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There are numerous exciting new
applications of ultrasound therapy
in cosmetic surgery. Ultrasound
has been used for cosmetic purposes
since around the early 1980's.
Widespread therapeutic usage,
safety, precise control and excellent,
predictable results have made
ultrasound an important addition
to cosmetic surgery practices.
New and current uses of ultrasound
include facial and body skin rejuvenating
treatments, reduction of stretch
marks, treatment of contracture
and scar tissue such as around
breast implants, and the pre-
and post-operative treatment of
plastic surgery patients to accelerate
healing and recovery after procedures
such as face lifts, tummy tuck,
and liposuction. Ultrasound applied
over certain creams contributes
to greater effectiveness through
deeper and more thorough penetration
of the products.
The mechanisms of action of ultrasound
should be considered in terms
of four categories. First is the
thermal effect, which relates
to the heat generated into the
deeper tissues and especially
the collagen, and the benefits
derived from this. Second is the
mechanical effect, which relates
to the high-speed vibrations that
act on the tissue just like a
micro massage. Third is the cavitation
effect. This refers to the production
of countless microscopic droplets
of oxygen from the vibrational
process. Fourth are the biological
effects, which include blood vessel
dilatation, improved blood flow
and circulation, sonopheresis,
improved lymph flow, muscle relaxation,
reduced inflammation, and pain
relief.
Skin treatments are more effective
since deep cleansing, exfoliation
and moisturizing is improved.
This is achieved by high frequency
ultrasonic vibrations that penetrate
deep into pores and hair follicles
to break up old, dead cells, secretions
and oily blockages. Also, skin
metabolism is increased which
causes lymph flow to increased
which causes waste products to
be removed more rapidly and effectively.
The more waste products removed
the better penetration and absorption
of your skin care products. Deep
tissue micro massage improves
skin tone, softness and texture.
All combined these create younger
looking skin. Treatment sessions
take about 30-45 minutes and patients
report feeling immediate tightening
and softer, smoother skin. The
skin looks more supple and friends
will comment about your "healthy
glow".
Stretch marks, fine lines, and
sun-damaged skin are improved
through dermapheresis or sonopheresis.
These are the terms that have
been applied to the use of ultrasound
in stimulating deeper penetration
of products into the skin. To
achieve this even better, we bring
together the positive effects
of microdermabrasion, ultrasound
technology, and potent creams.
Microdermabrasion removes the
thickened and sun-damaged outer
layer of skin then ultrasound
application can deliver special
creams deeper into the lower layers
of the skin. In this way the ultimate
effects of the creams are much
more potent. Multiple treatments
are usually required and it is
safe for all skin colors and types.
The number and frequency of your
treatments depend on your skin
type and response to therapy.
Improvements are seen usually
by the fourth treatment.
Scar tissue and contracture is
improved tremendously with ultrasound.
Most believe this is due in large
part to the thermal effects of
ultrasound with the loosening,
stretching, and re-orientation
of collagen tissue. This has demonstrated
great effects in speeding the
healing and discoloration of firm
or bruised areas occasionally
seen after face lift, tummy tucks,
or liposuction. Patients with
breast implants and some hardening
have appreciated softening of
the implants and breasts. Treatments
sessions last 15-30 minutes and
involve application of the ultrasound
over the firm areas followed by
home stretching and massaging
exercises and special cream applications.
Six to twelve treatments provide
the best results with improvements
seen usually after four sessions.
Home exercises and massage preserve
the results.
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