Ultrasonic Face Lifts - How It Works

Non-invasive acoustic energy is focused on a single relevant tissue plane. Combining ultrasound imaging with ultrasound therapy, the device targets the deeper support structures of the facial skin. Treatment energy is emitted from a concave transducer and is focused at a precise depth, allowing it to pass through the skin without disrupting it. This system has phenomenal potential. The ability to see the tissue layers and adjust treatment depth allows Dr. Cole to treat individual patients effectively, independent of their skin colour, skin thickness, or variations in facial structure. There is no other technology available like this system!

Another unique feature of this device is its ability to achieve significant lifting. Unlike other non-surgicamodalities used today (such as lasers, Radiofrequency-Thermage/Accent, or infra-red light), ultrasonic heating targets the collage and elastin fibers of the fascial layer over the facial muscles deeper under the skin, to which the facial skin layers are attached and supported. Besides a surgical face-lift, no other modality can treat this layer.

Dr. Cole can image the treatment area during a procedure, then precisely control the deposition of energy. There is almost nothing in terms of downsides or visable post procedure effects, which is a significant plus.

Using a hand piece, a two-dimensional real time high resolution ultrasonic image of the layers of the skin, fat, muscle and bony structures on your face or neck can be scanned to a depth of up to 8 millimeters. This image is then used to determine the ideal depth at which to deposit the ultrasonic energy. This gives Dr. Cole complete confidence in knowing exactly where the energy should be applied, and where the thermal injury that stimulates the collagen remodeling and tightening will occur within the tissue. This represents an unparalleled level of precision.

Using interchangeable transducers which are chosen by Dr. Cole based on the desired level of thermal effect, he applies the treatment energy in linear rows into the tissue at the treatment site, causing thermal injury to lift and tighten the fibro-muscular layer underneath the skin. During traditional face lift surgery, electro-cautery to the fibro-muscular layer causes it to shrink. This ultrasonic system accomplishes this non-invasively, giving some immediate skin tightening that improves at 60 and 90 days, taking the skin to new level of non-surgical lifting and tightening.

A full face procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes, as Dr. Cole systematically images and treats each facial region.There is virtually no downtime with ultrasonic skin lifting. There is occasional pinkness, lasting perhaps a couple of hours, but patients can resume normal activity immediately after treatment. No anesthetic or cooling is required. Treatment is very well tolerated.

This deep treating modality is a natural complement to lasers, dermal fillers, and Botox, for an even greater overall improvement.

There is clinically observable brow lifting in 86% of patients. Significant skin tightening is also observable in the neck and jaw-line (jowls), and around the sides of eyes. It also has potential for many other areas where skin tightening is desirable such as the upper arms, buttocks, abdomen, and the back of hands. Protocols are presently being developed by medical researchers for the cleavage and upper chest (décolletage) areas in women, and the baggy areas under the eyes.

Dr. Cole uses this device for rejuvenation of the skin on the face, and neck, and follows this treatment with his other lasers to handle textural and pigment issues (brown spot/freckles). His red vessel laser can also be used to removereddish coloured vascular lesions if necessary. If the patient wishes, Botox as well as dermal injectable fillers (such as Teosyal, Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane) can be used to complete the aesthetic enhancements.

Botox and injectable fillers have made amazing improvements in his patients’ facial features. But for years Dr. Cole has been waiting for a skin lifting and tightening device to complement these treatments, that will actually make a significant permanent improvement in his patients. Finally that day has come.

This procedure is available for men and women who are looking to turn back the clock. However, some people wanting more dramatic results may desire a surgical face lift. Dr. Cole can help you with an appropriate referral to a plastic surgeon.

Ultrasonic face lifting is a brand new breakthrough, non-surgical method to counteract the effects of time and gravity—by tightening and lifting skin tissue, with more than twice the effectiveness and results of any other non-surgical process.

The beauty of ultrasonic therapy is that it is a 30-minute procedure that uses the body’s own subtle healing response to gently, gradually—and reliably—restore memory to the skin and its underlying tissue. Results have shown significant lifting of the brow line. Often, what appeared to be excess skin on the upper lids was actually hooding that was caused by adrooping brow. By simply raising the brow, patients have reported more “open” eyes and a rested, refreshed look overall. They also reported firmer, tighter, better-fitting skin.

There isn't a replacement for the dramatic effects of surgery, but finally there is a much more reliable and effective ultrasonic approach to non-invasive skin lifting.