The skin is our largest and most visible organ, so it’s no wonder that we often experience problems with it. In our youth, we might suffer from acne or chickenpox scars, or enlarged pores, and as we grow older, wrinkling and sagging skin become more of a problem. At Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA, we can help you get rid of these issues with collagen induction therapy, also called microneedling.

This process involves pricking your skin with microscopic needles and therefore stimulating the body’s healing response. It is a minimally invasive treatment that doesn’t require surgery or lengthy downtime. What’s more, there is little risk involved, so the vast majority of patients who come to the clinic are eligible. Let’s have a closer look at the benefits of the innovative treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Microneedling? 

Collagen induction therapy is one of the most exciting recent developments in medicine. This treatment stimulates the body’s own healing response, so it doesn’t require the use of chemicals. A pen-like device that contains tiny needles is applied to the treatment area, where it creates microscopic injuries in the skin. Although there isn’t any real damage, the body perceives a problem and therefore sends healing agents called platelets to the site.

Over time, the platelets release growth factors, which encourage your body to break down damaged tissue and produce new cells. As a result, you can expect your scars and wrinkles to disappear, your skin to become smoother, and your pores to shrink. In some cases, collagen induction therapy has even been used successfully on patients suffering from a condition called rosacea.

Reduces the Negative Signs of Aging 

Because our body stops producing large quantities of the structural proteins collagen and elastin, we begin to experience the negative effects of aging. These might include lax skin, wrinkles and fine lines, and an uneven skin texture. While the aging process is normal, it can be distressing and cause low self-confidence. If you’re worried about the deterioration of your facial features, you shouldn’t hesitate to speak to the providers at your local clinic.

They can examine your face to determine which areas should be treated with microscopic needles. Everyone’s facial features are unique, but patients often experience the most significant signs of aging around their mouth and nose and on their forehead. Because collagen induction therapy is so gentle, it can even be used on the delicate area on the outside of your eyes, where crow’s feet often appear.

Gets Rid of Acne and Chickenpox Scars

If you suffered from severe acne as a teenager, you’re not alone. Experts estimate that 75-95% of people experience some level of facial acne, although the condition is much more severe in some than others. Over time, most people can shake off the irritating condition, although it persists to middle age in around 3% of men and 12% of women. Unfortunately, acne frequently leaves behind small, round scars that can’t be removed without medical intervention.

Patients who suffered from chickenpox and those who got injured in an accident sometimes experience the same problem. With collagen induction therapy, you can encourage your body to rebuild your skin from scratch. The best part about this kind of microneedling treatment is that it is permanent. Once your scars have been removed, you don’t have to return to the clinic to have more sessions.

Shrinks Your Pores 

There are many reasons why people suffer from enlarged pores. Some simply produce too much sebum, which is the oily substance that protects the face, or their hair follicles are larger than other people’s. However, patients can also develop enlarged pores due to sun damage or the use of certain skincare products. Sometimes, pores become more sizable as people age.

Collagen induction therapy is a great solution for anyone who is worried about the appearance of their pores. For maximum effect, the treatment can be combined with other methods such as laser therapy.

Helps Your Body Absorb Topical Treatments 

As we grow older, our body doesn’t hydrate and nourish the skin as much as it used to. Therefore, many of us begin using cosmetic products like creams and ointments. Unfortunately, these don’t always penetrate the skin very well, so a large portion of the active ingredient is lost.

During collagen induction therapy, the microscopic needles create tiny openings in the skin. Therefore, any topical substance placed on the face during or after the session has a much higher chance of penetrating to the deeper layers of the face. At the clinic, we can offer you various serums that enhance the effects of your collagen induction session.

Gets Rid of Stretch Marks 

When most people think of stretch marks, they imagine women who have been pregnant. But pregnancy isn’t the only cause of this skin condition. In fact, 50-90% of women and countless men suffer from this issue. It can start as early as the teenage years, during which many people have rapid growth spurts that trigger stretch marks.

During adulthood, more people develop them as they become overweight or obese or they lift heavy weights that put stress on their tissues. If you’re self-conscious about your appearance because of your stretch marks, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your provider about treatment options. Collagen induction therapy could be the perfect solution for you.

Reduces Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that is more common in women but often more severe in men. People who suffer from it develop redness on their cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Sometimes, tiny broken blood vessels or red spots appear. Sufferers also experience a burning sensation when applying water or skincare products, dry skin, swelling, and thickened skin.

The condition may be more pronounced after exercise, eating spicy foods, or consuming caffeine and hot beverages, but some patients experience constant symptoms. While there is no known cure for this issue, collagen induction therapy can greatly reduce the redness and therefore allow patients to live a more normal life. What’s more, the overall appearance of the skin will be smoother, so the rosacea may be less noticeable than before.

Available to Almost Every Patient 

Many cosmetic treatments sound great on paper, but they aren’t available to the majority of patients. For example, you must be in excellent physical health and willing to take several weeks off work if you want to participate in plastic surgery. Microneedling is very different because it is gentle and doesn’t require an operation, a general anesthetic, or the use of harsh chemicals.

Since the treatment relies on your own body’s healing response, it is a great option for almost anyone. You should book an appointment with a specialist even if you have a minor or moderate health concern. However, it’s important to note that people with an active infection at the treatment site will need to wait until they have healed fully.

Very Limited Side Effects 

A collagen induction therapy session only takes 30-45 minutes, and most patients can go home and resume their regular activities almost straight away. They don’t suffer from side effects or pain like they would after an operation, which makes it much easier to schedule appointments. Since you won’t have to arrange your whole day around the session, you can book your appointment during a weekday and then go straight back to work.

Despite this, your provider will give you tips about how to maximize your results and prevent future damage. They will ask you to keep your treatment area away from direct sunlight for several days and to avoid strenuous exercise that could heat up the body too much. In some cases, they might suggest skincare products that can support the treatment.

Get Rid of Skin Conditions and the Signs of Aging Now 

Skin conditions like wrinkles, sagging, acne scars, and enlarged pores are some of the most common cosmetic problems people face. But fortunately, there are easy and minimally invasive treatments available at your local clinic, which can help you get your glowing, healthy skin back. Microneedling is a great option that is suitable for a wide range of patients, no matter their skin concerns.

This treatment stimulates the body’s own healing response by creating microscopic injuries in the tissue. It works well on its own but can also enhance the effects of common topical treatments. Because there are very few side effects, most patients don’t need to rest after their treatment, and they can resume their regular activities almost instantly. Call Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA to book your initial consultation now.

Are you concerned about your appearance due to a significant amount of volume loss? Do you hate how visible your veins are on the backs of your hands due to severe skin thinning? Do you have hollow cheeks that make you look chronically ill or older than you feel? If so, you may be considered a good candidate for Ultherapy at Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA.  

Ultherapy is an FDA-approved anti-aging treatment that has been used for years to improve self-esteem. It is usually used to improve the appearance of the cheeks. However, it can also be used to treat other areas experiencing collagen loss. For instance, this treatment can be used to improve the appearance of the backs of the hands, the chest, and the upper face. Here’s what you need to know about achieving your ideal results.

How Many Sessions of Ultherapy Do You Need? 

It is very rare for people to need more than one Ultherapy session to achieve their desired results. However, in those few cases, a second treatment session is required four to six weeks after the first session is complete. It is important that several weeks pass between treatment sessions because it can be between four and six weeks before the initial results become apparent.

It can take months for the final results to become apparent. However, once we see how your initial results are developing, we can determine whether a follow-up session is necessary. Keep in mind, there are both preparation and aftercare guidelines you will need to adhere to. If you have severe collagen loss, be ready to make sunscreen your new best friend.

How Long Will the Results of My Treatment Last? 

Individual results vary based on numerous factors, including lifestyle choices, skin health, overall health, and concern severity. However, four-fifths of people who get this treatment report that they are still satisfied with their results after 24 months. If you’re one of the 80% of people who remain satisfied with their results 24 months after their development, you may get another three years out of your results.

It is not unheard of for people to not need a follow-up session for 5.5 years after their first session. This is because it can take up to six months for the treatment to take full effect. To see your final results as quickly as possible, you will need to make sure that your skin has everything it needs to produce collagen. For instance, you need to ensure that you are hydrated and nourished adequately.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment? 

The only way to know for sure whether you are a good candidate for ultrasound-based treatment is to come in for an initial evaluation. This treatment is incredibly safe, in part, because it is non-invasive. We don’t have to make any incisions to manually manipulate your facial tissues. It is all done with the special ultrasound-based device and gel. The radio waves emitted by the device penetrate your outer skin layers, warming the foundational layer.

Nevertheless, despite its safety, your health history and current health need to be reviewed before a determination can be made regarding your candidacy. If you’re sick, or you’ve been sick recently, you will be disqualified from this treatment temporarily.

Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for This Treatment? 

You will be considered a poor Ultherapy candidate if your cosmetic concerns are caused by hyperactive muscles rather than collagen loss. There are a number of benefits of this treatment, but they are all derived from boosting collagen production in the treatment areas. If your cosmetic concerns cannot be corrected by collagen production increases, you will need alternative treatments to achieve your desired aesthetic.

You also will be considered a poor candidate for this treatment if your skin is irritated at the time of your appointment. If you show up to your appointment with irritated skin, your session will have to be rescheduled. For this reason, it is very important to wear sunscreen, limit time spent outdoors during the day, and mitigate the risk of acne outbreaks or viral infections prior to your session.

What Other Preparation Steps Will I Need To Adhere to? 

In addition to ensuring your skin is not irritated at the time of your appointment, it is very important that you ensure you are hydrated at the time of your treatment session. The more hydrated you are at the time of your appointment, the more effective your session will be. Also, the more hydrated you are after your treatment session, the faster your final results will become apparent.

Another crucial preparation step is refraining from consuming tobacco products. It is important to avoid consuming tobacco products because they elevate your blood pressure. This impedes circulation, meaning that your treatment won’t be as effective. Other preparation steps you should take include eating nutritiously and coming in with clean skin. If you are wearing cosmetics, like lotion, they will be removed prior to treatment.

How Much Time Will I Need To Take Off From Work? 

One of the most popular features of Ultherapy is that the ultrasound-based treatment does not require any downtime after treatment. As soon as your treatment session is complete, we will review your aftercare guidelines with you. Then, you are free to return to work. At most, you may need to request an hour off from work. This is because treatment sessions can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to complete.

If your supervisor won’t let you take a long lunch one day after coming in early or before leaving late, then you will need to use a bit of PTO. However, you will not need to take the rest of your work day off to recover from your treatment. Nevertheless, you may need to take time off from work after your treatment if your job requires strenuous physical activity. This is prohibited during the early stages of your recovery.

What Other Post-Treatment Guidelines Must I Follow? 

As a general rule of thumb, it is highly advisable to sleep on your back in the days following your treatment. We say this is a general rule, not a hard-and-fast rule, because your post-treatment sleeping requirements depend on what areas of your body were targeted for treatment. For example, if you get ultrasound-based therapy to tighten loose upper back skin, you should sleep on your stomach during your recovery.

This ensures that too much pressure is not applied to the treatment area. On the other hand, you will need to sleep on your back for several days if you target other areas for skin tightening and voluminization, like your abdomen, chest, or the tops of your thighs. Here are some other post-treatment guidelines you will need to follow.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for a rapid recovery, rapid results, and long-lasting results. Make sure that you are drinking enough that your urine is pale. Some people can accomplish optimal hydration by sipping on water, coffee, or tea throughout the day. However, if you notice that your urine is dark, you will need to make more of an effort to get hydrating fluids in.

Wash the Treatment Areas Gently

Another thing that sets ultrasound-based therapy apart from other anti-aging techniques is that it is safe to shower after the treatment is over. However, you should take care to shower in lukewarm water, rather than water that is very hot or cold. Also, make sure you use a gentle skin cleanser, applying it with your fingers in circular motions and patting the treatment areas dry gently.

The Best News
If your cosmetic concerns are mild or moderate in nature, you will only need one ultrasound-based therapy session. However, if your cosmetic concerns are severe in nature, you may need a second treatment session four to six weeks after your first session. The good news is that you can expect your ideal results to last for two to five years, regardless of how many sessions you need initially.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
To find out for sure whether ultrasound-based therapy is right for you, drop us a line today at Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA to schedule your initial Ultherapy consultation. Depending on your cosmetic goals, we may also recommend other cosmetic treatments to help you improve your self-confidence. Regardless of your concerns, we have a safe, effective solution for you and look forward to tailoring your unique treatment plan. 

There are many reasons why patients opt for dermal fillers. While some would like to get rid of wrinkles and skin folds, others are interested in adding volume to their cheeks or lips. Here at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA, we offer several types of Juvederm injectables that can restore the youthful texture and plumpness in our patients’ faces.

Generally, dermal fillers don’t require any downtime, and they offer excellent results that last for many months at a time. But the frequency of treatment depends on several factors, including the type of formula used, your current skin texture, and your lifestyle habits. Today, we’ll discuss how long you can expect your results to last, how you can make sure your features stay fresh, and what to expect at your appointment.

How Long Can You Expect Juvederm Results To Last? 

This brand doesn’t just offer one treatment. Instead, there are several gels that allow providers to customize results. Although every filler we offer at the clinic is of the highest quality, they don’t all last equally long. You can expect the results from a standard treatment to fade after around six to twelve months.

The popular lip treatment Volbella can also last for around one year, but if you choose Voluma, you might not need to come back to the clinic for two years. This gel, which is meant to restore volume to your cheeks, is thicker than the other options and makes use of cross-link technology. Therefore, its molecules break down much more slowly.

Standard Treatment 

Ultra and Ultra Plus are the most established and well-known dermal fillers we use at the clinic. Time and again, they have provided amazing results for our clients. While Ultra is meant for people with fine to moderate lines and wrinkles, Ultra Plus is thicker and can therefore address more severe skin problems and produce more dramatic results.

When you come to the clinic for your assessment, we can let you know which option allows you to achieve your esthetic goals. Both Ultra and Ultra Plus tend to last for around six to twelve months, so you’ll need to see us for treatment once or twice a year. In the meantime, you can enjoy smooth and firm skin without having to worry about constant maintenance.

Volbella

In recent years, several new injectables have emerged and been approved by the FDA, allowing practitioners around the country to produce more tailored results. Volbella is a fine gel that has been created specifically to increase the volume of the lips and address the fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. It is a great option for anyone who would like to concentrate on the lower half of the face.

Because this filler is newer, you can expect your results to last slightly longer. Most Volbella patients only come to see us once a year, especially if they keep their skin in good condition and stay out of direct sunlight.

Voluma 

When discussing the aging process, most people mention wrinkles, skin folds, or sagging skin. But there is another issue that can make you appear years older than you are: a loss of volume in the cheeks. One of the most innovative Juvederm treatments is called Voluma, and it was made specifically to treat people who have developed hollow cheeks and would like to regain a plumper and more youthful appearance.

Because this gel’s purpose is to add structure to your face, it is much thicker than the other options. What’s more, Voluma uses innovative cross-linking technology, which makes it break down much slower than other fillers. Most people who opt for this treatment don’t require another appointment in the 18-24 months after their first session.

How To Augment Your Results 

While the consistency of the gel we use affects your results, this isn’t the only factor. What you do in between your sessions also counts. In our experience, the patients who see the best results are those who maintain a healthy lifestyle. Most importantly, they stay out of direct sunlight to protect their face from damaging UV rays or, if that isn’t possible, they apply high-quality sunscreen.

Additionally, people who would like to prolong their results should always drink plenty of water and opt for a healthy diet that includes antioxidants, protein, and five or more pieces of fruit and vegetables per day. That way, they have a high chance of ingesting crucial vitamins and minerals that keep the body functioning well.

What To Expect at Your Appointment 

While dermal fillers can produce excellent results, this isn’t always the case. If you choose a provider who isn’t qualified, you might not achieve the desired look. Here at the clinic, we only work with highly experienced practitioners who can customize your injectables to your needs. Before allowing you to take part in treatment, they will ask you to come for an initial consultation, so they can discuss your esthetic concerns and your medical history.

At that time, you should explain why you would like to have injections, what other treatments you have tried in the past, and what your goals are. Then, your provider can come up with a treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns. They will let you know whether you need just one appointment or whether you could benefit from several sessions.

Your Session

Prior to your session, you should follow all your provider’s advice. For instance, you might need to stop taking blood-thinning supplements and medications. To minimize the risk of infection, wash your face before arriving and avoid putting on makeup. At the start of your session, your provider will numb your face and mark the injection sites. Because the gel already contains lidocaine, you shouldn’t feel any pain during your appointment.

Depending on the type of treatment you’ve chosen, you might receive 30-50 individual injections, each strategically placed for maximum effect. Once your practitioner is done, they will allow you to leave the clinic and resume your regular activities.

Recovering from Treatment 

Most people don’t need to rest after a Juvederm session, but if you’ve never had fillers before, you might want to avoid scheduling anything else after your appointment. That way, you can get used to the feeling of the gel under your skin. Within 24 hours, you can participate in almost all activities, but you should wait for several days before you do strenuous exercise, use a hot tub or sauna, or take a very hot shower.

Your provider might also ask you to avoid alcohol and caffeine for a day or two after treatment because it dries out your body. Since the active ingredient in the injectable is meant to hydrate your skin, the consumption of these substances could counteract the beneficial effects of your session.

Should I Get Dermal Fillers? 

Now you know more about dermal fillers, it’s time to decide whether this injectable is right for you. If you are worried about fine lines, wrinkles, skin folds, or a loss of volume in your face, you could benefit from injectables. Since this type of treatment is minimally invasive, almost everyone can take part. Your provider will go through your health history with you to make sure there are no complicating factors.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will need to delay booking your appointment. Similarly, anyone undergoing treatment for a serious condition like cancer or a respiratory illness might not be eligible, and those with active infections in the treatment area should wait until they have recovered. The best way to find out more is to call your local clinic and speak to an expert.

Restore Your Youthful Glow with Dermal Fillers 

Dermal fillers are great for a wide variety of patients because they are minimally invasive, offer individualized results, and can last for many months or even years at a time. The duration of your results depends on which type of injectable you choose and how well you take care of your body in between your sessions. If you lead a healthy lifestyle, there’s no reason why you can’t experience plump, wrinkle-free skin for six to twenty-four months.

Another key advantage of Juvederm is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time at home after your session. Instead, you can go back to your regular activities almost instantly. Get in touch with us today at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA to book an initial consultation with one of our caring providers. We will be more than happy to help you find the best dermal filler for your skin. 

There are many different devices that can address cosmetic concerns and help improve your appearance, but what if there was a device that could help you accomplish three goals during one single session? At Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA, we want to introduce you to a treatment called VelaShape, a multi-platform device that utilizes vacuum technology, radiofrequency energy, and infrared light to target and improve cellulite, fat, and loose skin.

What Is VelaShape?

VelaShape is a non-invasive cellulite treatment that can eliminate cellulite and also tighten the skin and treat stubborn fat cells. During the treatment, the anti-cellulite device will use radiofrequency energy, vacuum technology, and infrared light to heat the skin and deeper layers to increase collagen and elastin production to ultimately improve the appearance of cellulite by addressing it at the source.

How Does It Work?

During a treatment session, your technician will apply the device to your desired treatment area. As the vacuum technology gently suctions your skin into the treatment head, a combination of radiofrequency energy and infrared light will heat the layers of skin where cellulite forms, just below the skin’s surface, to stimulate a bodily response that will result in increased collagen and elastin.

What Areas Does It Treat?

This treatment isn’t limited to one body area but instead can target some of the most common areas where cellulite forms, including the arms, inner and outer thighs, abdomen, flanks, neck, chin, and other body areas. If you have a specific area that you would like to treat that isn’t listed, you can discuss it with one of our experts during your initial consultation to find out if this treatment can help you reach your aesthetic goals.

What Can I Expect From the Treatment Process?

Once you undergo this treatment, you can expect to see the best results within six sessions. While it does take time for the body to increase collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers of the skin to improve the appearance of cellulite, your body will respond to the treatment, and new collagen and elastin will form. You’ll see gradual results over time, as well as some immediate improvements in the appearance and health of your skin.

Is It Painful?

This treatment is completely painless. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a warm massage. You won’t need any numbing cream or pain medication to make it through the treatment because it won’t cause you any pain. All you have to do is show up at our office, ready to target and eliminate cellulite and experience all the benefits that come after completing the recommended number of treatments.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

You can expect to see visibly less cellulite after undergoing the recommended number of treatments. Most patients need a series of six treatments to achieve the best results. We’ll evaluate your problem areas in person during your consultation before creating a treatment plan that’s right for you.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

Once you undergo the recommended number of treatment sessions to target your specific areas of concern, you can expect to see some significant invisible improvements in the appearance of your cellulite. You’ll have noticeably smoother and healthier-looking skin that looks and feels tighter. Those dimples indicative of cellulite that resemble the texture of an orange peel will be much less visible.

This is due to an increase in collagen and elastin and the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment is designed to help strengthen the foundation of the skin and, in doing so, target cellulite at its source. With regular maintenance treatments, you can help maintain a smooth, tight, uniform skin texture that will help you feel more confident in swimsuits, regular clothing, and in everyday life.

What Are the Benefits?

VelaShape is a powerful, non-invasive treatment that is helping patients everywhere finally target that cellulite that has been keeping them from looking and feeling their best for years. If you’re tired of wasting time and money on ineffective cellulite products, at-home DIY treatments, or topical solutions that don’t deliver results, you are going to love VelaShape.

This treatment is effective, non-invasive, and will deliver results. It operates according to natural scientific principles. By increasing collagen and elastin production, it works by strengthening the structure of the skin, thereby reducing cellulite.

It’s Non-Invasive

This treatment is completely non-invasive. It doesn’t require any surgical techniques, incisions, or medications. Instead, it uses a non-invasive treatment device to effectively target and improve the appearance of cellulite, skin laxity, and general skin health.

It doesn’t require any injections or invasive techniques to target cellulite. All you have to do is lay back and relax as the technician performs the treatment that will help improve the appearance of your cellulite and your sense of confidence in your appearance.

It’s a Quick Treatment

If you don’t have a lot of extra time in your schedule to spend on cosmetic treatments but still want to undergo a treatment that delivers noticeable results, this is the perfect option. Not only is this treatment non-invasive, but appointment times are relatively quick. VelaShape treatments take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. If you want to treat multiple areas during your session, you’ll be able to do so, but treating multiple areas may extend your treatment time.

All Skin Types and Tones Qualify for Treatment

There are many different cosmetic treatments that can improve the skin and different areas of the body, but many of them exclude some patients with certain skin types or tones because of safety reasons.

The VelaShape treatment device is not an exclusive device; all different skin types and tones are eligible for this treatment. No one is excluded from undergoing this treatment based on skin type or tone. As long as you meet the other eligibility requirements, your skin type and tone won’t exclude you.

There’s No Downtime

Another one of the benefits of this treatment process is that there isn’t any downtime. As soon as your treatment is over, you can go about your day. You won’t have a list of post-treatment instructions to follow but instead can resume your normal daily activities, go to the gym, or even go out to lunch with friends.

It Can Treat Multiple Body Areas

Depending on your body goals, you can choose to treat one or multiple areas. While treating multiple areas may extend your total treatment time, doing so will also help you reach your ultimate body goals as quickly as possible. Cellulite doesn’t discriminate, and often if you have it in one area, you have it in multiple areas. Our technicians can create a treatment plan that helps address each area that you want to improve when you come in for your consultation.

Who Is a Candidate?

The best candidates for this cellulite reduction treatment are patients with visible cellulite on different areas of their bodies. It’s important to note that this treatment is a cosmetic treatment, not a weight-loss treatment. It’s not designed to help patients lose excess amounts of weight or body fat. Instead, it’s designed to strengthen the skin’s structure to combat and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

The Importance of Having a Specific BMI

While it will deliver noticeable and long-lasting results, maintenance appointments are necessary to help continue to increase collagen and elastin production and maintain the strongest skin foundation. It’s important that qualifying candidates have a BMI Under 30 to achieve the best results. We can assess your BMI during your consultation to confirm that this treatment is the right option for you and will help you reach your goals.

The Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Scale

Additionally, the best candidates will fall within stage one or two of the Nurnberger-Muller cellulite classification scale. Those who qualify as stage one candidates will have a dimpled skin texture that appears when pinching the desired treatment area. However, they won’t have any visible dimpling while standing. Those who qualify as stage two candidates will have visible dimpling while standing, but not while lying down.

Experience the Power of VelaShape

Cellulite can cause you to feel embarrassed, self-conscious, and discouraged about your appearance, but the good news is there is a solution that works. Our experts can help you achieve a smooth, uniform skin texture and say goodbye to visible cellulite and hello to increased confidence. Contact us today at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA, to learn more about this effective treatment and how it can help you improve your appearance.

Experiencing skin laxity as part of the natural aging process can be frustrating, particularly when your favorite skincare products don’t seem to be getting the job done anymore. After a certain point, over-the-counter products may not be able to help the skin remain firm and supple, and skin laxity can become more severe. Luckily, the experts at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA know that Ultherapy is an ideal skin tightening treatment for most people.

So, what is Ultherapy? This is a unique energy-based treatment that utilizes the power of ultrasound technology and gentle thermal energy to simultaneously see and treat areas of the skin experiencing skin laxity. The thermal energy used in this system penetrates the dermal layers and the SMAS membrane to precisely stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers from deep within the skin.

How Soon Do You See Results From Skin Tightening?

For most patients, the most significant results from this skin tightening treatment will be seen about two to three months after the first appointment. While some may see initial skin-plumping effects for a few days after the treatment, these initial results will fade as the skin adjusts to the treatment and starts to produce new collagen. When the collagen in the sub-dermal layers of the skin matures, the final results of the treatment will become visible.

For many, optimal results will appear after six months, although collagen production and maturation may still be active. How much collagen your skin produces in response to this treatment may be affected by factors such as your age, activity level, and general health, which can have a great impact on the function of your skin and healing response.

How Many Treatments Will You Need?

The vast majority of patients who use Ultherapy will only need one treatment to achieve their desired aesthetic results. However, the number of treatments you will need depends on the condition of your skin. Those who have mature skin with significant skin laxity may need at least one other treatment several weeks after their first appointment to produce optimal results.

What Is Treatment Like?

Your Ultherapy treatments usually take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete based on how many areas are being treated; if you are only treating the face or part of the face, then your appointment will take around 30 minutes, while treating both the face and the neck will usually take about 60 minutes. Overall, the treatment is well-tolerated by most. There are some things we can do during your treatment to ensure your comfort, such as using a topical numbing cream.

During your treatment, one of our aesthetic experts will use the Ultherapy device on your skin. This device is unique because it allows the technician to view the individual layers of skin and adjust the energy used for your treatment based on how many dermal layers need to be penetrated. The ability to “see and treat” will ensure that your treatment is precise and your outcome is optimal.

Consultation

To be a candidate for this procedure, you will need to attend a consultation appointment. Your consultation will assess the health of your skin, the severity of your skin laxity, and also review relevant medical information, such as medications and supplements you are taking. Any previous skin tightening treatments should also be discussed during your consultation.

Preparation

Preparing for your treatment will involve a few simple temporary changes, such as discontinuing blood-thinning medications, some herbal supplements, and certain anti-inflammatory medications. These medications and supplements should be temporarily discontinued for about a week before your treatment unless otherwise instructed by your medical physician.

It’s also important to prepare your skin by avoiding the use of irritating skin products, including exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids. You should avoid waxing or tweezing the desired treatment area, avoid unprotected sun exposure, and protect your skin from damage by using SPF 40 or higher. All of these steps will ensure your skin is in good condition for your treatment.

Aftercare

After your treatment is complete, you will need to follow post-treatment instructions to take care of your skin during the first two to five days after your appointment. For example, you should avoid hot water, steam, excessive sweating, and direct sunlight. You may not be able to wear make-up or use certain skincare products for at least 24 hours. You should also avoid scrubbing the skin and using other aesthetic treatments for at least a week.

You will be able to return to work on the same day or the day after your treatment, depending on your preferences. You will be able to drive yourself back home and attend to most of your normal schedule, except for any activities that would violate your aftercare instructions. You may be given additional aftercare instructions after your appointment based on your skin type or lifestyle factors.

How Long Do Results Last?

The results of your Ultherapy treatment will usually last for about two years, making this one of the longest-lasting skin tightening treatments available to patients. The results of this treatment will last so long because of the quality of collagen that is produced by the treatment. When deeper collagen is produced in the deepest layers of the skin, it is more likely to last longer and have a greater effect on the overall structure of your skin.

How Can You Maintain Results?

The number one way to maintain your desired results is to schedule an annual appointment once every 18 to 24 months, based on how long your results last. By attending regular treatments, you can maintain a high production of collagen and help your results last longer. Of course, there may be other things you can do to maintain your desired results, such as:

Sun Protection

Protecting your skin from the sun is a vital part of maintaining your results. One of the biggest enemies of collagen is damage from UV rays, which breaks healthy collagen down prematurely and contributes to faster skin aging. You should always wear SPF 40 or higher when you plan to be outside, particularly during the hot months of the year. Even if you sit near a window, wearing SPF is important since windows do not protect you from the UV rays associated with skin aging.

Diet and Lifestyle

Your diet and lifestyle can also have a tremendous effect on the longevity of your results. Your skin is healthiest when it has the vitamins and minerals necessary to support better skin aging, so a diet rich in omega fats and low in salt and sugar is generally best for slowing aging. Your skin also requires a lot of hydration, so drinking at least two liters of water a day can help your skin remain supple and soft.

Leading a high-stress lifestyle can also have a detrimental effect on your skin. Collagen is particularly sensitive to the stress hormone cortisol, so implementing mindfulness exercises, yoga, and tai chi may be able to help you manage stress and slow down premature skin aging.

Skincare Products

While skincare products alone aren’t strong enough to reverse the visible signs of aging, using the right skincare products can support your desired results. Your skincare products will generally affect the first few layers of your skin, so using high-quality anti-aging products can help the superficial layers of your skin remain plush and firm, which will enhance the results of your treatment.

You can use medical-grade skincare products for anti-aging, such as higher strength retinoids, or you can carefully shop for over-the-counter products that will meet the needs of your skin. Products containing retinol, collagen, and hyaluronic acid will help the skin remain firm and plush; certain acids like glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide can support a more even tone and pigment for a more youthful glow. We can help you identify products that will work best with your skin type and goals.

Try Ultherapy Skin Tightening

Skin tightening treatments such as Ultherapy can produce results in as little as two to three months, with optimal results visible after about six months. This particular treatment can be used to tighten skin on the face and neck and can be used by those who have moderate to severe skin aging concerns. Most people will benefit from only one treatment. Contact Finesse Cosmetic Surgery in Waltham, MA to schedule your consultation with us today.