As the subject of cosmetic surgery is becoming less taboo by the day, it’s not a surprise that more than 17 million Americans chose to undergo one or more plastic surgery procedures in 2016 alone. With the advances in technology constantly evolving, the landscape of non-invasive cosmetic procedures is also changing and growing. One of the most sought-after treatments available is nonsurgical skin tightening, with nearly half a million people enjoying smoother, more youthful skin without going under the knife.
One such skin-tightening treatment that is rising in popularity is Ultherapy®, a procedure that uses ultrasound technology to lift and tighten loose or sagging skin on your neck. FDA approved to treat your jawline and neck, Ultherapy® can also be used to raise your browline and smooth aging skin on your decolletage as well. If you’ve begun to notice that your jawline is softer and less defined than it used to be, or that you’ve got the beginnings of the dreaded “turkey wattle,” Ultherapy® may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
How Does Ultherapy® Work?
Ultherapy® is designed to stimulate your skin’s natural production of collagen. Collagen is an essential protein whose primary purpose is to keep your skin supple and smooth. As you age, not only is there a decrease in collagen production in your body, but your skin’s existing collagen begins to break down and deteriorate, leaving you with ever-increasing lines and wrinkles etched into your face and neck, as well as volume loss and drooping skin.
Ultherapy® works to deliver focused energy deep into your skin’s foundational layer – a layer that is usually only reachable with surgery. The treatment triggers a regenerative response, boosting the growth of new, healthy collagen in your skin at its core level, and naturally tightening and smoothing your neck. This entire process is completed without incisions or damage to the surface of your skin, or any of the tissue in the surrounding area. Ultherapy® uses an applicator that is calibrated to deliver the precise amount of energy at the exact temperature necessary to stimulate new collagen growth and get you on the way to a refreshed, beautiful neck.
Am I a Candidate for Ultherapy®?
The best candidates for Ultherapy® are people who are in their mid-thirties or older, and are showing mild to moderate signs of aging on their neck, including:
- Skin that looks and feels less firm
- Sagging under your chin
- Loose skin and wrinkles on your neck
Other factors that may make you a good Ultherapy®candidate include:
- If you want to refresh the appearance of your neck, but aren’t ready for surgery
- If you are a younger patient who wants to proactively treat minor wrinkles or sagging
- If you’ve had previous cosmetic surgery and are looking to enhance your results
It is important that you remember that Ultherapy® does not have the same effects as a surgical neck lift, so realistic expectations for your results are essential. If you are considering Ultherapy®, first, you will come in for a consultation with Dr. Verbin. He will examine your neck and discuss your concerns and desired results. He can also show you a 3D simulation of your projected results, so that you can get a better understanding of how Ultherapy® can benefit you.
Benefits of Ultherapy®
Your Ultherapy® treatment will usually take up to an hour, and some of the major benefits include:
- A completely non-invasive, virtually painless experience
- No downtime required for recovery, and little to no side effects
- Results that both look and feel natural
After your Ultherapy® procedure, you are free to return to your daily activities immediately. There are very few side effects, if any, though some patients may experience some minor redness, swelling, tingling or tenderness, but these symptoms are temporary and resolve quickly on their own.
You may see a bit of immediate skin tightening right after your treatment, but the most dramatic results usually take around two to three months to appear, as it takes time for your body to naturally generate healthy new collagen.
If you are looking for a nonsurgical method to address the sagging, wrinkled skin on your neck that makes you appear older than you are, Ultherapy® may give you that refreshed and rejuvenated look you desire. Call South Bay Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery today at 310-539-6500 to schedule a consultation.
