According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, there were nearly 180,000 weight loss surgeries in the U.S. in 2013. Among those, thigh lift and “tummy tuck” surgeries increased by five percent between 2013 and 2014; and more than 70 percent since 2000. Upper arm lifts are also booming, increasing by more than 4,000 percent over the last 14 years.
However, these weight loss surgeries aren’t a “one-shot deal.” Many patients are disappointed to discover that although they have lost weight, they still don’t have the appearance that they want. Why?
As patients lose weight, loose skin tends to develop. Oftentimes, they turn to plastic surgery a few years later to have it removed. The good news? Fortunately for you, there are non-invasive, cheaper alternatives for patients that you may be able to offer out of your own practice.
Tightening Loose Skin via Soft Tissue Coagulation
About one out of every five people who have weight loss surgery will pursue body contouring procedures afterward. These surgeries can be expensive, with prices running as high as $20,000 per procedure in competitive markets in the U.S. Many of these patients believe they must “pick their poison”: Live with the insecurity of having loose skin after weight loss; or, pay exorbitantly to have the issue taken care of.
However, as a skincare professional, you have the ability to provide a less invasive, more convenient, and more affordable option for this growing segment of consumers.
When your practice is equipped with the Aerolase Neo, you can easily coagulate soft tissue to resolve the excess skin and wrinkles that come as a result of weight loss – but cannot be smoothed out via exercise and toning. As opposed to skin excisional surgery, laser modalities like Neo allow practitioners to tighten skin without the risk, the financial footprint, or lengthy recovery time.
In the case of one patient, who lost 86 pounds in just a year, Skintastic Skin Spa actually complimented the patient’s breast lift and tuck procedures by using Neo to tighten up areas that were anatomically inoperable. So not only can laser aesthetic treatments be used as an alternative to surgical tightening, but also as a complement. You can learn more about this fascinating Aerolase case study here.
