Posted January 17, 2012 in Blog, Face Lift, Ulthera, Uncategorized
Recent Face/Neck Lift by Sarmela Sunder, MD
At Persky Sunder Plastic Surgery we want our patients to look good… even with the lights on, not just when they are dim or candle lit!
Ultherapy (Ulthera; Scottsdale, Arizona), the use of micro-focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin and muscles of the neck, face, and eye brows has proven to be a very effective facial and lax skin rejuvenation tool. Many of our recent patient consultations have involved determining who is a candidate for Ultherapy versus who would be better suited for surgical rejuvenation. In cases where face/neck lifting is indicated, we do not recommend Ultherapy, and in many cases must refuse patients who insist upon having the treatment despite our advice. The most important aspect of your Ultherapy consultation is to make sure that the treatment is indicated for you, is appropriate for your anatomy, and you have realistic expectations.
We would like to share our Ulthera experiencewith you. First of all, as many have found in the past, “Yes it works, and yes it hurts.” Using real time ultrasound imaging, we are able to accurately direct energy to the fibromuscular layer (SMAS) of the face and neck to affect subtle yet noticeable lifting and tightening, resulting in a more youthful appearance. The discomfort level involved is well controlled in our hands with cold air, and if needed local anesthesia (if patients have a ride home we can get even more creative). It usually takes about one hour to treat the face, neck, and eye brows.
We have treated patients ranging from their 30’s to their 80’s. The clinical response is dependent on neocollagenesis (new collagen production). Therefore, the younger and healthier the patient, the better response. About 90% of patients report excellent results, though it may take up to 2 to 6 months to appreciate the maximum effect. Most of our older patients (70’s, 80’s) have been past face/neck lift patients who were bothered by recurring skin laxity, but did not wish to undergo further surgery, anesthesia, downtime, and recovery. Ulthera works extremely well in these patients. Unexpectedly, many of our patients are reporting that their skin color and texture are improved in addition to improved skin tone. Some have even shared that oily skin has become much less oily after Ulthera.
We have found that men over sixty do not respond as well as other patients. Smoking and excessive drug or alcohol use adversely affect results. In the 10% of patients who do not respond well, we have found that touch up treatments have been effective.
Ulthera of Face, Neck, and Eye Brows with Restylane Under Eyes
One of the most frequently asked questions is, “How long does Ultherapy last?” Ulthera techology has been used for the past 2 1/2 years, but the current more aggressive protocols have only been used over the past 6 months. We usually answer this question with, “How fast do you age?” Everyone is different, but for the most part, as with actual surgical facelifting, patients will always look better than they would have if they had not had the procedure.
Ultherapy works synergistically with facial injectables such as Scuptra and Radiesse (One of our Beverly Hills colleagues, Babak Azzizadeh, MD has dubbed the combined treatment SCULPThera!) Some suspect that the heat from the ultrasound treatment may cause fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse to break down sooner. Therefore, we usually prefer to treat patients with Ultherapy before fillers, though many practitioners are reporting impressive results with simultaneous treatments. The use of neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin, strategically placed prior to Ultherapy is effective as well.
There are encouraging studies in progress showing Ultherapy’s effectiveness in treating underarm hyper-hydrosis (excessive sweating), the treatment of cleavage lines, decollete, loose skin of other parts of the body (arms, above knees, etc.).
At Persky-Sunder Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer our patients the best treatment suited for their individual needs. When we feel that Ultherapy will be beneficial, we will recommend the treatment. In those whom we feel are little “too long in the tooth” for Ultherapy to be worthwhile, we will recommend a natural surgical face or neck lift (see before and after photo at the top left of this entry). After all, “Seeing is Believing” at Persky Sunder Plastic Surgery (https://www.drpersky.com/the-best-neck-lift-seeing-is-believing-sarmela-sunder-md/) . Be well!
To see more Ultherapy results go to http://bcove.me/9tvmkcuk
Dr Michael Persky and Dr. Sarmela Sunder are located in Encino, California and Beverly Hills, California (The Lasky Clinic) but service all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Including, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and more. Please subscribe to our blog by clicking the link above, right. Thank you!
