In New York City, a metropolis renowned for its cutting - edge medical advancements and diverse range of cosmetic procedures, skin tightening and lifting around the areola is a highly sought - after treatment. This review will explore some of the most popular hospitals and clinics offering these services, along with the various techniques, their effectiveness, and what patients can expect.
1. Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
Located at 35a East 84th Street, New York, NY 10028, this clinic is well - known for its advanced laser skin tightening treatments. They offer two main laser - based options: Skintyte™ and Smartlipo™, both of which can be used for general skin tightening and potentially in areas around the areola.
1.1 Skintyte™ Laser
This is a completely non - invasive treatment. It uses pulsed light technology above the skin's surface to deeply heat the skin while cooling and protecting the treated area. The heat stimulates the remodeling of collagen, a key skin component. Over time, this leads to progressive skin tightening and a more youthful appearance. The procedure can improve fine facial lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and mild to moderate acne scarring. For optimal results, a series of 3 to 4 treatments spaced 1 to 4 weeks apart is usually recommended. During the procedure, light energy is delivered in rapid, gentle pulses, and patients can return to work and normal activities immediately, with only mild redness that resolves within minutes.
1.2 Smartlipo™ Laser
Although it's well - known for liposuction, it can also be used for skin tightening. A local anesthetic is used, and a tiny incision is made to place the laser beneath the skin. The laser heats the underlying tissue, promoting collagen remodeling. It can be used in areas that need skin tightening but don't necessarily require fat removal, like the neck and arms. A single treatment can achieve excellent, long - lasting results. After the procedure, patients can expect very mild bruising and swelling for about one week, and most can return to work within a day or two. Compression garments may be recommended for the first week.
The clinic's Dr. Jody Levine is at the forefront of laser skin - tightening technology. She has developed the latest techniques and has lectured other physicians across the country on advanced laser skin - tightening methodology, adding to the clinic's credibility.
2. Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York
This center offers a wide array of skin - tightening treatments. They aim to reverse skin laxity, a common part of the aging process, and restore youthful firmness and smoothness to the complexion.
2.1 Treatment Options
They offer technologies such as Ultherapy, Sofwave, Thermage, Fraxel re:pair, Ulthera, Thermi, Pico plus, BBL, and RF microneedling with the Infini genius. They also offer Cooltone and Resonic, which can improve skin laxity in some patients. Skin laxity occurs due to a decline in collagen levels in the dermal structure, and these treatments work deep into the dermal layers to promote collagen production at a cellular level. Collagen production starts to decrease as early as our 20s, and external factors like sun exposure and cigarette smoke can accelerate this depletion.
2.2 Procedure Details
Most treatments do not require anesthesia and are relatively comfortable. In some cases, a topical numbing cream may be applied, and integrated cooling devices are used to keep the skin at a comfortable temperature. Results vary depending on the treatment. Some offer immediate results, while others may take up to one month to show full effects. Most patients see positive changes within a couple of weeks and continued improvement for up to 3 - 6 months. The recovery time is usually minimal, with the skin being slightly red and tender, similar to a sunburn. More intense laser treatments may require 1 - 2 weeks of recovery but tend to produce more dramatic, long - lasting results.
The center's board - certified physicians have the experience and expertise to customize treatments to meet each patient's precise needs, ensuring an optimal outcome.
3. Dermatology and Laser Group in Manhattan
Dr. Arash Akhavan and his expert team at this group were among the first in New York City to offer Ultherapy. This non - invasive treatment is highly effective for skin tightening and lifting.
3.1 How Ultherapy Works
Ultherapy is the only FDA - cleared non - invasive procedure approved to lift skin on various parts of the face, including the neck, under the chin, and on the brow. It also improves lines and wrinkles on the décolletage and lower to mid - face. It uses ultrasound technology to target specific depths of skin tissue, stimulating collagen production. The key to its effectiveness lies in its precision; it can target both the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer and the dermis. The SMAS layer is responsible for the face's overall contour and firmness. Targeting the SMAS produces a lifting and tightening effect, while targeting the dermis improves skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles. Collagen production occurs in three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. The production of collagen in deeper layers leads to a lifting and tightening effect of the skin, and more superficial collagen production in the dermis helps improve fine lines and wrinkles.
3.2 Benefits and Side Effects
Patients love Ultherapy because it delivers natural - looking results without downtime. The effects are long - lasting, with improvements lasting 1 - 2 years. There is no sun sensitivity, making it suitable year - round. It can also be combined with other procedures for additive benefits. However, like any cosmetic procedure, it can have potential side effects. Most commonly, patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness in the treated area. Some individuals may also notice slight bruising or a tingling sensation, which usually resolves within a few days. In rare cases, numbness or more prolonged discomfort can occur.
To manage discomfort during the procedure, the clinic uses deeper penetrating prescription - strength numbing creams, vibration devices, Zimmer coolers, and even pro - nox analgesic gas.
4. Alinea Medical Spa
The Profound non - surgical skin - tightening system at Alinea Medical Spa has become a patient favorite. It combines microneedling and RF (radiofrequency) energy to stimulate skin regeneration.
4.1 How Profound Works
This treatment firms, contours, and defines the jawline and neck. It can reduce a double chin, saggy neck, and jowls. It is the only non - surgical treatment that stimulates collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, the three pillars of youthful skin. Collagen provides firmness, elastin improves skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid adds plumpness and hydration. The combination of microneedling and radiofrequency energy, delivered at a precise temperature and duration, stimulates cellular repair and regeneration, tightening and firming the skin. Some skin - tightening effects are visible several weeks after the procedure, but most benefits occur gradually over 12 to 16 weeks as the body increases its natural levels of these important skin components.
4.2 Benefits and Treatment Details
Most people experience 100% response and 35 to 50% improvement in skin laxity and wrinkle reduction with just one treatment. The treatment has minimal downtime, with the healing process normally taking five to seven days. Patients may experience some redness, swelling, and tenderness, and pain medication may be prescribed. Profound can be used on the body, targeting cellulite and tightening skin on the arms, tummy, and other areas. It also complements other treatments such as Botox, injections with dermal fillers, and laser treatments.
5. Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board - certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience. She offers non - surgical skin - tightening treatments, with a focus on Ultherapy and Thermage.
5.1 Ultherapy
Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to stimulate new collagen production in the treatment area. It can address skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles without downtime or significant side effects. It can be used on the brow, chin, neck, and upper chest. The rejuvenation results are usually visible within 3 - 6 months, and the final results can last for up to two years. Most patients choose to have an annual maintenance treatment session. However, it can be associated with more potential unwanted side effects, including fat loss in the treatment area if performed incorrectly or too deeply.
5.2 Thermage
Dr. Green prefers Thermage for skin tightening. It uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen production in the dermis. It is FDA - cleared to treat the face, neck, decolletage, upper arms, hands, knees, buttocks, legs, and abdomen. It provides a natural - looking, long - lasting, more youthful appearance without downtime or side effects. Patients typically experience a slight heat sensation during the procedure, which is not painful. The skin - tightening benefits of Thermage can progressively improve for up to six months post - treatment, after which they can last up to two years or more.
6. Cangello Plastic Surgery
For those seeking surgical options for breast - related skin tightening and lifting around the areola, Dr. David Cangello is a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City. His breast - lift procedure, technically called mastopexy, can provide a long - lasting and effective solution.
6.1 Ideal Candidates
Women who have excessively sagging breasts, nipples that point downward or fall below the breast crease, or breasts that appear “deflated” and elongated can benefit from this procedure. Breast drooping can be caused by genetics, loss of skin elasticity due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, and aging. The procedure can also help patients who feel self - conscious about their breast appearance and want to restore balance to their figures.
6.2 Surgical Techniques
Dr. Cangello uses different surgical techniques based on the extent of sagging, the size of the breasts, and the amount of excess skin:
- Crescent Mastopexy: The least invasive technique, where a small crescent - shaped piece of breast skin and tissue is removed from the top of the areola to provide lift. It results in the least amount of scarring, but the areolar size cannot be reduced.
- Benelli Mastopexy: Also known as a “donut lift” or “circumareolar lift,” a donut - shaped incision is made around the areola. Excess tissue and skin are removed, and the areola can be reshaped and made smaller. The scar is easily concealed as it only goes around the circumference of the areola.
- Vertical Mastopexy: Recommended for women with moderate breast sagging. The lollipop - shaped incision encircles the areola and runs vertically down the breast into the breast crease. Skin and tissue are removed, and the remaining breast tissue is repositioned higher on the chest wall.
- Anchor Mastopexy: Used for women with significant breast sagging. The incision forms an anchor shape, allowing for both vertical and horizontal tightening of the breast. It is the most extensive method.
6.3 Recovery and Results
After the surgery, patients can expect some achiness, swelling, and bruising in the breasts. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort. Most patients can return to work after about a week, but exercise should be avoided for four - to - six weeks. A surgical support bra must be worn for six weeks after surgery. The results are generally long - lasting, although significant weight gain, pregnancy, or a substantial increase in breast size can cause an earlier recurrence of breast sagging.
Comparing Treatment Options
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Recovery Time | Results Duration | Areas Treated | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skintyte™ Laser | Non - invasive | Minimal (mild redness resolves within minutes) | Long - lasting (improvement over time) | Face, neck, abdomen, thighs, arms | Mild redness |
| Smartlipo™ Laser | Minimally invasive | 1 - 2 days to return to work, 1 week of mild bruising and swelling | Long - lasting | Neck, arms, thighs, buttocks, abdomen | Mild bruising and swelling |
| Ultherapy | Non - invasive | No downtime | 1 - 2 years | Face, neck, décolletage, body (off - label) | Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, tingling |
| Profound RF | Minimally invasive | 5 - 7 days | Up to 12 months of improvement | Jawline, neck, body (including arms, tummy) | Redness, swelling, tenderness |
| Thermage | Non - invasive | No downtime | Up to 2 years or more | Face, neck, chest, decolletage, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, buttocks | “Glow” or slight swelling, resolves quickly |
| Mastopexy | Surgical | 1 week to return to work, 4 - 6 weeks avoid exercise | Long - lasting (affected by weight and pregnancy) | Breasts | Achiness, swelling, bruising, scarring |
Conclusion
In New York City, patients have a wide range of options when it comes to skin tightening and lifting around the areola. Non - invasive and minimally invasive procedures like laser treatments, Ultherapy, and radiofrequency - based therapies offer little to no downtime and can be effective for mild to moderate skin laxity. Surgical options like mastopexy provide more dramatic and long - lasting results for those with significant breast sagging. It's crucial for patients to consult with experienced and board - certified professionals to determine the most suitable treatment based on their individual needs, expectations, and medical history.
If you're considering skin tightening and lifting around the areola in New York City, take the time to research these popular hospitals and clinics. Read patient reviews, schedule consultations, and discuss your goals with the doctors. With the right approach, you can achieve the youthful and firm appearance you desire. Share this article with others who might be interested in these treatments, and don't hesitate to explore further information on the procedures that seem most promising to you.
