Skin tightening and lifting treatments reverse the natural signs of aging by creating firm, plump, and smooth skin. If improving your skin laxity, tone, and reducing fine lines is a top cosmetic goal, Ultrasound Energy (Ultherapy®) or RF Microneedling therapies could be the right fit for you. Both procedures effectively firm the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin, resulting in an effortlessly youthful glow.
Ultherapy® is the deepest non-invasive skin tightening treatment available on the market to boost your body’s collagen and tighten your skin. Advanced ultrasound technology penetrates several layers below the skin’s surface, allowing your doctor to examine your skin’s anatomy and tailor the treatment to areas that will yield the best results. During treatment, you will feel tiny amounts of energy penetrating your skin, which causes the sensation of heat or tingling on the treated area. This process initiates a regenerative response that stimulates collagen and elastin production.
Ultherapy® tightens the skin on the neck, chin, brows and decolletage in sessions that last anywhere from 45 – 90 minutes. It’s considered an ideal non-invasive alternative to a surgical facelift. Typically only one session is required to achieve ultimate results. You may see the benefits of Ultherapy® immediately after treatment, but outcome peaks around two to three months following your appointment. Skin continues to improve for a year or more through the gradual tightening and lifting of treated areas.
Skin is cleansed prior to applying ultrasound gel before the treatment begins. At your consultation, your doctor will inform you if there are any specific recommendations to follow leading up to your appointment to ensure the best results.
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling combines the use of carefully applied needles and heat to remodel skin tissue and revitalize the skin. Microneedling uses fine needles to penetrate the skin to create controlled micro-wounds that ignite the production of collagen and elastin. By complementing microneedling with RF heat, tissue coagulation is stimulated on a deeper level, further enhancing collagen and elastin production. RF Microneedling is a gentle alternative to skin ablation, and is often referred to as Secret RF®, Morpheus8® and Endymed®
RF microneedling creates impactful and long-lasting results for a number of areas on the skin. Patients use RF microneedling to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve the skin texture, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and acne scars.
Session lengths vary depending on your targeted area and desired outcome, but you can expect to have at least one or two RF microneedling sessions lasting between one and two hours each. Results after treatments are gradual, though most patients see brighter and softer skin within a few days of therapy. A consultation with a medical aesthetics doctor will determine the appropriate path of treatment.
Leading up to the day of your appointment, you should avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications. You should also pause the use of facial cleansers or serums with salicylic acids. At your consultation, your doctor will advise you how to successfully prepare for your appointment. A few commonly recommended preparation techniques are:
Prior to treatment, you will receive a topical numbing agent to your skin to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. The depth of the needle penetration will be determined by your skin’s laxity, your treatment area and desired outcome, and your overall health.
One of the leading advantages of these treatments is that they are safe for patients of all skin types. In addition, this method has strong depth control, so energy is directed easily to small target areas. Patients who are currently taking blood-thinning medications should let the office know during the consultation. Delaying treatment may be required if you have active infections, acne breakouts, or cystic acne.
*Individual results may vary