Ultherapy

At Staffordshire Skin and Laser Clinic, we know that your skin is your most important asset. That’s why we give it the attention it deserves. When you come in for a consultation we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will do a full holistic assessment of your concerns including an Observe computerised skin analysis free of charge to give us a greater understanding of your treatment goals and expectations. We will look at factors that may be contributing to your concerns. We will assess for treatment contraindications as your safety is our number one priority.

If you are looking for the lift that lasts over a year, to soften fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenate your neck whilst giving your skin a collagen boost then Ultherapy may be the perfect treatment for you. During your consultation we will discuss the benefits, potential side effects, risks, treatment alternatives and answer any questions you may have. As we are passionate about results we will also we will also advise on a ZO Skin protocol as well and nutritional support to allow for optimal results. Following your consultation we will provide you treatment information and a quote.

Ultherapy delivers micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) energy deep within the structural layers of the skin without causing a disruption to the skins surface. This in turn stimulates the body’s tissue repair process leading to the production of new collagen and elastin fibres, leading to a gradual lifting and tightening effect. Collagen and elastin can be seen as the building blocks within our skin, giving it that much needed support, strength and stability. Special cells within our body called fibroblasts produce collagen, these decline with age and also become less efficient. Elastin is a highly elastic protein that allows your skin to spring back into shape once stretched or contracted. As we age our skin declines in both collagen and elastin leading to the visible signs of ageing including lines, wrinkles, sagging and increased skin laxity.

• No need for surgery, non-invasive face lift
• No downtime or recovery time required
• Treatment is safe, quick, effective and clinically proven
• One off treatment is all that is required
• Treatment is bespoke and customised to your needs
• Results that can last for over a year
• Collagen stimulation
• Skin tightening
• Natural results
• Rejuvenation of the skin, reducing the effects of ageing
• Increase confidence and self esteem

Ultherapy is a nonsurgical alternative to a facelift. It’s used to counteract signs of aging like skin sagging and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest as well as drooping of the brow area. The most common areas for Ultherapy treatment include above the eyes brows and around the eyes, the lower face and under the chin , the neck and décolletage.

Firstly you are in safe hands by visiting our Safe Face accredited centre of excellence. Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared technology that stimulates collagen production. Unlike any other HIFU technology Ulterapy is the only devise that allows the practitioner to fully visualise the treatment area with ultra sound during the procedure to ensure that correct depth of tissue is been treated to further enhance safety. It has multiple clinical studies that prove safety and efficacy and treatments have been performed world wide. Following treatment redness will normally disappear within a few hours. Temporary side effects can include swelling, tenderness, tingling. Less common side effects may include bruising and a temporary numbness to small areas on the skin. As with any medical cosmetic procedure other less common side effects can occur. These will all be discussed during consultation with our Nurse Practitioner.

For most people undergoing Ultherapy a single session is all that is required. Prior to treatment a full consultation will be carried out by our Nurse Practitioner, this will be to determine the degree of skin laxity, volume loss, facial ageing and lifestyle. The results will also be determined by the patient’s biological response to micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) energy and the individuals own collagen stimulating process. On rare occasions an individual may require a further treatment at 6 months. As our skin continues to age future top up treatments are recommended to keep pace of the body’s natural ageing process.

You may see some initial lift immediately post treatment due to the contraction of pre-existing collagen, however true results will gradually occur over 2-3 months following the procedure as the growth of new collagen and elastin is gradually stimulated. During this time you will start to notice the skin feeling firmer and more toned with a reduction in lines are wrinkles with a more refreshed, radiant complexion due to the collagen stimulation. Results can continue to improve for up to 6 to 12 months post procedure.

Your safety is our number one priority. Prior to treatment we will ensure there are no contraindications, this will include the following:

• Open wounds or lesions in the treatment site
• Severe or cystic acne in the treatment site
• Active implants treatment area – pace makers or defibrillators
• Metal devices or stents in the treatment area
• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Keloid scarring in the treatment site

If you have other medical conditions such as Bells Palsy, Epilepsy, Diabetes or Autoimmune disorders theses will be discussed further at your consultation.

In order for Ultherapy to be effective we must heat the deep layers of the skin. This will give rise to a feeling of accumulation of heat under the skin. You will only feel the discomfort in the treatment zone whilst the micro- focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) is been delivered. Post treatment some of our patients have described this sensation as having a feeling of sunburn under the skin. Pain relief can be taken prior to treatment, and our nurses are very good at helping you to manage any discomfort.

Following the maximum improvement with Ultherapy, the ageing process will continue with the gradual decline in collagen. At around 12-24 months following treatment you may start to notice a reduction in the firmness of your skin and the formation of lines and wrinkles again. How often treatment will be needed will really depend on the individual, such as the degree of skin laxity prior to treatment, lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, sun exposure and general health. Some patients may choose to have their treatment annually whereas others may have a maintenance treatment 18 months to 2 yearly.

Before Your Treatment
6 DAYS BEFORE treatment, do not ingest blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve.
If you have a cardiovascular history, please check with your doctor prior to stopping the use of blood thinners.
Also, avoid herbal supplements, such as Garlic, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and Omega-3 capsules.
24 HOURS BEFORE treatment, do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Day of Your Treatment
Please come to the office without makeup, creams, gels, or lotions on treatment areas. Prior to your Ultherapy treatment there is little to do in terms of preparation. We advise keeping your skin in optimal health by maintaining a good diet rich in antioxidants, proteins and minerals, ensure you drink plenty of fluids and use your SPF daily and making positive lifestyle choices with regards to smoking and excessive sun exposure.

A customized treatment plan that’s good as gold. After cleansing the skin and identifying the specific areas to be treated, your Ultherapy practitioner will apply the ultrasound gel and place the smooth treatment applicator against your skin. To customize your treatment, your Ultherapy practitioner will next visualise the best location for treatment through Ultherapy’s ultrasound imaging, in order to target the area(s) that will benefit you most.

During treatment, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited under the skin, indicating that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Comfort levels can vary from person to person, but you may experience the sensation of heat and/or tingling while the energy is being delivered.

Recognized as the Gold Standard for nonsurgical lifting and tightening by an expert panel of physicians, Ultherapy is customised, so the length of your treatment will depend on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan. A face and neck procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, while treatment for the upper chest (or décolletage) takes approximately 30 minutes. After your skin has been cleansed, and you photographs have been taken, your Ultherapy practitioner immediately prior to treatment the area will be marked out into treatment zones and an ultrasound gel will be applied. Ultrasound visualisation of the skin will then be carried out in order to determine the treatment depths that the micro focused ultrasound energy will need to be delivered. This will ensure accuracy and precision of you treatment, resulting in optimal results – Ultherapy is the only device that allows for visualisation of the target area whilst performing treatment, and one of the reasons it has become the signature treatment Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic. Ill apply an ultrasound gel to the treatment area. We will then commence our ‘scan and plan’. The full area will undergo ultrasound imaging so that we can visualise the optimum place for your treatment energy (SMAS and deep dermis) and plan your bespoke treatment. While the treatment is been delivered you will feel the energy been delivered into the deep tissues of the skin at precise depths, indicating that the collagen building process has begun.

That’s right—you can return to your normal activities immediately after your procedure without any post-treatment restrictions or requirements. Your skin might appear flushed at first, but the redness should disappear within a few hours. Some patients experience slight swelling, tingling, or tenderness to the touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature. Other, less common post-procedural effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin. As with any medical procedure, speak with your provider about what to expect following your Ultherapy treatment.

What to Expect

• Expect to feel some soreness, numbness, and tingling after your treatment. This is normal and will resolve within 2-3 weeks.
• Bruising, if any, may take 5-7 days to resolve.
  
• Results will develop over 3-6 months. While results will vary between individuals, post treatment experiences may be as follows.
• An instant feeling of lifting due to the contraction of existing collagen,
• Over 2-3 months a gradual lifting and tightening effect due to the formation on new collagen and elastin fibres
• A significant lifting and tightening within 180 days of a single treatment of micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) with Ultherapy
• Lifting effects that can continue for over a year

As Ultherapy is a non-surgical treatment you can resume normal activates and lifestyle immediately post treatment without significant downtime.

Ultherapy is a non-invasive skin tightening procedure that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin on the face and neck. After Ultherapy, there are a few things you should avoid in order to maximize the results of the treatment. For the first 24 hours after Ultherapy, it is important to avoid hot showers, saunas, and direct sunlight. Heat can increase swelling and redness, which are common side effects of Ultherapy. It is also important to avoid wearing makeup or touching the treated area. After the first 24 hours, you can resume your normal activities. However, it is still important to avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and hot showers for the first week after Ultherapy. These activities can cause the skin to become irritated and can interfere with the healing process.