Treatment of skin laxity of the lower face and neck in older individuals with a broad-spectrum infrared light device.

BACKGROUND: Non-ablative approaches with infrared and radiofrequency energy sources have been shown to reduce skin laxity, but studies have focused on individuals with early-stage, mild-to-moderate degenerative dermal changes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an infrared light device for the treatment of skin laxity in patients with soft tissue ptosis of the lower face and neck characteristic of the sixth decade of life and beyond. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen females, aged 58-83 years old (average: 64 years), were treated with a filtered 1100-1800 nm infrared light-based device. All individuals presented with ptotic soft tissue, but varied in the extent of skin laxity from no visible laxity to having pendulous excess skin. Two treatment sessions were provided at monthly intervals. The individuals returned for follow-up visits at 1, 3 and 6 months after the second treatment. Twelve of the individuals completed the study. RESULTS: Changes were dramatic for those individuals in whom the skin envelope appeared to drape separately from deeper soft tissue. No treatment complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Infrared light source-induced skin tightening may be induced even in older individuals.