What’s the Difference Between Skin Tightening and Body Contouring?
If you spend just a few minutes perusing our blogs – and we hope you do! – you might notice certain terms that may seem to be interchangeable. In fact, two of the terms that you’re most curious about are right in the title of this article: skin tightening and body contouring.
There are a number of plastic surgery procedures dedicated to promote skin tightening; there are also several treatments designed to promote body contouring. But why aren’t these treatments one and the same? What’s the real difference between skin tightening and body contouring?
Skin Tightening: It Runs Skin-Deep
When the term skin laxity is used within a treatment, it means that the procedure is designed to tighten just the skin. Skin laxity refers to the degree of elasticity and firmness that the skin has; when we’re younger, our skin is firmer and better able to bounce back (thanks, collagen and elastin!). However, as we age, collagen and elastin production begins to slow down, causing skin laxity to increase.
The end result? Sagging skin that makes you look older than you feel.
That’s where skin-tightening laser treatments come into play. These treatments help kick-start collagen production within the skin, resulting in a skin tightening effect that firms and tones. Laser skin tightening is excellent for mild to moderate laxity of neck, face, arms, knees, and abdomen.
Body Contouring: Fat Removal For Slimmer Results
If you’re looking to tone, tighten, and streamline trouble spots like the stomach, thighs, and buttocks, body contouring may be the answer you’re looking for. Body contouring involves surgical procedures like liposuction, which are designed to remove fat and reduce the size of the treatment area.
Younger skin will adapt to the newly slim area; older skin with skin laxity issues may require additional skin tightening procedures to help highlight results. Liposuction is a great treatment for removing fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise.
In addition to liposuction, Body FX uses the power of radiofrequency and microneedling to target and destroy fat cells, all while encouraging the production of collagen and elastin within the skin. It’s one of the best treatments for patients looking to tackle both skin laxity issues and body contouring.
Contact Rocheford Plastic Surgery Today
Want to learn more about treatments for skin laxity and body contouring? Schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Heather Rocheford at Rocheford Plastic Surgery in Woodbury, Minnesota. Rocheford Plastic Surgery serves the metro areas of St. Paul/Minneapolis. Call 651-739-1100 to learn more.
