What is the efficacy of laser treatments for loose skin?

From the Guidelines

Laser treatments, particularly those combining CO2 laser with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), offer a promising approach for improving loose skin, with significant improvements in epidermal thickness and dermal collagen fiber orientation, as evidenced by studies such as Neinaa et al. 1.

Efficacy of Laser Treatments

The efficacy of laser treatments for loose skin can vary based on the technology used and individual patient factors.

• Non-ablative lasers provide moderate improvement with minimal downtime.
• Ablative lasers, such as CO2, offer more significant improvements but require longer recovery periods.

Combination Therapies

Combining laser treatments with other modalities, such as PRP, can enhance outcomes.

• The use of PRP with CO2 laser has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and reduce side effects 1.
• Histological improvements, including increased epidermal thickness and normalized dermal collagen fibers, have been observed with combination therapy 1.

Treatment Considerations

When considering laser treatments for loose skin, it's essential to:

• Have realistic expectations, as severe skin laxity may require surgical intervention.
• Be aware of potential side effects, including temporary redness, swelling, and pigmentation changes.
• Prioritize proper sun protection to optimize results and prevent complications.

Recent Evidence

Recent studies, such as those published in 2025 1, support the use of laser treatments, particularly combination therapies, for improving loose skin.

• These studies demonstrate the efficacy of CO2 laser and PRP combination therapy in achieving significant improvements in skin appearance and patient satisfaction.

From the Research

Efficacy of Laser Treatments for Loose Skin

• The efficacy of laser treatments for loose skin has been studied in various research papers, with a focus on ablative and non-ablative lasers, as well as other energy-based technologies such as radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity focused ultrasound 2.
• These technologies heat up the tissue to a clinical endpoint, stimulating fibroblasts to produce more collagen and producing small coagulation points that allow the tissue to shrink and tighten with less downtime or side effects 2.
• Minimally invasive procedures, including lasers, offer powerful and effective adjuncts to surgery for select patients, targeting facial irregularities such as wrinkles, fine lines, and decreased volume and contour 3.
• A single treatment protocol with microneedle fractional radiofrequency has been shown to improve the aesthetic appearance of body skin laxity and localized adipose excess in areas such as the upper arms, bra-line, and suprapatellar regions 4.
• Fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing has been used to treat rhytides, photoaging, scars, and striae, offering an improved balance between safety and efficacy 5.
• A systematic review of 1093 patients found that ablative laser therapies result in fewer complications overall compared to non-ablative lasers for skin resurfacing, with a lower rate of adverse events (8.28% vs 12.2%) 6.

Comparison of Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers

• Ablative lasers have been shown to be a safe and effective modality for skin resurfacing, with fewer complications overall compared to non-ablative lasers 6.
• Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, have been associated with higher rates of adverse events, including transient events such as erythema and edema 6.
• The choice between ablative and non-ablative lasers depends on the individual patient's needs and skin concerns, as well as the desired outcome and downtime 2, 3.

Safety and Efficacy of Laser Treatments

• Laser treatments for loose skin have been shown to be safe and effective, with a low rate of adverse events and high patient satisfaction 4, 6.
• However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects associated with laser treatments, including transient events such as erythema and edema, as well as more serious complications such as hypertrophic scarring 6.
• Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser treatments for loose skin, as well as to compare the effectiveness of different laser technologies and treatment protocols 2, 4, 6.