Lifting Without Surgery

The "Holy Grail" of facial cosmetic surgery would be a procedure that could lift and tighten the face, neck and brow without a single incision or any visible signs on the skin that something was done.  We desire a procedure that could be done in the office without ANY time off from work ("down-time") and would give real meaningful results.

Over the decades, we have edged closer to this lofty goal with the use of injectable fillers like Restylane and Juvederm, neuromuscular modulators like Botox and Dysport and laser procedures to tighten the skin.  Although these accomplish some of the goals we seek, they all fall short on some level.

So-called "minimally invasive" surgical procedures have also been developed.  These have given shorter recovery times with very nice results (when done properly) but still involve incisions and down time.

In order to stay current with the desires of my patient population, I have continually researched new technology that can bring meaningful improvement without the down time and surgical incisions.  I continually seek something for those with active lives or who still work full-time that does not interrupt their busy schedule.

Last year, I was fortunate to be among only a few doctors selected to begin using a revolutionary technology that is the closest to the "Holy Grail" - the Ulthera System.  This technology uses ultrasonic energy similar to that used to break up kidney stones in lithotrypsy or in ultrasonic dental cleaning devices.  This energy can be focused in a way that it can travel through the outer layers of the skin without causing harm while delivering high amounts of very focused energy to the tissue below.

In fact, studies have now proven that the layer treated with the Ulthera System is actually the same layer I surgically lift for face, neck and brow lifts.  By delivering this energy to that layer, a controlled process of tightening and collagen building takes place.  This leads to a lifting and firming procedure that truly has NO DOWN TIME.

I have seen it for myself in my own patients and family members!  A single treatment is usually all that is necessary to get visible results.  Because of the energy that is delivered below the skin, this procedure does require some medication for pain, but no visible external marks are made.  In fact, my patients can return to work or their daily activities the very next day without restriction or need for concealer of any type.  Actually, my patients can go back to work the same day but for the fact that most of them elect to take a sedative or pain pill before the procedure.

With this, I have seen patients with mild or moderate brow droop, neck sag or cheek jowling get the kind of results that would normally require surgery.  In most cases, I prefer to combine this procedure with Facial Fat Transfer to get an even more dramatic improvement in both facial volume and laxity.  Although Facial Fat Transfer is still a surgery involving a few small incisions, it is still very minimal and gives life-long benefit.

Surgery of all types still has its place for facial rejuvenation.  We are not at the point where technology can replace all surgery.  Still, the Ulthera System eliminates the need for surgery in many patients - even moreso when combined with Facial Fat Transfer.  For those patients who feel it may be too soon, too much or too difficult to undergo surgery, the Ulthera Treatment with or without Facial Fat Transfer offers the most ideal treatment to get results while minimizing (or even eliminating) down-time. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Ulthera System or Facial Fat Transfer, Contact Us to arrange a consultation.  I can go over in more detail the Ulthera Treatment as well as related procedures that may best benefit you.  The treatments can be focused on specific areas of the face, or the best value is in treating the full face and neck.  During your consultation, we will go over what would best meet your needs and what you can expect.