The skin just below the neck can reveal a woman’s age just as easily as her hands can. Cleavage wrinkles are deep, vertical creases caused by hours spent sleeping on one’s side. The lines can develop from the use of sports and push-up bras, which squeeze the breasts together and are often worn for hours on end.
Once the collagen in the skin breaks down from age and sun exposure, those wrinkles tend to deepen. And thanks to gravity, the generously endowed — whether naturally or surgically — unfortunately tend to be more afflicted. Luckily, there is now a solution to chest wrinkles! Natural Image OC is pleased to announce that as of June 20, 2014, the new Ultherapy® Décolletage Treatment received FDA-clearance to non-invasively treat the chest to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolleté. So to prepare for the Natural Image OC office launch of the new treatment (date will be announced shortly), I’d like to take the time to explain what it is and how it can benefit you.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy® is a non-surgical ultrasound procedure to lift and tighten loose skin without any downtime. It utilizes the Ulthera® System, which is cleared by the FDA for use as a non-invasive treatment to lift skin on the neck, on the brow, under the chin, and most recently, the chest. Ultherapy® is the only non-invasive treatment that can specifically target the deep foundation below, without cutting the surface of the skin. It is also the only aesthetic procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners, such as myself, to actually see the deep layers of tissue treated during the procedure and ensure the energy is delivered where it will be most effective.
The skin’s response to the Ultherapy® treatment is to strengthen existing collagen and stimulate the growth of fresh, new collagen. This results in a gradual tightening and firming effect and a natural lift of the skin over time.
Can Ultherapy be combined with other treatments?
When Ultherapy® is combined with Sculptra they can certainly complement each other, and a patient often sees amazing results. Sculptra is a “collagen stimulant” which is used to replenish volume. It is injected in a series of treatments (typically 3) and takes around 15-20 minutes for the procedure. The results show in about 6 weeks, the body is creating the collagen. It has been FDA-approved since 2004.
Sculptra provides a patient with gradual, long-lasting, more natural results. To avoid discomfort, patients should wait to get Ultherapy® treatments a minimum of three months (the longer the better) after receiving Sculptra. I would recommend treating with Ultherapy® first and Sculptra soon after, so that the treatment period can be shortened.
What are the key benefits of the Ultherapy® Décolletage Treatment?
- It’s non-invasive
- There’s no downtime
- It takes just 30 minutes
- It’s a safe ultrasound treatment
- It improves lines and wrinkles on the chest
- It stimulates the body’s natural collagen production
What sort of results are expected?
Some patients will see an initial effect right after their treatment, but the real results are visible after about three months as new collagen builds smooth skin on the chest. Most patients enjoy fresh, young collagen for at least a year after their procedure. As skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments can help keep up with the natural aging process.
When will the Ultherapy® Décolletage Treatment be available?
The Ultherapy® Décolletage Treatment will be available in more than 1,500 physician practices across the U.S., including Natural Image OC, starting the third quarter of 2014.
For more information on Ultherapy, contact our office.