When it comes to ageing well, non-invasive aesthetic treatments are gaining a lot of interest and, done well, are no longer about noticeably changing your face but freshening it up. The aim is not a fake look, rather one that communicates good health and enough sleep. For those for whom it’s a hard no to needles? A quick, effective treatment offering a payoff far beyond the reach of skincare alone is Ultherapy. One of the most popular treatments in Irish skin clinics and a celebrity favourite, Ultherapy works naturally, stimulating a mega boost of your own collagen production. Having read many great reviews and seen impressive patient results, I was only too delighted when the opportunity arose to have the treatment myself in the Dr Mulrooney Clinic Dublin.
Firstly, what is Ultherapy? Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that lifts the neck, chin, and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest, naturally. Using ultrasound energy to jumpstart the regenerative process within the skin that produces fresh, new collagen and elastin, this scientifically proven treatment dramatically improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles giving a visibly lifted, younger, fresher looking appearance. Unlike other technologies, Ultherapy bypasses the surface of the skin to deliver the perfect amount of ultrasound energy to the place where it will benefit you most, at the right depths and the right temperature, for natural-looking results that improve over time.
Ultherapy Treatment – what’s involved?
The actual treatment involves the application of ultrasound gel to the skin. Ultrasound imaging is then used to see deep within the skin so the practitioner can visualise exactly where they are treating within the skin which makes the treatment so unique and totally customised to each and every patient, patients can opt for a natural looking brow lift, a more defined jawline or perhaps wrinkles on the décolletage is their concern. Once the areas to be treated are decided, the energy is then applied beneath the skin’s surface using a hand-held applicator. During the treatment delivery, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited to precise depths, indicating that the collagen-building process has been initiated. I had the treatment performed on my face and neck, paying particular attention to my jawline, brow, and eye area. Treatment time took about two hours, and this included a detailed consultation and photographs, During the consultation we discussed what my requirements were and the results I was hoping to achieve in order to decide on a treatment plan that was right for me. The length of your treatment will depend on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan. From start to finish, my experience at the Dr Mulrooney Clinic was informative and professional.
Did you experience any discomfort? Is there any downtime?
I was extremely comfortable throughout the treatment. There was minimal discomfort when the ultrasound was delivered to certain areas of my face, but it was completely tolerable and definitely worth it! When you go to a Doctor led practice, they can advise and administer pain relief to manage any discomfort prior to treatment. Everybody will have different sensitivities to the heat, but your practitioner will advise you on how best to manage. If present, any post procedure discomfort (such as tenderness or bruising) typically resolves within two hours to two days. I had a little tenderness along the orbital bone and on my neck, jawline, but this was short-lived. As for downtime, there is little or no downtime, I was able to go about my business for the rest of the day and enjoy some time with my family in Dublin.
When will you see results and how long will they last?
The proven results are clear, appearing over two to three months post treatment, as the growth of new collagen and elastin work to lift skin on the neck, chin, and brow—as well as smooth skin on the upper chest. Results may improve over the following three to six months and can last a year or more (results vary with individuals). This picture is me three months after treatment, while the lighting is different, the improvement in the jaw and neck area, along with the crow’s feet is remarkable. The skin around my jawline has become tighter and looks more lifted and the lines on my neck and around my eyes are smoother. I’m looking forward to seeing how the results continue to improve over time.
Ultherapy has been appointed as the Gold Standard treatment for non-surgical lifting and tightening by a panel of experts and is great for areas where skin is thin, delicate and/or has gone quite lax; possibly best for those in their mid-forties and beyond. So, if you are looking for a non-invasive treatment, one where you still look like you – just fresher, smoother, and more lifted, then look to Ultherapy. Based on my own experience, I would highly recommend Ultherapy, it’s such a great option for those like me who are wanting to achieve naturally lifted results, but are not quite ready to go for more ‘extreme’ treatments. I’m delighted with the improvements thus far; I still look like myself, just a more refreshed version! For more information about Ultherapy and to find an Irish clinic visit www.ultherapy.co.uk. Prices may vary depending on the area being treated.
All details of my facial treatments and skincare consultations visit www.shernamalone.ie. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @shernamalone.ie
