What causes sagging of the face and a disappearing jawline as we age?
As we age, we all start to lose collagen and elastin in our skin and give in gradually to the downward pull of gravity. With further loss of fat and volume, the face begins to sag and the jawline becomes lost in the middle age spread.
What is the recommended procedure of choice to tighten and lift the skin?
Ultherapy is a safe, non-surgical ultrasound-based treatment that may be used to lift, tighten and rejuvenate the skin. It often gives the best results for tightening of the skin around the lower face, chin and neck. It is also FDA approved to elevate the brow and improve lines and wrinkles around the chest area.
How does Ultherapy work?
Ultherapy is the leading form of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology that is all the rage in the market. Our clinic uses the first and foremost brand Ulthera, which utilises cutting-edge technology to look beneath the skin and treat the areas of concern with precision. This allows the ultrasound energy to be focused at the correct skin depth to stimulate new collagen production, for maximal tightening results.
Is Ultherapy safe?
Ultherapy delivers good skin tightening effects and is safe. It is the only non-invasive skin tightening treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). This means that it has undergone stringent testing and has proven its effectiveness and safety as a skin tightening device.
Can Ultherapy replace a facelift?
Ultherapy treats the deep foundational layer of the skin, stimulating new collagen formation and promotes a natural, gradual tightening of the skin. It will not duplicate the results of a surgical facelift but is an excellent alternative for those who are looking for a natural non-surgical approach.
What does the Ultherapy treatment involve?
The full face procedure takes around 2.5 hours, including 1 hour for numbing cream to take effect. Treatment time is shorter if only limited areas are treated. Before the procedure, numbing strategies will be provided to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
During the procedure, a gel is applied before different transducers are placed over the treatment areas. These transducers will deliver ultrasound energy to the top and deeper layers of the skin, encouraging tightening throughout the skin. The skin may look slightly pink after the procedure. Some patients may experience swelling and an aching sensation for a couple of weeks. Most patients will see improvement over the next 1-3 months as new collagen forms.
Is the treatment painful?
One of the most common complaints with Ultherapy is discomfort during treatment. Our clinic has devised excellent techniques to minimise pain and optimise comfort during the procedure which includes the use of oral painkillers, numbing cream, numbing injections in sensitive areas, and cooling strategies. We know our numbing strategies work when patients started telling us they feel like falling asleep during the treatment!
Do I need to take time off work and other activities?
There is no downtime with Ultherapy. You can resume your normal activities immediately with no special instructions. You may apply makeup immediately after the procedure. There may be some redness and swelling immediately after the treatment which is only mildly visible. Occasionally, there can be areas of bruising which will subside over a week. Patients may also feel a little sore over the treated areas for a few weeks.
How many treatments will I need?
After just one treatment, most patients will experience visible, long-lasting results. However, based on the degree of skin laxity, the response of each patient and each area treated is variable. The effects often last for about a year and patients are advised to repeat the treatment every year to keep pace with the natural aging process.
If you are wishing to turn back the clock on sagging and drooping skin, and are not ready to embark on invasive surgery, Ultherapy really is the best option for non- invasive skin tightening. Do speak to your Dermatologist for more advice.