As we get older, the aging process inevitably takes a toll on our skin. Even a thorough skincare regimen and regular sleeping habits can’t stop wrinkles from appearing. Luckily, there are aesthetic procedures that offer an easy way to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Ultherapy is a popular non-invasive procedure that relies on ultrasound to lift skin on the chest, neck and face. Collagen production is stimulated in the skin’s foundation, which lift’s the tissue over the following 2 to 3 months. It’s a “lunch hour” treatment with no downtime or aftercare required. The result is healthy, youthful skin that can diminish the impact of aging on your appearance.
Overview on Skin Tightening:
Non-invasive skin tightening procedures are on the rise: a 2017 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found an increase in frequency by 9%. The three most common technologies are radio frequency (RF), IPL/RF, and ultrasound. RF treatments rely on radiofrequency energy to heat the outer layers of skin and trigger collagen production. The drawback of RF treatments is the unfocused generation of heat, which sometimes causes fat atrophy. IPL/RF treatments combine intense pulsed light (IPL) with radiofrequency to heat deeper skin layers. This addition allows the provider to target the skin at multiple levels in the treatment. Popular brands for RF treatments are Thermi RF and Exilis, while those for IPL/RF treatments are Refirme and VelaShape.
A third option is ultrasound treatment, of which Ultherapy is the most popular brand. The advantage of ultrasound over radiofrequency is that the focused beams penetrate deeply in the tissue, targeting mainly the fascia (band of connective tissue beneath the skin that is primarily collagen). Ultrasound treatments have been used in medicine for decades, and they have a great record for safety.
Ultherapy Procedure:
Your provider will first cleanse your skin and identify the specific areas for treatment. Afterwards, the ultrasound gel is applied and the smooth treatment applicator is pressed against the skin. The provider will then use ultrasound imaging to determine the optimal placement for the treatment energy, and then deliver that energy below the skin’s surface. You might feel mild discomfort due to the heat of the waves. The length of the treatment depends on the treatment area: face and neck procedures take about 60-90 minutes.
Key Benefits:
The primary benefit of Ultherapy is that it can turn back the clock on your skin’s appearance. Tightening loose skin helps to counteract the aging process and give you a youthful appearance for a while longer. It is also non-invasive, which makes it ideal for patients looking to avoid surgical procedures. Patients who cannot undergo surgery due to health problems can choose Ultherapy as an alternative. Ultherapy can also be customized to match your skin’s demands. The amount of ultrasound energy used can be adjusted, with greater depth leading to more positive changes. As a simple outpatient procedure, you will not require downtime or post-treatment care.
Ultherapy can also be combined with injectables and laser resurfacing treatments to achieve a much better result for your skin. The outcome is dependent on many factors, including age, patient anatomy, and co-morbid medical conditions. These factors will be discussed with the provider to ensure you the best treatment possible.