As more and more women are starting to have laser skin-tightening procedures to keep their skin looking young and firm, the Penningtons Manches clinical negligence offers some guidance on the different procedures and their potential side effects.

There are a number of different types of laser and radiofrequency skin treatments, each using different techniques, but achieving similar results. Each type of procedure has its own unique benefits but also its own complications. The three main systems used by the cosmetic surgery profession stimulate collagen and/or elastin production. Collagen and elastin are both involved in the renewal of skin cells and, therefore, stimulating production or growth can help to maintain youthful and tighter skin.

One system commonly provided uses microscopic lasers, targeting the layers of skin just under the surface and making tiny wounds that trigger the production of elastin and collagen to renew skin cells. Another system uses an infrared laser which penetrates the layers of skin and heats them up, with the objective of contracting existing collagen to trigger new collagen growth. The third system uses radiofrequency instead of lasers and uses heat to stimulate collagen growth.

The not so welcome side effects for these skin-tightening procedures can include redness, swelling, blistering and bruising. There are also more serious side effects which include burns, skin indentations, subcutaneous fat loss, permanent scarring, changes to pigmentation, open sores and infections.