Non-surgical lifting

Author: Dr. Oreste Di Mattei Di Matteo

date: 20/01/2020

Non-surgical lifting
represents the new frontier of aesthetic medicine, as non-surgical treatments are the most requested, both for the face and for the body.

Non-surgical lifting: when is it time for a lift?
as we get older, we experience sagging of the skin linked to the loss of elasticity in the muscles and subcutaneous ligaments

Collagen is present in the structure of the skin which gives it its tone and elasticity. 
Collagen decreases over time and causes the skin to relax.

Non-surgical lifting is one of the alternatives to surgical lifting. Non-surgical techniques for sagging skin are numerous.

Among the most used treatments, are:

The Laser Lift which is performed by applying a powerful beam of light on to the area to be treated.
Thanks to the laser, the doctor can eliminate the superficial layer of damaged skin cells to get rid of:

  • wrinkles
  • sunspots
  • acne scars
  • other imperfections

The laser energy can also stimulate the production of collagen. However, this treatment can not eliminate excess skin or reduce excess sagging skin.

Lifting with injectable solutions

Using a combination of injectable skin treatments, an experienced doctor is able to create a personalised treatment plan to meet the patient's individual needs.  
Among the most commonly used substances in this type of treatment, are: Dermal fillers, which are substances that can soften the deepest lines and wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin, which is a treatment based on a small dose of botulinum toxin, blocking nerve impulses and muscle contractions that cause wrinkles.
Again, however, these treatments cannot remove sagging skin or act on the deep muscular layer.

Thread lifts

The new generation of bio-stimulating threads is hugely successful as it is a non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment. The combination of bio-stimulating and traction threads can help the biological rejuvenation and bio-stimulation of skin tissues, thanks to the mechanical action and natural synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Microcurrent facelifts

As with ultrasound and radiofrequency, microcurrent treatments use electrical stimulation to firm the skin, increase blood flow and stimulate the production of collagen.

Radiofrequency

Using radiofrequency waves, the doctor can firm the skin and trigger the natural production of collagen fibres in the deeper layers.  Although this treatment firms and tones the skin (even reducing wrinkles), it does not remove excess skin.

Non-surgical lifting with micro-focused ultrasound

Non-surgical lifting with micro-focused ultrasound allows for direct action against skin sagging, especially on the face.
The FDA has approved new technology for micro-focused ultrasound facelifts.

Those choosing non-surgical facelifts with Micro-focused Ultrasound

Non-surgical lifting and non-surgical techniques in general are aimed at those individuals (suitable for an age group between 35 and 70 years old) who are worried about the idea of surgery. In this way, patients who do not want to undergo surgery can thus improve the skin of the face, neck and décolleté area.

Non-surgical lifting with Microfocused Ultrasound: the method

The procedure is simple and involves standard ultrasound waves with the emission of ultrasound beams at a very precise depth set by the doctor.

The treatment is safe thanks to constant ultrasound monitoring that allows for the ultrasound to be channelled precisely where it is needed. This allows for the recognition of local vessels or bone structures, minimising possible side effects.
The ultrasonic beams are thus conveyed by specific transducers, reaching the same tissue depth as that reached by the traditional surgical lifts.

The action of the micro-focused ultrasound starts the process of neocollagenesis, which is the production of collagen by fibroblasts, collagen which over time will cause a gradual and natural lifting effect.

Contraindications of Non-Surgical Lifting with Micro-focused Ultrasound

Research carried out on this method does not reveal any particular contraindications.
You should always inform your doctor if the following conditions exist:

  • pregnancy: Treatment should not be performed on pregnant patients; in case of doubt, specific investigations must completed.
  • Medications. Any pharmacotherapy should be reported
  • homeopathic and phytotherapeutic treatments and possible allergies to antibiotics and drugs in general should be reported.
  • Infections Any type of viral infection (herpes) should be reported
  • products for acne, creams with alpha hydroxy acids or retinoic acid
  • increased sensitivity to sunlight
  • recent chemical peels or dermabrasions

Non-surgical lifting with Micro-focused Ultrasound: before and after

Before the session it is essential for the doctor to visit the patient, to select the most appropriate treatment together and to fill in the medical record.
The device that radiates the beam of micro-focused ultrasound has a monitor on which the ultrasound image of the area to be treated is processed.
This allows for the recognition of local vessels or bone structures and therefore limits the side effects to a minimum.
A session of a non-surgical lift with micro-focused ultrasound varies from 30 to 75 minutes, depending on the chosen areas to be treated.
During a non-surgical lift with micro-focused ultrasound, the energy released by the transducers triggers the formation of new collagen providing a lifting effect over time.

  • The micro-focused ultrasound beams generate heat, which triggers the production of new collagen.
  • The mechanism of action varies from patient to patient.
  • The duration of treatment is equally variable from subject to subject.
  • this method should only be used by an experienced doctor

A lift with micro-focused ultrasound is also a treatment that has few complications. You can resume all activities without interrupting your daily routine.

Non-surgical lifting with Micro-focused Ultrasound: the side effects

The operative protocol of a non-surgical lift with micro-focused ultrasound when performed by expert hands reduces the risks.
As with lasers, focused ultrasound can also cause superficial skin burns that can take a few days or weeks to heal. Among the most common side effects, are:

  • A slight rash
  • slight swelling which tends to fade within a few hours up to about 48 hours.
  • Pain and discomfort (especially when treating eyebrows, but is tolerable and without significant issues).
  • scabs, blisters or superficial wounds that should be treated
  • burns
  • an increase in pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) This is rarely permanent
  • Hypopigmentation
  • Damage to the sensory nerves of the face, Facial nerve injuries, Damage to facial vessels, Damage to the parotid gland, Asymmetries and blemishes

Non-surgical lifting with Micro-focused Ultrasound: the results

The visible results include a lifting effect of the facial tissues and the firming of excess skin.

  • The results last for an average of 18 months
  • 1 single session should be enough to achieve the desired results

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