Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Ultherapy - The Latest Cosmetic Procedure in Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive Skin Tightening

Ultherapy, the hottest new name in cosmetic beauty. It is a new type of non-surgical, non-invasive procedure for the face that uses ultrasound and the body's own natural healing process to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin.

The FDA-cleared device used in the procedure utilizes the safe, time-tested energy of ultrasound to stimulate the deep structural support layers of the skin-including those typically addressed in a surgical facelift-without disturbing the surface of the skin.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical face treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift and tone loose or sagging skin without any downtime.

What is unique about this procedure?

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment that can specifically target the deep foundation below the skin that is addressed in cosmetic surgery without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin. It is also the only procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows us to actually see the layers of tissue we target during treatment and ensure the energy is deposited precisely to where it will be most effective. While lasers typically address issues in the superficial layers of the skin (e.g. fine lines, wrinkles, pigment changes), Ultherapy addresses the deep skin layer and the foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery that lift and lend support to the skin. Therefore, the two technologies are quite complementary!l

What kind of technology does Ultherapy use?

Ultherapy uses tried-and-true ultrasound technology, which has received FDA clearance for use in this new type of medical procedure.

Is Ultherapy surgery?

No. Unlike a face lift, Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that addresses the skin and support layers below it, but doesn't entail cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin.

Can Ultherapy replace a face lift?

Ultherapy is an "uplift" not a "face lift." While it is not a replacement for surgery, it is a viable option for those not ready for a face lift or those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

Is Ultherapy safe?

The procedure has been cleared by the FDA after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and tens of thousands of treatments have been performed safely worldwide. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.

Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?

A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone with skin that has "relaxed" to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of "maturing" skin. Typically, those in their thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates.

While Ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. There are also younger people who want to "stay ahead of the game" as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How long does the ultrasound treatment take?

A full face treatment takes 45-60 minutes, and a partial face or brow lift treatment can take around 30 minutes-neither with any downtime.

What problem areas does Ultherapy target? What kind of results do you get?

Ultherapy addresses mild to moderate loose or sagging skin. Specifically, by reconditioning and renewing the skin from within, Ultherapy will lift the brow, which in turn reduces excess skin on the lids, opens up the eyes, and gives a more refreshed look overall.

How long until I see results?

Patients may enjoy some initial effect but the ultimate lifting and toning will take place over 2-3 months, as tired collagen is replaced with new, more elastic collagen. As this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can appear up to 6 months following a procedure.

How long do results last?

Patients treated with Ultherapy still have fresh young collagen after a year's time following the procedure, but skin continues to age. Future touch-up treatments can help keep pace with the aging process, which varies by individual.

Will I need more than one treatment?

The majority of patients only need one treatment; however, some may benefit from more than one treatment (depending on how much laxity they have and their body's own biological response to the ultrasound and collagen-building process).

Is there any downtime?

Ultherapy is an entirely non-invasive procedure and as such, there is no downtime. You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take.

Will I feel the ultrasound during the treatment?

Yes. What you are feeling during the treatment is actually tiny amounts of focused ultrasound energy being deposited below the surface of the skin.

What does it feel like?

Patients have noted there can be some discomfort while the ultrasound energy is being delivered, but it is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated.

Is Ultherapy painful?

Comfort thresholds vary from patient to patient, but there can be some discomfort while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. This is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated.

Your practitioner will consult with you prior to your skin treatment to make your experience as pleasant as possible. Patients typically leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come!

Are there any side effects?

There may be slight redness for up to an hour or so following the treatment, and a small percentage of patients may have slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature. There is always the possibility for other less common post-procedural effects, which your practitioner will review with you.