Fine lines, wrinkles, and facial sagging are visible signs of aging that many men and women seek to hide or correct. In the past, there were only two options for facial correction: permanent, invasive facelifts or temporary, non-surgical fillers. These left many patients with procedures that didn’t meet all of their wants and needs. However, modern technology has created a new spectrum of facial correction. In the middle of this spectrum is Ultherapy®, which combines the best benefits of surgical facelifts and non-surgical treatments without the drawbacks.
What Is Ultherapy®
Ultherapy® is an energy based treatment unlike many others on the market. While other technologies that correct surface wrinkles affect the outer layers of the skin, Ultherapy® works in the deep tissues for long-term results. It uses concentrated ultrasound energy to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the deep tissues. Over time, this new tissue production tightens sagging skin and smooths wrinkles.
Ultherapy® vs. Facelift Surgery
Traditionally, patients who sought to correct sagging facial skin would have to undergo invasive surgical facelifts. These procedures trimmed away sagging skin, tightened the muscles, and required long recovery periods. Patients who don’t have sagging caused by muscle drooping often don’t want to undergo an invasive procedure. Ultherapy®, on the other hand, provides patients with extensive skin tightening without making a single incision in the skin. There is minimal to no downtime, and the results rival those of a facelift.
Ultherapy® vs. Facial Fillers
Patients often choose facial fillers because these treatments don’t require incisions or extensive recovery periods. In many cases, fillers can restore volume loss in a way that facelift surgery cannot. Filler treatments are customized to provide correction to each patient’s trouble areas. However, the results of facial fillers are often short-lived; routine treatments will be needed to maintain the results you desire.
Ultherapy® has all the same benefits as facial fillers; it’s a non-surgical treatment with no recovery period, and it can help restore lost facial volume. However, Ultherapy® is designed to stimulate collagen production for long-lasting results. Once you have completed a series of Ultherapy® treatments, your results will last for years.
Ultherapy® Candidates
While Ultherapy® can provide correction for many individuals, not every patient is a candidate for treatment. You should be in good health, and your facial sagging should be the result of sagging facial skin, not facial muscles. Patients with muscle sagging would be better suited for a facelift to provide them with the more extensive correction they need. A consultation with the doctors of Southwest Plastic Surgery will help you decide which treatment would be best for you.
Schedule your consultation today by contacting us at (915) 590-7900, or fill out our online contact form for additional information.
*Photos courtesy of Ultherapy®
