As we age, our skin loses its firmness, and wrinkles begin to develop. People concerned about looking older than they feel but who aren’t ready—or don’t want—plastic surgery, have nonsurgical options. Dermal fillers and Ultherapy are 2 treatments offered at our Eugene, Oregon, plastic surgery practice that minimize the signs of aging.
Combining fillers with Ultherapy can produce comprehensive facial rejuvenation results without surgery that address specific concerns associated with facial aging. Both fillers and Ultherapy were named in 2018 by New Beauty magazine as 2 of the best in-office treatments that get results. In this blog post, I compare the benefits of the 2 treatments and why they’re so effective when used together.
Skin Tightening
Ultherapy
If reduced skin elasticity is your primary concern, Ultherapy is an excellent treatment option. This non-invasive treatment uses ultrasound energy to heat collagen below the skin’s surface. The heat breaks down the collagen and stimulates the body’s natural healing response, which produces new collagen. The result is firmer, tighter skin that looks more youthful.
Fillers
Injectable fillers such as the JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® product families don’t tighten skin. They are used to replace volume that’s lost as part of the aging process. When used to treat hollowed-out areas of the face, such as under the eyes or in the cheeks, the results can appear to create tighter skin.
Minimizing Wrinkles
Ultherapy
Because Ultherapy tightens the skin, it can reduce some wrinkles. But because it does not add volume to the skin, it is not as successful on its own for reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by volume loss.
Fillers
For patients primarily concerned about fine lines and wrinkles—especially deep expression lines—fillers are the treatment of choice. Laugh lines around the mouth and nasolabial folds that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth are among the most common treatment areas for fillers.
Treatment Differences
Ultherapy
An Ultherapy procedure takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on which areas are being treated. There is no downtime following the treatment, and while there may be some slight discomfort during the procedure or bruising afterward, this is temporary and does not last long. Results appear gradually over the course of 3 to 6 months following the treatment, and patients generally require 2 to 3 treatments to get the optimal outcome. Ultherapy results last longer than fillers, and patients only need to come in for treatments every 9 to 12 months. You can see results for yourself by visiting our gallery of before-and-after photos featuring Dr. Jewell’s patients.
Fillers
The results of a filler treatment can be seen immediately after the treatment. The skin appears plumper and smoother with fewer noticeable fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on which type of filler is performed, the results can last between 6 months and 2 years. To maintain the results of fillers, you will only have to come in for treatments once or twice a year.
Combining Ultherapy with fillers can reduce the amount of filler a patient needs to get the desired results. The best way to learn if you’re a good candidate for these facial rejuvenation treatments is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jewell by using the online form or calling us directly at (541) 683-3238.
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