Why Ulthera is the best non-surgical way to lift and tighten your skin

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

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Have you ever looked in the mirror and used your fingers to pull back parts of your face? Maybe you gently draw back your neck, the cheeks and then the chin. But as you admire the subtle tightness, you look further down, and notice that your décolletage skin area has become slacker as well.

It doesn’t matter if you’re female or male, an ‘unfortunate’ fact of life means the ageing process will affect the face, neck and even the décolletage area, resulting in the skin drooping down. There are many scientific reasons why your skin loses its tightness including pregnancy, ageing, weight loss or weight gain. You may also notice:

• Bone depletion
• Volume loss, and
• A reduction in elastin and collagen production.

If you are concerned about the way you look, but undergoing a surgical procedure does not appeal, there is a solution with Ultherapy, a non-surgical facelift. Since 2005, Dr Gavin Chan and his highly trained and experienced team of Cosmetic Doctors, Cosmetic Nurses and Skin Therapists have helped thousands of patients with non-surgical skin tightening and lifting.

What is Ultherapy and how does it work?

According to Lisa Brown (Director of Skin Therapy) Ulthera is “an ultrasound therapy treatment that focuses the ultrasound deep into the dermis of the skin to target the area normally targeted by facelift.” Depending on the area of the skin being treated, Ultherapy can be completed within 60 to 90 minutes.

Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound waves in precise areas from the dermis down to subcutaneous tissue causing thermal coagulation points (TCPs). This non-surgical skin tightening and lifting procedure stimulates collagen production by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the skin’s foundation layer. Unlike many surgical procedures and skin laser treatments, Ulthera bypasses the upper layers of the skin to deliver the right amount of ultrasound energy at the right temperature and the right skin depths.

Lisa Brown explains that, “the Ulthera device uses an imaging system called the Deep SEE and this imaging device allows precise energy delivery this gives added visibility allowing the practitioner to target the right areas of the skin.”

The Ulthera focused ultrasound allows Dr Gavin Chan’s highly experienced team to avoid areas where they don’t want to deposit the focused energy. For example, areas along the jawline are slightly thinner than other areas of the face. If energy was deposited on this area, it could be painful for the patient. This is why we move the transducer all we can see the right area to treat using the Ulthera device.

The ultrasound energy is delivered between 1.5mm and 4.5mm into the skin’s dermis. This results in tightening the deepest layers of your skin. While every patient has different results from Ultherapy, in some cases it can provide results for up to 12 months. It’s important to note however that your skin will be ageing naturally during this period of time. Watch Lisa Brown demonstrate the Ulthera a micro-focused ultrasound device to help tighten the foundational layers of the skin.

What areas can be treated with Ulthera?

Patients who are concerned about skin laxity, tightness and tone are usually suitable for Ultherapy. Most people choose this non-surgical skin tightening procedure because they don’t want to have a surgical face-lift. Ultherapy benefits include:

• No visible downtime required
• Only one treatment needed
• Builds collagen
• Non-invasive

It is important to note however that the results of Ultherapy can’t be compared to results from a surgical face-lift. Ulthera results are not as visible or dramatic and are a perfect solution for patients who are only seeking subtle changes to their face.

The common areas Ultherapy effectively treats include:

• Loose cheek skin and jowls,
• Loose skin on the neck,
• Sagging chin area,
• Forehead and brow area, and
• Décolletage

It’s important to note that Ulthera does have some contraindications including insulin dependent diabetics patients, women that may be pregnant or breastfeeding and patients that may have heart issues or metal implants. During your consultation, these will be explained thoroughly.

What does Ultherapy feel like?

It’s important to note that as the Ulthera energy is processed through the dermis and the collagen synthesis begins, some patients may experience some discomfort. This is likened to a prickling energy sensation within the skin.

The treatment area will be treated repeatedly, until the right amount of energy has been processed into the skin. This may mean you will experience a warm sensation and feel a bigger tingle. If at any time, you feel discomfort or pain, our highly trained and experienced team will be able to manage this effectively.

After your Ultherapy treatment you will be able to go back to your normal activities. Right after the treatment, the skin will appear to be flushed for many patients. This slight redness should disappear within a few hours. Some patients may experience mild swelling of the skin areas that have been treated that feel like they a slight tingling or tenderness to the touch. It’s important to note with most patients these are only mild and temporary effects.

When will you see results from Ulthera and Ultherapy treatment?

The results our patients will experience from Ultherapy vary depending on their age, skin laxity and the skin areas treated. Some people find that they have an immediately tightening within 2 to 3 days after Ultherapy treatment. In many cases, this initial tightening of the skin that’s seen immediately after treatment is due to skin inflammation caused by the Ulthera heat.

However, in most cases optimal results are usually seen 2 to 3 months after treatment. This is as a result of the collagen renewing and tightening – almost like the ‘ageing clock has been turned back’! It is important to note that while the added collagen production is positive, your natural ageing process will still continue.

The best skincare to use after your non-surgical skin tightening treatment

After you’ve non-surgical Ulthera skin tightening treatment, we suggest you consider the following skincare. Synergie Reclaim is a luxurious hydrating moisturiser that plumps and nourishes the skin. Perfect for people with irritated skin, ageing and dry skin.

Osmosis MD Repair is designed to enhance the healing process of inflamed or damaged skin. The active ingredients soothe and calm irritation and encourage repair of the skin’s epidermal.

The Synergie Anti-Redness Kit has been designed to soothe, calm and reduce inflamed skin conditions. The 4 products in the kit include:

• BioCleanse (10ml) Specifically designed for dry, sensitive or fragile skin, the low foam formula is free from artificial fragrance and colours, sodium laureth sulphate and parabens. Ideal for removing eye make up and non-waterproof mascara, the subtle fragrance derived from essential oils will not irritate sensitive skin.
• Vitamin B Serum (10ml) Niacinamide is highly effective at improving the resistance of the skin while reducing inflammation. Use once or twice daily (with Dermacalm if needed) prior to moisturising.
• Uberzinc (10ml) This Essential Daily Moisturiser is suitable for all skin types. In a light, natural base with added pure green tea, this broad-spectrum sun protection also neutralises free radicals.
• Dermacalm Anti-Redness Lotion (10ml) contains powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients Aloe Vera, Allatonin, Bisabolol and colloidal oatmeal. Combine with marine ingredient Phycosaccharide the lotion repairs damaged skin cells as it stimulates epidermal stem cells.

Not sure what skincare products will suit your skin? Our highly trained and experienced Skin Therapists can advise and tailor a skin care regime to suit your specific skin type. Book your skin consultation by calling us on 1300 863 824.

Get the best non-surgical skin tightening treatment in Melbourne

Want to refresh and tighten your skin without ‘going under the knife’? Tightening and lifting your skin without surgery is possible with Ulthera. This non-surgical skin tightening treatment can tighten and lift your skin, improve skin texture and tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

If you’re considering Ulthera skin tightening treatment it’s important to note:

• It won’t treat scarring concerns on you face
• There is no downtime required
• You’ll be able to wear make up immediately after this non-surgical skin treatment
• There is no preparation needed for this treatment

Book your consultation here or by calling us on 1300 863 824