Facial Skin Tightening and Lifting – Using Ultherapy
As we age, a natural protein – collagen that works to give skin its youthfulness by keeping it firm and toned, breaks down, resulting in loss of facial skin tightening and lifting.
In recent years the number of female facelifts has declined as non-surgical alternatives to facelifts have become more sophisticated. Here, our skin experts at Skin Theory talk about the most well-loved non-invasive skin procedure for facial skin tightening and lifting, ultherapy or ulthera.
Among the no-knife options for facial skin tightening and lifting, included are technologies harnessing regenerative lasers, ultrasound, and radiofrequency energy, which either stimulate a mega boost of our own collagen production or work on the facial muscles to lift the features.
One of the leading procedures that is both safe and effective is Ultherapy. Ultherapy, which means (Ultrasound Therapy) is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment used to improve, lift, and tighten loose skin and wrinkles.
The ultherapy treatment, due to its natural stimulation, is valued by many as a preferred reliable alternative to other cosmetic procedures. Though popular, many people don’t know anything at all about ultherapy, so here is a guide to ultherapy so you are knowledgeable before opting for the procedure.
What Exactly is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure utilizing ultrasound technology, which many say has benefits similar to those resulting from a facelift.. The use of ultrasound energy boosts your own natural production of your body’s own collagen and elastin for natural-looking results.
Ultherapy uses focused pulsing heat energy to lift and tighten skin on the face, neck, and chest which should improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
The key benefits of Ultherapy include its non-invasive nature, having no visible downtime, and neocollagenesis – building collagen and requiring only a single treatment.
How Does Ultherapy Work?
Ultherapy focuses ultrasound waves to a specific point deep within the skin. Ultrasound waves have, of course, been used diagnostically throughout the medical field for more than 50 years. Ultrasound is commonly associated with pregnancy scans.
In these pregnancy ultrasound scans, high-frequency sound waves are emitted by a handheld device, and the reflections of these soundwaves are recaptured to form an image.
The visualisation aspect of Ultherapy is a key differentiator from other treatments, as it allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring treatment is delivered to where it will be most beneficial.
This helps avoid areas which may cause discomfort – like delivering energy to bone. Ultherapy utilizes state-of-the-art micro focused ultrasound technology in precise areas from the dermis down to subcutaneous tissue causing thermal coagulation points (TCPs).
Thermal coagulation occurs when heat is generated at the site of the collagen, heating to temperatures of 60 – 70 degrees celsius. Intense vibrations are caused at a cellular level, and the friction of this leads to heat formation at the localised site.
The heat disrupts and breaks the hydrogen bonds holding the collagen fibers in their shape. The body registers the TCPs as an injury site, which initiates the natural healing response.
This response involves a process called neocollagenesis, which repairs tissues and creates new collagen, resulting in the tightening or lifting of the skin.
The heat energy from the applicator is aimed at different depths, affecting the skin and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) – the layer of fibrous tissue that surrounds facial muscles.
There is no visible downtime to Ultherapy treatment, as the superficial layers of the skin are bypassed. All of the effects are deep within the skin or beneath it.
Who Can Have Ultherapy and What Areas Can It Treat?
Ultherapy is suitable for most patients concerned with mild to moderate skin laxity where the skin begins to feel and look less firm. It is most common for those over the age of 35 seeking a lift or face skin tightening without having a surgical face-lift.
It may also be sought by those looking to prevent skin laxity or to slow down the facial aging process. Common areas to treat include loose cheek skin and jowls, sagging under the chin, loose skin on the neck, the forehead to lift lowered brows, and lines or wrinkles on the chest.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects to Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that relies on ultrasound therapy to go deeper than other non-invasive treatments for collagen stimulation.
Through its ultrasound imaging, energy is delivered precisely to the place where it will benefit you most without cutting or disrupting the surface. While lasers work on the skin from the “outside-in,” the Ultherapy technology works from the “inside-out.”
It moves past the surface of the skin to penetrate deep within the skin tissues, and it leaves no mark or scars.
Sensations of heat and tingling typically subside soon after the procedure. The treated skin areas can sometimes become flushed or red in the hours after the procedure, and short-term sensations including tingling, swelling, and tenderness may occur.
On rare occasions, there may be some bruising or numbness, but these can be managed by applying ice packs and typically go away within a few days of the procedure.
How Much Does Ultherapy Cost?
The cost of Ultherapy is determined by several factors: the area or areas being treated, the number of sessions completed, and your geographic location.
Preparing for Ultherapy
Preparation for the procedure is minimal. Regular eating, drinking, exercise, and work routines can be maintained before and immediately after the procedure.
Your provider, usually a physician, nurse, or certified aesthetician laser technician, will clean the areas they plan to work on of any oil or residue and apply an ultrasound gel. Marking the face with grid lines to guide the treatment is the first step.
The Ultherapy device is placed against the skin, and your provider will use an ultrasound viewer to adjust the device to the appropriate settings. Ultrasound energy is then delivered to the targeted areas.
You might experience quick, intermittent feelings of heat, and tingling during treatment. A topical anesthetic can be administered to address any discomfort.
A single procedure can last up to 90 minutes, depending on the treatment. The chest area takes about 30 minutes compared to the face and neck areas, which can take 60 to 90 minutes.
What to Expect After Ultherapy
There is usually no downtime associated with Ultherapy. Regular activities, such as work, exercise, or socializing can be resumed immediately after treatment.
Initial tightening of the skin can be seen immediately after treatment. Much of this, however, is from the inflammation caused by the heat.
It takes about three months before you see the full effect, as the new collagen formation needs to mature and realign to provide a smooth and well-supported foundation for the skin’s surface.
Collagen growth is gradual, so one treatment is good for an entire year. However, your body and aging process also play a role in determining how long the treatment lasts, so based on your skin’s response to Ultherapy, you can decide if additional sessions are necessary.
It won’t duplicate the results of a surgical facelift, but Ultherapy is a clinically proven non-invasive alternative for facial skin tightening and lifting for those not ready for surgery.
Want a Non-invasive Facial Skin Tightening and Lifting Procedure? Consult with Ultherapy Experts at Skin Theory
The procedure is recommended for all skin types, and there’s no preparation required before the procedure. All you need to do is decide to book a consultation, and your Skin Theory practitioner will address your concerns, assess your skin, and determine if Ultherapy is right for you.
At Skin Theory, aesthetics is an art and we will analyze your concerns and needs as well as your unique skin and muscle structure to determine the correct treatment to achieve your desired results.
This custom approach to your treatment will enable you to have an excellent experience. If you want to enhance your appearance without surgery, request a consultation or call our office at 951-735-5570.
