How it works
First your face will be photographed then your doctor will give you a tranquiliser to manage the pain. The ultrasound energy penetrates the upper skin layers, entering deep into the facial muscles’ underlying connective tissue, heating the area. The cells contract, which causes a lifting effect. (The sound waves target the same tissue that is tightened in traditional anti-ageing treatments.) By using ultrasonic imaging, your doctor can see exactly where the muscular layers are, and where the soft tissue begins, so he knows how deep the ultrasound waves need to penetrate your skin. This increases the safety of the process. Afterwards, you’ll experience skin tightness and minor swelling. Some patients bruise a little, but this can be concealed with foundation. In the following months the collagen cells in the deep skin layers are stimulated to produce healthy new collagen, giving the skin renewed elasticity and a visibly more youthful look. There will also be an improvement in your skin texture: enlarged pores will appear less prominent and your skin will start feeling smoother and fresher. You can expect to look up to 10 - 15 years younger and the results to last for up to five years. A healthy lifestyle plays a major role in the longevity of any anti-ageing treatment programme. • Ulthera therapy is available from Laserderm clinics across the country. Go to www.laserderm.co.za
What it costs ╚ ╚ ╚ ╚
Full face and neck: R26 000 Lower half of the face: R16 000 Neck: R8 600 Lower half of the face, plus jaw and neck: R23 000
Scalpel-free anti-ageing
by ElSA KrügEr
March 2013 IDEAS 67