have the ability to address multiple issues with one provider who has dedicated his practice to helping patients feel like their most beautiful self, inside and out. Each treatment plan is tailored to your personal needs - we never employ a “cookie cutter” approach!
From the moment you contact our office, you are a priority. Dr. Khorasani and his staff are there for you at all times to ensure all your questions are answered and needs are met. We look forward to working with you as a team to transform your goals into reality.
Dr. Khorasani and his highly-specialized team look forward to working with you to transform your medical or aesthetic goals into reality. To expedite a request for a consultation, message us securely, or contact Dr. Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378. For more information about how to get in touch:
CONTACT US