Surgical Skin Tightening

One of the primary benefits of surgical skin tightening in Chicago is how it effectively addresses skin laxity under the chin (submental area), on the neck, and in other problematic areas. Many of its other benefits include:

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• It can be combined with liposuction
• Firms and tightens practically anywhere on the face or body
• Minimally invasive
• Immediate results
• Long-lasting results

The best candidates for a Chicago surgical skin tightening are those with the following characteristics:

• Have aging skin
• In good general health
• Possess mild-to-moderate skin laxity
• Non-smoker
• Near target weight goal
• Are you not planning to have additional children
• Maintain realistic expectations

Some treatments might be less effective on darker skin tones. During the consultation, Dr. Ogilvie will examine your skin to determine the best treatment method for you.

On the day of your skin tightening surgery, Dr. Ogilvie will review the treatment details with you before he begins. Oral medications (e.g., pain, anxiety, antibiotics, anti-nausea) are given to keep you safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the treatment and prevent infections. Here’s what you can expect during your experience, depending on the treatment and area. 

J-Plasma/ Renuvion® 

Skin tightening treatments with J-Plasma are delivered with the aid of a handheld device inserted subdermally that transmits helium gas and radiofrequency energy, which then converts to cold plasma energy. This beam will quickly heat to the ideal temperature to shrink the skin tissue in the targeted areas; the tissue is cooled in less than one second.  

The procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes on average, as long as there are no complications.

FaceTite™

The face is thoroughly cleansed, and Dr. Ogilvie will make marks that focus on essential features. Once you are at ease, you are laid on your back in a comfortable position. Dr. Ogilvie will then place small injections of lidocaine under the chin and just behind each ear lobe. The rest of the injections are done with a cannula through these already-numbed areas. You can expect to feel a brief burning sensation, which resolves in seconds and numbs the lower face and neck, after which you won’t feel anything except for some mild pulling and tugging. 

Dr. Ogilvie will make tiny incisions (<5 mm long) in the three locations where he injected the lidocaine. These small openings allow him to insert the FaceTite cannula underneath the skin and apply heat as it is moved along the treatment areas. In many cases, Dr. Ogilvie performs some level of liposuction in order to remove any liquidated fat from under the skin and promote faster recovery. This is done through the same tiny openings, and patients do not feel anything more than pulling and tugging. After the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with small sutures, and the face is wrapped with compression.

It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to cover the entire area. 

BodyTite™

Depending on the concern being treated, you will make yourself comfortable by either sitting or lying down in our reclining chair. An anesthetic gel will then be applied to the area to minimize any pain and prevent the RF rays from harming your skin. 

The treatment begins with some tiny incisions at or near the treatment area. Dr. Ogilvie will then infuse the treatment spot with a sterile solution to minimize discomfort and bleeding. Next, a portion of the handheld BodyTite utilizes two RF transmitting probes, one inserted into the incision and kept outside the skin to allow the radiofrequency to dissolve the unwanted fat and adequately tighten your skin. Once completed, a small, thin tube will be inserted to suck out any excess, warmed fat. Finally, the incisions are closed with external sutures, and a compression garment is applied. 

The BodyTite™ procedure can take 30 to 45 minutes per area and one to three hours for multiple regions.

No matter which method you use, you should notice tighter, firmer skin immediately after treatment. Before you leave our office, we will provide you with some instructions to follow that will help you ensure a smoother recovery with optimal results.

You will be able to resume your regular routine immediately, but be gentle with your skin over the next several months. Your skin will continue to improve as new collagen forms. Some initial bruising and swelling following the procedure are expected, and you should avoid strenuous physical activities while recovering. Dr. Oglivie will be able to give you a better idea of your recovery timeline after your first session.