ULTRAcel
An advanced technology for bespoke non-surgical facelift and collagen remodeling treatment. ULTRAcel is a trimode technology, three functions are realised in one device. ULTRAcel can effectively achieve skin lifting by delivering thermal energy to all layers of the skin from the epidermis (outer layer) to the SMAS later which lie in the deeper reaches.
The 3 modalities of treatment are:
FRM– Fractional Radiofrequencing Microneedling
GFR– Grid Fractional Radiofrequency
HIFU– High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
These different modalities of treatment can be delivered singly or in combination to achieve bespoke individual result. At your consultation, Dr Bello will go through this in more details.
How does this work:
- Radiofrequency delivers heat energy which denatures collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. This causes the deeper structures of the skin to tighten and healthier collagen is in turn produced by this stimulation.
- Ultrasound waves are beamed to a controlled targeted depth where the thermal energy tightens and contracts underlying tissues right down to the deepest layers of the skin to achieve maximal lift result.
- Lasting results: Thermal deep tissue treatment stimulates the growth of new, healthy collagen over the weeks and months following treatment for prolonged and more intensive tightening.
ULTRAcel Treatments
HIFU- High Intensity Focused Ultrasounds- performed as part of a system combination. However, it can be performed as a stand-alone treatment for deep tissue tightening. It is the latest aesthetic innovation that offers non-invasive, non-surgical deep tissue tightening using controlled ultrasound waves with no downtime.
How does it work?
HIFU waves are beamed to a controlled targeted depth of the skin where thermal heat energy tightens and contracts the underlying tissue right down to the muscle layer. Thermal deep tissue injury stimulates the growth of new healthy collagen for prolonged and more intensive tightening.
Is the treatment safe?
HIFU has been used in medical treatments for more than 50 years. It is a powerful medical device and must be carried out by a trained and experienced practitioner to ensure optimal and safe results.
What does HIFU feel like?
A thin gel will be applied to the treatment area and the handpiece will be moved systematically over the area in treatment lines delivering the correct amount of ultrasound waves. A number of passes will be made over the area according to the mutually agreed degree of tightening. A mild prickling sensation may be felt in the treatment area where energy builds in the deeper tissue layers, particularly over bony areas. Energy levels can be adjusted according to individual client’s feedback to ensure that the treatment is well tolerated. Immediately post-treatment the skin may feel warm to touch. In a limited number of clients, there may be a mild sensation of tissue tenderness for 5-7 days.
How long will results last?
Immediately after treatment your skin will look and feel tighter and more defined. The degree of immediate tightening varies between clients and results continue to improve for at least three months as tired collagen is replaced with new stronger collagen as part of the deep tissue healing process. Repeat treatment programs may be recommended on an individual client process; however, results are predicted to last for at least 18 months-3years approximately with the skin naturally commencing the aging process again. Possible side effects/complications? HIFU is very safe and has been used in medicine for many years. Post-treatment there can be transient redness. However, this settles quickly and normal activities can resume immediately. Mild tissue tenderness can be felt for 5-7 days.
How many treatments will I need?
1-3 treatments may be recommended according to the degree of laxity of the skin and post-treatment expectation. Care following treatment facials should be avoided for 4-6 weeks and good sun protection behaviours should be followed to prevent further damage to the skin. Additional treatments for skin care may be recommended as part of your overall skin care improvement package.
Am I too young for HIFU?
HIFU can be carried out as a rejuvenating “Party Lift” treatment to enhance even younger skins with less laxity to combat early signs of skin ageing.
When will I see results?
The results are variable depending on the original quality of the skin and degree of damage to be treated. The skin will begin to feel smoother and tighter even after the first treatment, but the best results from the treatment will continue to improve for up to six months, increasing with additional treatment
GFR (Grid Fractional Radiofrequency) is a non-invasive treatment delivers tighter plumper skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. It employs a radiofrequency technology that has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift the skin to smooth out wrinkles. The incision-free procedure has no downtime and can be performed on clients of all skin types and ages.
How does it work?
The GFR device delivers a controlled amount of Radiofrequency energy which uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin whilst simultaneously protecting the outer layers of skin with cooling. This causes deep structures in the skin to tighten and over time new and remodeled collagen is produced. The energy is delivered using an advanced vibrating handpiece which improves comfort and delivery of energy, enabling higher levels to be achieved and more treatment shots to be administered.
What does the GFR procedure feel like?
With each touch of the Thermal Tip you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the energy is delivered to the skin. Vibration technology is used to disperse the energy and minimise any discomfort. The level of vibration can be adjusted to individual needs. Each pulse of energy is accompanied by an audible tone. The physician must maintain contact with the skin so that it can be effectively cooled. It is therefore important not to move away from the thermal tip. The physician would be guided by your feedback during the treatment and can reduce the energy if the heat becomes intolerable or increase the level of vibration. Breaks can be taken during the treatment for kin cooling if required. You will be made comfortable and supported throughout your treatment.
How long will the results last?
Immediately after a GFR procedure your skin should feel tighter and smoother. We will compare before and after photographs to view this subtle but potentially immediate lift. You will have additional tightening over the next six months when photographs will be taken again for comparison. Unpublished reports indicate that results may continue for twenty four months or longer. Because all individuals are different it is not possible to predict the the exact benefits and some individuals may need additional treatments to achieve the desired effects.
What are the possible risks and complications involved?
Although the complications following GFR are infrequent, there are some risk associated with treatment which include:
Bruising and swelling: Resolves in several days to several weeks
Erythema or Blanching: Mild reddening or whitening of the skin for several hours.
Pigment changes: Less than 0.05% of clients have reported hyperpigmentation.
Burns and Blisterd:Less than 0.3% of reported cases
Surface irregularities: Including dents, rippling and ridgesin the skin which may not develop until a month after treatment. Low incidence of 0.2% with most resolving naturally or with soft tissue fillers.
Pain and altered sensation: Some clients have reported heat related discomfort and transient aching. A small number of clients, less than 0.1% have reported tingling, numbness and temporary paralysis.
***GFR cannot be performed on clients with pacemakers or defibrillators, during pregnancy or breast feeding. It is not recommended whilst undergoing roaccutane treatment. It should not be used on diabetics or clients with autoimmune disease. It may also cause eruption of the Herpes Simplex virus*** Please inform your doctor if any of these precautions are relevant.
** Please inform the doctor if you have any cosmetic tattoos, permanent makeup, piercings or if you have had any injectable fillers***
FRM (Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling) is a state of the art treatment for stimulating skin without the downtime of total resurfacing using traditional invasive treatments. The treatment works by a combination of Fractional Radiofrequency and dermal needling, heating the tissue at variable depths including the epidermis and deep dermis causing stimulation of the tissue to produce the important deep elements of healthy skin such as collagen and elastin. Uniquely highly effective doses of Radiofrequency can be used as the tiny insulated needles heat only the dermis leaving the superficial skin smooth and undamaged with short-acting redness.
How does it work?
49 Tiny insulated needles penetrate deep into the dermis and heat the tissues for microseconds. The surrounding tissue is unaffected so the healing time is faster than if the entire area is treated at once. The natural healing process of the body produces new, healthy and tighter skin structures in the treated area and the surrounding skin. Skin will appear smoother, clearer and tighter.
What conditions are treated?
A detailed consultation with your doctor will outline which areas of skin are appropriate for treatment. Because FRM spares healthy tissues it is appropriate for use on even delicate skin such as around the eye and face. It can be used to improve the quality and text of wrinkled skin, around the eyes, chin, top lip and neck. Acne and acne scarring may also be treated.
How many treatments will I need?
Clinical studies suggest that an effective treatment regime is three to four sessions with acne scarring requiring significantly more treatments. These treatments will be spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Treatment plans can be flexible, even when spaced weeks or months apart and results are outstanding. Each treatment session targets 15 to 20% of the skin surface outlining the need for successive treatments. Your doctor will tailor a specific programme to treat your individual needs.
Is it safe?
FRM treatment can be performed in your doctor’s office. It is a powerful device and treatment must be carried out by a trained and experienced practitioner to ensure that the correct areas are treated at the correct levels.
Does it hurt?
A topical anaesthetic is applied for at least an hour before treatment. During the treatment, you will experience a mild prickling sensation across the skin as the treatment head is passed over the area. This increases with the number of passes. The skin can be cooled during treatment to make the experience tolerable with the levels of treatment adjusted to suit patient comfort. Occasionally a full anaesthetic regional block will be performed to improve your comfort.
How is the treatment carried out?
The handpiece will be passed over the entire treatment area. You will experience a prickling sensation followed by a sensation of heat. It is likely several passes to the to the planned treatment area will be required during each session.
Possible side effects initially there will be tiny pinpoint bleeding which will settle in a few minutes. You will explain mild sunburn sensation for about an hour after treatment then virtually no discomfort. The skin will have a pinkish tone for between 3 hours and up to as much as 3 days; this is a normal sign that the skin is healing deeply. Swelling is minimal and resolves in two to three days. Other possible side effects include redness, scabbing, blisters, itching, burns, blanch, pigment changes, onset of herpes simplex virus, temporary pinpoint bleeding. New skin develops immediately as the healing process occurs.
Care following treatment The use of sunscreen following treatment is very important to protect the skin during the healing phase and for several weeks following treatment.
Makeup can be applied after 24 hours once the initial epidermal healing has occurred. Aloe Vera gel and cold compresses can be applied following treatment.
When will I see results?
The results from this treatment are variable, depending on the original quality of the skin and degree of damage to be treated. The skin will begin to feel smoother and tighter even after the first treatment but the best results from the treatments will continue to improve for up to six months.