22 Feb Ultherapy Listed as a Doctor-Recommended Way to Make the Most of a Facelift
Recently, New Beauty asked plastic surgeons for recommendations on how to improve and sustain the results of a facelift—and Ultherapy made the list. RefinedMD is dedicated to giving clients surgical and non-surgical treatments to achieve your skin care goals, and that includes turning back the clock with a variety of skin-tightening procedures like Ultherapy. This treatment is completely non-invasive, but is so effective it’s been dubbed the “no-scalpel facelift” (even though it can be used on places besides the face). Whether you want to avoid a surgical treatment right now or you simply want to maximize the results of a facelift, let’s take a closer look at Ultherapy.
According to the surgeons interviewed in New Beauty, “Patients often choose to continue their regular cosmetic routines [after a facelift] or add new procedures after surgery to prolong results and enhance their look.” One surgeon mentions that while chemical peels, fillers, and laser treatments are some of the most common ways to do this, his team “especially loves amping up skin’s collagen and elastin production with Ultherapy.”
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology—the same tech used by OBGYN specialists—to jumpstart collagen production which, in turn, tightens the skin. It works by focusing pulsed heat energy into the target site, which can include the face, neck, or chest. Lines and wrinkles are reduced as skin gets tauter and “lifted” without any needles or downtime necessary. Ultherapy was cleared by the FDA in 2009, initially as a type of non-invasive brow lift, neck lift, submental (double chin) lift, and chest tightening treatment. Currently, over half a million non-surgical skin tightening treatments are performed every year.
Besides the incredible results, one of the reasons clients love Ultherapy is because of the convenience. Sessions last 30 – 90 minutes depending on how many sites are being addressed and there’s no anesthesia or preparation needed. Downtime is minimal with no recovery necessary in most cases. Of course, since Ultherapy is not a surgery, it is also much more affordable than surgical interventions. Clinical studies show that 65 percent of people see improvement in just 60 – 180 days after their treatment (bearing in mind that this is a collagen-producing treatment, so results are not immediate—the body takes time to create new collagen). Plus, 67 percent of patients were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” just 90 days after their treatment despite full results not being revealed yet.
Why Ultherapy is the Ultimate
Ultherapy isn’t exactly like ultrasound technology you may have experienced before. While it does focus ultrasound technology on target sites, it uses a precise temperature to actually encourage collagen regeneration. Heat energy is directed at three key layers including superficial wrinkles, the skin, and muscle. More collagen means more elastic tissue, which results in skin with less sagging and wrinkles. The only prep needed is the removal of skin care products and makeup on the treatment site. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from a numbing agent applied by your provider before treatment.
During Ultherapy, the area is cleaned and an ultrasound gel is applied. The handheld device is placed directly on the skin and your provider will use the special viewer to ensure the exact depth is being reached. Most clients describe Ultherapy as feeling like fast, brief moments of tingling or heat. On average, the chest takes 30 minutes while the face and neck take 60 – 90 minutes. You will notice that the treatment site looks red immediately following Ultherapy, but this will subside shortly. The area might also be a little tender for a day or two, but no downtime is needed.
Getting Ready for Ultherapy
Ultherapy can be used on any skin tone or type, whether you’re considering it as a standalone procedure or as a means of optimizing a cosmetic surgery. Some clients see results in just a few days post-Ultherapy, but most require a few months. We are all different, as is our ability to produce collagen. Tapping into your body’s own fountain of youth is a great way to turn back the clock, firm your skin, and enjoy an all-natural means of skin tightening with results that last for several months.
If you want to learn more about Ultherapy and other options for skin tightening at RefinedMD, get in touch! Call our office or, for the quickest response, complete the online form, or start a chat.