9 Cosmetic Procedures to Smooth and Tighten Skin

What you need to know about fillers, microblading, chemical peels and more

Anissa Gabbara,

AARP

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Published October 28, 2024

different medical treatments for your skin

Which medical treatments would work best for your skin?

Remie Geoffroi

If moisturizers and serums aren’t doing enough to give you the complexion you want, you might be considering a medical treatment. But which ones really work, and how much do they cost? We asked noted New York City dermatologic surgeon Dendy E. Engelman to run down the options, though only your doctor can tell you whether one of them would work for you.

Dermal filler

What it is: Injections used to plump the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, or subtly alter facial structure. Hyaluronic acid is a commonly used compound.

How long it lasts: Six months to two years

Pros: Generally safe and low-risk

Cons: Temporary bruising and swelling. May cause facial imbalance and lumps under skin if it’s done improperly.

Average cost: $1,000–$1,400 (depending on number of syringes needed)

Microdermabrasion

What it is: Gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, refine texture and even skin tone

How long it lasts: About one month

Pros: Noninvasive, generally safe and relatively quick

Cons: Can take a few treatments to see optimal results. There’s also a risk of damaging the skin barrier.

Average cost: $75–$300 per session

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure.

Remie Geoffroi

Microneedling

What it is: A tool that pierces the skin with ultrafine needles to stimulate collagen production

How long it lasts: Four to six weeks

Pros: Minimally invasive. Strengthens skin barrier and minimizes scars and wrinkles.

Cons: Pain, sensitivity, redness, patchiness and bruising may occur.

Average cost: $100–$700 per session

Dermaplaning

What it is: A scalpel or an instrument similar to an electric shaver that scrapes the skin to remove dead cells, sun-damaged skin and “peach fuzz”

How long it lasts: Three to four weeks

Pros: Noninvasive. Brighter and smoother skin can be seen immediately.

Cons: May take a few sessions to see reduction in dark spots and other signs of aging

Average cost: $100–$200

Laser resurfacing uses an energy-based device to change the feel and appearance of skin.

Remie Geoffroi

Laser resurfacing

What it is: A controlled laser injury that smooths and plumps the skin by triggering the body’s natural healing process

How long it lasts: Three to five years

Pros: Can reduce acne, stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture

Cons: May cause redness, sensitivity, flaking and peeling. Many types of lasers are not safe for people with darker skin tones, as they can cause damage.

Average cost: $500–$2,500

Chemical peels

What it is: High concentrations of a chemical exfoliant applied to the face to break down dead skin cells and reveal fresher skin

How long it lasts: Months to years (the deeper the peel, the longer it tends to last)

Pros: Can reveal a brighter complexion and address acne, aging and uneven skin tone

Cons: Burning, redness and sensitivity may occur.

Average cost: $150–$800

Radio frequency

What it is: Electromagnetic radiation delivered to the dermal layer, deep in the skin, to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin

How long it lasts: One to three years

Pros: Can reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Cons: Some radio frequency treatments may not be suitable for people with darker skin tones, as it can cause damage. Skin burning can also occur if it’s done improperly.

Average cost: $1,000–$4,000

Platelet-rich plasma injection (“vampire facial”)

What it is: Plasma from the patient’s own blood, injected into the face to accelerate skin healing and boost collagen production

How long it lasts: One to two years

Pros: Can smooth and plump skin and reduce acne scarring

Cons: Requires drawing blood

Average cost: $500–$2,500

Facial fat grafting (fat transfer)

What it is: Fat removed from one area of the body via liposuction and injected into the face

How long it lasts: Several years or longer

Pros: Makes various parts of the body appear healthier and more youthful. May also heal wounds.

Cons: Invasive. Reinjected fat may not survive well in its new location.

Average cost: $2,500–$7,000

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Anissa Gabbara writes about beauty, health, lifestyle and pop culture. Her work has appeared in Sisters From AARP, Sesi magazine and Maple City Our Town magazine.

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