Although surgical excision or cosmetic lift are the standard means of skin tightening, patients often desire nonsurgical options with minimal downtime. Nonsurgical skin tightening modalities vary based on energy type and delivery method. Higher energy modalities, such as laser therapy, have increased pain, downtime, and potential adverse effects. However, these offer the most dramatic results. A balance must be achieved between energy level, patient satisfaction, and safety. Devices also differ in US Food and Drug Administration approval and skin tightening location. Overall, in an ideal candidate, nonsurgical skin tightening devices offer highly satisfactory results with minimal downtime.
Learning ObjectivesAfter viewing this course, the participant should be able to
- Understand the role of nonsurgical skin tightening.
- Classify different skin tightening devices based on energy mechanism.
- Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of various skin tightening devices.
- Identify which skin tightening device to use depending on patient characteristics.
Sachin M. Shridharani, MD, Joseph G. Ribaudo, BS, MacKenzie L. Kennedy, BS
Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery®Editors:
Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD
Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD
Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MD
Accreditation
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Designation
The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Of the 1.0 credits, 0.5 have been identified as applicable to patient safety.
AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM:1.0
Patient Safety Credit:0.5
Media:Journal Article, video
Release Date: 4/28/2025
Expiration Date: 5/01/2028*
Estimated time to complete this course:1 hour
*Course access ends on course expiration date
Disclosure Policy
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires all faculty, authors, planners, reviewers, managers, staff and other individuals in a position to control or influence the content of an activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships or affiliations. All identified conflicts of interest must be resolved and the educational content thoroughly vetted by ASPS for fair balance, scientific objectivity and appropriateness of patient care recommendations. The ASPS also requires faculty/authors to disclose when off-label/unapproved uses of a product are discussed in a CME activity or included in related materials.
Disclaimer: All relevant financial relationships for planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) are reviewed by the ASPS Continuing Education Committee and have been mitigated, if applicable.
The following planners/faculty members/reviewers relevant financial relationships or affiliations disclosures:
Nothing to disclose
Recognition Statement
The Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits offered by this activity are enhanced by ASPS Learner Credit Reporting for learners who have opted into this reporting. Successful completion of this CME activity enables active American Board of Surgery (ABS) members the opportunity to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the ABS's Continuous Certification program when claimed within 30 days of completion of the activity.
Participants in ASPS-accredited education who want their CME credits reported to certifying and state licensing boards must opt-in to reporting and add their NPI as well as state license ID and/or collaborating board ID(s) before claiming credit.
Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)