The final frontier in aesthetic rejuvenation is the ability to tighten and lift skin without surgery.
Although we are years away from matching surgical results, non-invasive tissue firming is a reality and it can not only tighten but also improve the quality of the skin- something surgery can’t accomplish and as such it can be a great adjunct to surgery in years to come.
Tissue tightening technologies strive to use the body’s own natural healing process to stimulate collagen and elastin production within the skin. Presently, all these devices use “heat” in some way to achieve this goal. Energy sources that are used for heat generation include radiofrequency, infra-red and most recently ultrasound.
FORMA/FORMA PLUS
The Procedure: Radiofrequency (RF) mild skin firming technology for the face and the body. The treatment delivers controlled RF energy to heat the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. It improves elasticity over 6-8 sessions.
There is gentle and progressive firming. A full series is needed to obtain best results. There is no downtime and the procedure is comfortable.
Good Candidates have mild looseness of tissues. Those with excess skin and significant loose thin skin are not good candidates.
Treatment Areas: The face and neck as well as any body area can be treated with this technology.
ULTHERA
The Procedure: Micro-focused fractional ultrasound therapy reaches three levels under the skin at 4.5mm, 3mm, and 1.5mm depths. It is the only treatment that can penetrate this deep and at precise levels with simultaneous visualization.
The firming results are natural and are visible in 90 days. Ulthera is not a substitute for surgery but can complement surgery before and after.
There is no real downtime. There may be mild swelling for several days. Discomfort during the procedure is variable and can be managed with pain medication.
Good Candidates are those with mild to moderate looseness of the face and neck and brow. Those will advanced jowls and heavy necks are not good candidates.
Facial Treatment Areas: Ulthera is FDA approved for lifting of the brow and the neck. It can be use for the brow, face and neck, lower neck and decolletage. Ulthera is not a fat reduction technology and doesnot melt fat.
Body Treatment Areas: The décolletage, knees, abdomen, and upper arms can also be treated.