Everything to Know About Laser Skin Tightening

Fast facts

About

• Laser skin tightening is a minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime.
• It warms the skin, prompting collagen to tighten, making skin appear firmer, smoother, and less crepe-like.
• It encourages the generation of collagen and elastin within the skin.

Safety

• Laser skin tightening is generally considered safe, and usually no anesthesia is necessary.
• Some swelling and redness are normal, and in uncommon cases there can be scarring or infection.

Convenience

• Laser skin tightening involves minimal to no recovery time so you can resume your regular activities quickly.
• The session itself lasts about 30 to 90 minutes and should be performed only by a cosmetic dermatologist or a well-trained skincare specialist.

Cost

• The price of laser skin tightening varies depending on the practitioner and the area of the body being treated.
• Typically, a single session costs $600 to $1,000, and most people require three to six sessions for optimal outcomes.

Efficacy

• You may notice some improvement after one session, but the best outcomes are achieved gradually after three to six sessions.
• With appropriate skincare, including consistent use of SPF, results can last up to about three years.

What is laser skin tightening?

Laser skin tightening is a non-surgical, minimally invasive method to firm the skin on various parts of the body. The treatment is not usually very painful. Although it can be applied anywhere, common treatment sites include the:

• abdomen
• neck
• face
• jawline

The laser delivers significant heat that is still tolerable on the surface and encourages the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer, less crepey skin that appears tightened.

It is most effective for people aged roughly 30 to 65, and even those without obvious sagging may use it preventively. If skin laxity is pronounced, surgical options might be more suitable.

How much does laser skin tightening cost?

Laser skin tightening is an elective cosmetic treatment and is not covered by health insurance. There is little to no downtime, so you typically don’t need much time off work beyond the appointment itself, which usually lasts less than an hour and a half.

A single laser skin tightening session usually ranges from $600 to $1,000, and treatment plans commonly involve three to six sessions spaced about a month apart.

How does laser skin tightening work?

As the term implies, the treatment uses an infrared laser to reach beneath the skin’s surface. The laser generates heat — similar in warmth to a hot stone massage — which warms the collagen beneath the skin, causing it to contract and the skin to appear tighter.

Although not true lasers, radiofrequency and ultrasound devices are also frequently employed for skin tightening treatments.

Procedures for skin tightening

There are multiple approaches to skin tightening. They share similarities but have distinct features to be aware of:

Ultrasound skin tightening

• works well for the face, chin, neck, and chest areas
• targets early signs of aging
• takes approximately 30 to 90 minutes
• may be mildly uncomfortable for some and quite painful for others
• often requires premedication with NSAIDs, narcotics, or topical numbing creams
• results in little to no downtime

Radiofrequency skin tightening

• is not a true laser
• uses radiofrequency (RF) to deliver heat energy into the skin
• is typically safe across all skin types
• is an in-office treatment with minimal discomfort and no downtime
• can be combined with microneedling, though this often increases downtime depending on treatment intensity

Intense pulsed light and radiofrequency combination

• a hybrid approach that targets deeper skin layers
• produces gradual improvements
• usually causes no discomfort or downtime
• may lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation in darker skin tones

For all three options, the process is similar. You will sit in the clinic and may be asked to wear protective goggles. The laser or device will feel hot on the skin, and you may experience discomfort, but it should not be intensely painful.

Depending on the size of the treatment area, the session typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.

Targeted areas for laser skin tightening

Laser skin tightening can be performed on any area with loose skin, though it is commonly used on the abdomen, neck, and face where laxity frequently appears.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Laser skin tightening is widely regarded as safe and carries fewer risks than a surgical facelift or other cosmetic surgeries. It is, however, markedly less effective than a surgical lift. The treatment should be done by a cosmetic dermatologist or an experienced, well-trained skincare professional.

If you have skin cancer or are taking prescription acne medications, discuss this with your physician. Pregnant individuals should not undergo laser skin tightening. Side effects are uncommon and may include:

• redness
• swelling
• tingling
• scarring
• alterations in skin pigment

What to expect after laser skin tightening

You should notice some immediate skin tightening after your first session. Results will become more noticeable with additional treatments.

Because no incisions are performed — the procedure relies on energy delivery through the skin — recovery is minimal. You may experience mild swelling or redness for a few days afterward, which is normal and typically resolves without intervention.

Results are not permanent but can persist for several years. Periodic maintenance sessions are usually necessary.

Before and after pictures

Viewing before and after photos of real patients who’ve received laser skin tightening can help you decide if the treatment is appropriate for your goals and skin type. Below are some before and after images.

Preparing for laser skin tightening

Use sunscreen daily in the weeks leading up to your treatment, especially if the face or neck will be treated. Avoid chemical peels and resurfacing procedures for at least a month beforehand, and arrive at the appointment with clean, product-free skin — no makeup or lotions.

How to find a provider

Consider consulting with the dermatologist before treatment to discuss expected outcomes, the procedure, and to review before and after photos of genuine patients.

You can use the American Academy of Dermatology’s Find a Dermatologist Tool to locate board-certified dermatologists in your area.