Skin lifting and tightening treatments reverse the natural signs of aging creating firm, plump and smooth skin. If you want to improve your skin’s laxity, boost your tone and get rid of your fine lines, Ultherapy treatments (Ultherapy®) or radio frequency microneedling therapies might just be the solution for you. By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, these treatments firm the skin to restore its natural youthful glow.
What is ultherapy (Ultherapy ® )?
Ultherapy is the most in-depth non-invasive facelift treatment available on the market; it stimulates the production of collagen in your body so as to firm your skin. Advanced ultrasound technology penetrates many layers below the skin’s surface, allowing your doctor to examine your skin’s anatomy and tailor treatment to areas that will produce the best results. During the treatment, you will feel small amounts of energy penetrating your skin, causing a warm or tingling sensation in the treated area. This process triggers a regenerative response stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
What areas do Ultherapy ® treatments treat?
Ultherapy firms the skin of the neck, chin, forehead and décolleté in sessions that last between 45 and 90 minutes. It is the ideal non-invasive alternative to a surgical facelift. Only one session is usually needed to achieve the desired results. While the benefits of Ultherapy are seen immediately after treatment, optimal results are achieved two to three months after treatment. The appearance of the skin continues to improve for at least a year thanks to the gradual lifting and firming of the treated areas.
How do I prepare for an ultherapy treatment?
At the start of treatment, the skin must be cleansed before applying the ultrasound gel. At the time of your consultation, your doctor will let you know if there are any specific guidelines to follow before treatment to ensure the best possible results.
What is radio frequency microneedling?
Radiofrequency microneedling combines the use of carefully applied needles and heat with the goal of reshaping skin tissue and revitalizing the skin. Microneedling involves penetrating the skin with fine needles to create controlled microwounds that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. The combination of microneedling and radiofrequency heat stimulates tissue coagulation at a deeper level, which increases the production of collagen and elastin. Radiofrequency microneedling is a gentle alternative to skin ablation. Known treatments are Secret RF®, Morpheus8® and Endymed®.
What areas do radio frequency microneedling treatments treat?
Microneedling by radio frequency creates concrete and lasting results on many areas of the skin. Patients use it to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and acne scars.
Although session lengths vary depending on the targeted area and desired results, you can expect to have at least one or two radio frequency microneedling sessions lasting one to two hours each. Results after treatment are gradual, but most patients notice smoother, more radiant skin in just a few days. A consultation with a doctor of aesthetic medicine will determine the appropriate treatment plan.
How do I prepare for a radiofrequency microneedling treatment?
In the days preceding your treatment, you should avoid consuming alcohol and anti-inflammatory drugs. Do not use cleansers or face serums containing salicylic acid. At the time of your consultation, your doctor will tell you how to properly prepare for your appointment. Here are some commonly recommended preparation techniques:
Wear loose and comfortable clothes
A topical anesthetic will be applied to your skin at the start of the treatment to ensure your comfort throughout the process. The depth of needle penetration will be determined based on the laxity of your skin, the area being treated and the desired results, as well as your overall health.
Am I a good candidate for ultherapy or radio frequency microneedling treatments?
One of the main advantages of these treatments is that they are suitable for patients, regardless of their skin type. In addition, because this method provides precise control over the depth of the treatment delivered, the energy is easily directed to smaller targeted areas. Patients currently taking anticoagulant medication should inform their doctor at the time of consultation. It may be possible to delay treatment if you have active infections, acne breakouts or cystic acne.