ULTHERAPY: NON-INVASIVE SKIN TIGHTENING As you may have seen in the news last October, Christie Brinkley came forward to People Magazine about her experience with two anti-aging procedures: Ultherapy and Xeomin. While this news may have come as a shock to most people, for me, I was relieved! For years Brinkley, 63, has claimed her anti-aging secrets include a strict vegetarian diet, an intense fitness schedule, and an over-the-top skin care regimen with the occasional filler and laser treatment. I always thought there might be more to the story and I praise her for her honesty. I personally underwent Ultherapy for the first time almost three weeks ago on my crow’s-feet and under my eyes. For years I have battled fine lines under my eyes and they have always bothered me. I have almost tried every noninvasive procedure (except filler) and I am not interested going under the knife at this point. To be clear, I receive regular Botox treatments, I have consistently used of top-of-the-line eye creams and gels since I was 19, I have had Microneedling with PRP, and I also had PRP injections under my eyes last July. I still have fine lines under my eyes. I realize we are all our own worst critics, but everyone’s got their “thing” and my under-eye lines bother me. I am 33 years old now and I know those lines are just going to get worse, so I opted to try Ultherapy, to see what Christie Brinkley has been raving about. And, let’s be honest. I am working for a top-ranked medical spa, there’s no excuse not to try everything, right!? Before I get into my experience with Ultherapy at Beleza, let’s break down the basics of the procedure so everyone is on the same page. WHAT IS ULTHERAPY? Ultherapy is a non-invasive / nonsurgical procedure using ultrasound technology to lift the brows and mid-face and tighten the neck and area under the chin. It also can treat fine lines and wrinkles in the décolletage area. What I like about this innovative technology is that it uses your body’s own regenerative response to gently and gradually lift skin and smooth lines and wrinkles. It is also the only non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA to actually lift skin — who knew!? HOW DOES ULTHERAPY WORK? Ultherapy uses ultrasound imaging to pass energy through the superficial layers of the skin to target the deeper, core area where collagen production occurs. What is great about Ultherapy being the only cosmetic procedure to use ultrasound imaging is that it allows your provider to see the layers of tissue being targeted to ensure the energy is distributed where it will be most beneficial. During the procedure, your tissue will undergo what is called “neocollagenesis,” which is the increased production of new collagen. Over time, this increase produces a noticeably rejuvenated, uplifted look, which is exactly what you want to happen! DOES ULTHERAPY HURT? This is a hard question to answer. To be perfectly honest, yes, there were parts that were uncomfortable, but looking back at my procedure, it really was not bad at all! To be effective, Ultherapy must heat the deeper layer of tissues under your skin, so it will definitely cause some discomfort in particular areas. For a regular treatment, the provider will typically do two passes over the treatment area, each at a different transducer lever. At an additional charge, you can opt for a third pass over the area, which is what I decided to do since I wanted the best treatment I could get. In a nutshell: The first pass was a cakewalk, the second pass started to get uncomfortable (not unbearable), and by the third pass when my tissues were extremely heated, I definitely felt discomfort, but it was over before I knew it. That said, I would do it again in a heartbeat and truly do not think there is anyone in the world who could not handle this procedure. The good thing is that the discomfort only lasts for a second and then it’s over. ULTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS After my Ultherapy treatment, I had some redness and mild swelling under my eyes and on my crow’s-feet that lasted only a few hours or so. I actually liked the swelling because it made my cheek bones pop and I even had two people ask me if I had gotten Voluma that day! The following week I noticed I was sensitive under the skin where we did the procedure. Nothing intolerable at all, but definitely noticeable when I would apply my products and sunscreen. Other than that, no side effects or downtime whatsoever. CHRISTIE BRINKLEY AND ULTHERAPY What I love about Christie Brinkley coming forward as the spokeswoman for Ultherapy is that her goal was “never to look different,” says the model to People Magazine. Ultherapy uses your body’s own ability to regenerate collagen, so there is nothing artificial about it. Brinkley tells People Magazine, “But I’m almost 64. At a certain point, you might need a little something extra. When I look in the mirror, I want to feel like I look as good as I feel. And if you can have something done to feel more confident and better about yourself,…
