9 Things You Didn’t Know About Ultherapy

It seems that we hear about innovative tech solutions for every kind of problem every day. But did you know that even dermatology and cosmetic treatments reap the benefits of technological advances? At North Dallas Dermatology Associates in Dallas, TX, we offer Ultherapy, a new one-of-a-kind cosmetic treatment that turns back the clock with the use of highly advanced technology.

Before you call our office to schedule an appointment, take the time to learn everything you need to know about Ultherapy. For your convenience and to give you the most reliable information to make a fully informed decision, we have put together a collection of 9 things you might not know about this exciting treatment.

1. It’s a New Kind of Treatment!

This cosmetic treatment is sweeping dermatology and cosmetic clinics across the nation, steadily growing in popularity with each success story and satisfied patient. But what is it exactly? Glad you asked!

What Is Ultherapy?

This is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that is used to lift and tighten skin over a period of time. Approved by the FDA, this treatment is totally safe and extremely effective. There is no pain, no side effects, and no downtime associated with the treatment. This is a new kind of treatment that helps your body work for itself to restore a youthful appearance.

2. A High-Tech, Collagen-Stimulating Solution

This treatment is an innovative, high-tech solution to stimulating collagen. In fact, this treatment uses ultrasound technology that has been around for 50 years in a new way. Learn how this treatment works and why collagen is so important in anti-aging cosmetic treatments.

How Does It Work?

This treatment uses ultrasound technology in two ways. The first is by using ultrasound imaging to see the sub-levels of skin beneath the skin surface. Ultrasound imaging allows for targeted treatment exactly where attention is needed most. By assessing the sub-levels of skin, we can control exactly how much stimulation is required to produce optimum results.

The second way this treatment uses ultrasound technology is by utilizing ultrasound waves. Ultrasound waves are directed toward the areas of treatment with the use of a small wand-like device. For patients, the ultrasound waves don’t feel like much except for pressure and a small amount of heat just on the surface of the skin. Ultrasound waves are harmless to the body and only work to stimulate proteins beneath the skin, such as collagen.

Why Is Collagen Important?

The word collagen is thrown around a lot when we talk about anti-aging treatments. In fact, collagen is one of two very important proteins that sits beneath the surface of skin to give the skin volume. Both collagen and elastin are essential in skin appearing tight and youthful.

However, production of both collagen and elastin eventually slow down. We can credit the first visible signs of aging to the fact that at some point, usually between ages 30 and 50, production of collagen and elastin hit a natural roadblock. When we produce these proteins at a slower rate, our skin begins to lose volume, which means that skin becomes more lax and wrinkles begin to form.

This is where cosmetic treatments that aim to stimulate collagen come in. By stimulating collagen production, we can help reverse the visible signs of aging and recapture some of the youthful volume of our skin.

Stimulating Collagen

There are over-the-counter creams and serums that promise to return collagen to your skin, but the most effective way to stimulate collagen is to go right to the source – which means stimulating what is already in your skin. Stimulating collagen can be done effectively in two different ways. First is through pressure, such as facial massage, which circulates blood flow into the skin and encourages collagen to produce. The second is through heat, which circulates the blood in a different way that makes collagen production speedier.

With a treatment like this one, we are able to stimulate collagen production through both pressure and heat at the same time. Ultimately, this means that this treatment is efficient and effective at using your body’s own natural resources to make you look more youthful.

3. Use It Anywhere!

This is a highly versatile cosmetic treatment that can be used on even the most sensitive and delicate skin. Where exactly can you use this skin lifting and tightening treatment to restore a youthful appearance? We’re happy to fill you in.

What Are the Areas of Treatment?

This treatment is clinically approved for use on the face, neck, and collarbone areas. These three areas of treatment are typically where the most visible signs of aging occur, so it’s no wonder that this treatment is designed to focus on the delicate skin that can be found there. This treatment is typically used to treat:

• Fine lines around the mouth
• Wrinkles on the forehead
• Sagging brow line
• Under-eye bags and crows’ feet
• Skin laxity in the cheeks and jaw
• Loose skin beneath the chin
• Thin skin on the neck and collarbone

This treatment is ideal for mild-to-moderate signs of aging and skin laxity. Many patients focus their treatment on the areas around the mouth, eyes, and forehead, where expression lines are quick to form. Other patients like this treatment to tighten the skin the mid-face and the neck. Patients also use this treatment as a form of non-surgical lift since this treatment is more affordable and comes with less risk than traditional surgical facelifts.

Can This Be Used on the Body?

Officially, this treatment is only approved for the face, neck, and collarbone. However, there are studies and trials currently underway that are exploring the use of this treatment for other areas of the body. Some areas of the body that are being explored for this kind of treatment include the arms, breasts, the abdomen, the hips, the buttocks, the thighs, and even the knees.

Signs of aging can be seen in skin all over the body. After all, the loss the collagen production isn’t something that only affects the skin on the face and neck. For the body, signs of aging usually manifest in two ways.

The first is with skin laxity that comes from a loss of volume in the skin. Skin laxity can usually be seen in the underarm area, as well as in the skin around the knees and the stomach. Skin laxity can also be found in the breasts, so this treatment could be used to tighten and lift the skin in that area without any augmentation required.

The second sign of aging on the body is with the formation of cellulite, where dimples in the skin happen in places where collagen production has already slowed. Areas most affected by cellulite include the stomach, the hips, the buttocks, and the thighs. Research is exploring this treatment as a full-body contouring therapy, which could replace the need for tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and other kind of body lifts for some patients.

4. Many Additional Benefits!

There are numerous benefits of this treatment. Aside from how fool-proof and effective this treatment is for lifting the skin in the face, neck, and collarbone, there are many other advantages of choosing this treatment over other cosmetic therapies. This treatment is easy, painless, risk-free, and comes with zero downtime. As a patient, this is a dream come true treatment that is low risk and all reward. Plus this treatment is more affordable than surgical procedures.

On top of all of those benefits, this treatment is also gentle and natural. By stimulating the production of collagen beneath your skin, there is no need to introduce foreign elements to your body. As a cosmetic treatment, any kind of solution that uses your body’s own natural resources to accomplish an anti-aging goal is golden.

This treatment is ideal for patients who don’t want to “go under the knife” or use other invasive techniques, such as fillers. This treatment is also perfect for patients who might have medical restrictions or allergies that prevent them from using other cosmetic therapies.

5. A Quick and Easy Process!

The best part of this treatment is how quick and easy the whole process is from start to finish. If you find that you have additional questions about the treatment or the treatment process, we encourage you to ask our expert staff over the phone or at your appointment.

Initial Appointment

The initial appointment lays the groundwork for your following appointments. At your first visit, you and a member of our professional team will speak in-depth about your appearance goals and your aging concerns. You will discuss your general medical history and your current health. Our staff will examine the condition of your skin to determine your level of skin laxity as well as any other skin-related concerns, such as acne scarring or sun damage.

At this time, our staff may explore additional options for treatment with you. It is also possible that our staff will recommend additional treatment sessions for you. While most patients only require one session to see results, others with more severe laxity may require another session or two to see optimal results.

At your initial appointment, we may also provide you with pre-treatment guidelines that you need to follow. This list may include a ban on taking certain medications or supplements for a time before your treatment appointment unless otherwise indicated by a doctor.

Step One: Cleanse and Cooling Gel

The first thing that will be done at a treatment session is to cleanse the areas of treatment to make sure there is no dirt, debris, or make-up. Clear and clean skin is the first step of any successful cosmetic treatment. Next, a cooling ultrasound gel will be applied to the areas of treatment. The cooling gel will help counter some of the heat from the treatment as well as make it easier for the device to glide over your skin.

Step Two: Imaging and Treatment

The device for this treatment is a two-in-one wand that works to see beneath the skin surface and deliver the ultrasound waves. Each section of the treated area will first be imaged with the ultrasound to identify the targeted areas, and then the device will be used to emit the ultrasound waves. For most patients, the sensation of the device while it is being used feels like pressure and a small amount of heat, which leaves the skin tingling while it is being treated. More sensitive parts of the skin, such as the area around the eyes and forehead, might feel a stronger sensation.

The total length of time for each treatment depends on how many areas are being treated. You can expect to spend 1 hour getting the treatment for partial or face-only sessions, and between 60 and 90 minutes for sessions that also treat the neck area.

Post-Treatment Guidelines

After your treatment is complete, we will provide you with post-treatment guidelines. These guidelines are minimal, such as avoiding direct sun exposure for the day. We will also give you advice on how to manage any of the temporary side-effects that come after the treatment.

6. No Downtime!

The best part about this treatment is the fact that you can return to your normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. Recovery for this treatment is practically non-existent.

What Is Recovery Like?

For most patients, recovery from this treatment only takes a few hours. Any redness or tingling felt after the treatment fades within a day. You may find that your skin is sensitive to the touch in the days following treatment, so we recommend gentle cleansing. As always, it is important to use sunscreen and moisturizers each day. Other than a basic skincare routine, there are no additional recovery restrictions to be aware of.

7. Long-Lasting Results

This treatment produces long-lasting results that build on your body’s own collagen production. Even better, the more regular your treatment is, the better the results will be!

How Long Do the Results Last?

You can think of this treatment as a one-and-done sort of deal. Most patients only require one treatment appointment to see results. The results of the treatment last for 3 to 6 months, so we usually advise 2 to 3 sessions a year to maintain a youthful appearance.

8. A Great Combination Treatment!

While this treatment takes a less-is-more-approach, it may be the case that you might want to tailor a treatment plan to meet all of your appearance goals.

Can I Combine Treatments?

This is a treatment that pairs well with any number of additional cosmetic treatments. Some patients also combine this treatment with other anti-aging treatments, such as injectables. If you are interested in combining treatments, our staff will help you explore all of your options to create a personalized treatment plan.

9. A Perfect Treatment for Everyone

This is a perfect treatment for anyone looking to turn back the clock and halt the visible signs of aging where they stand. This treatment is used by both women and men with great results. We encourage anyone who thinks they might be an ideal candidate to try this treatment, regardless of age or gender. For cosmetic treatments, there is no such thing as female-only or male-only treatments. Self-care is for everyone.

Turn Back the Clock

Interested in trying Ultherapy to help rewind the clock? Contact North Dallas Dermatology Associates in Dallas, TX to schedule your initial consultation today! Our expert staff is ready to help you take the first steps in your journey to reach your ideal appearance.