Ultherapy
Posted: Monday 15 March 2010 10:33am
Goodbye saggy skin and double chin with the latest non-invasive facelifting system that uses ultrasound to tighten, lift and firm.Described as a “revolution in facial rejuvenation” by Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Warwick Nettle, of Silkwood Medical, Ultherapy by Ulthera uses sound waves to safely firm and lift skin tissue without disturbing or affecting the skin’s surface.
The breakthrough scanning technology allows the practitioner to see up to 8mm into the skin, which allows him to focus acoustic sound energy deep into the skin where cells are formed. This triggers the body’s natural healing process which results in strengthened collagen fibres, which work to firm or lift, but still leaving the epidermis completely unaffected.
Ultherapy is designed to treat skin laxity and is great for loss of jaw-line definition, crepy, saggy necks, cheeks, the forehead for brow droop, nasolabial folds, marionette lines on the chin and a downturned mouth.
Says Dr Nettle, “Ultherapy is very effective at lifting and firming and the effect gradually becomes evident over two to three months.
“Of course nothing will lift and firm as effectively as surgery, but Ultherapy is an in-office procedure with no downtime. I tell my patients the effects are subtle but real.”
Some practitioners may apply numbing cream first to the face, and then this is removed and replaced by lots of thick, cool gel. Other practitioners prefer to use laughing gas throughout the treatment when necessary. The hand-held Ulthera device is moved section by section over the areas to be treated. There may be some discomfort deep in the skin, however, bony areas such as temples, may be more uncomfortable than fleshy areas. This is when the laughing gas comes in handy!
While only one 30 to 40-minute treatment is required, the skin improves markedly in a 60 to 90-day period, with clients experiencing more defined cheekbones and firmer jawlines. Increased collagen stimulation leads to skin looking glowing and refreshed.
Says Maureen Cole, paramedical aesthetician at Silkwood Medical, “This is a treatment you could have in your lunch hour, with possibly zero down time.”
Immediately after being treated, clients should notice a slight tightening and firming effect. After a month this firming effect may increase and the skin should feel smoother. In the second to third month, there is usually reduced sagging and a better contoured chin, jawline, cheekbones and brow. Such results are said to last for up to 12 months to 18 months.
Prices range from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on whether you treat the full face, neck, or partial face.