Ultherapy is a revolutionary noninvasive treatment that tightens the deeper layers of the skin as well as the SMAS, the layer of fibrous tissue that covers the facial musculature. It does this by focusing ultrasound energy on these tissues, causing them to tighten and lift, at the same time that the fibroblasts within the skin are stimulated to secrete more collagen, the protein that gives skin its support and elasticity.
However, the transmission of this energy to the skin and soft tissues causes them to heat up, and this can cause discomfort for some patients while they are undergoing Ultherapy treatment. We have found that patients’ pain tolerance can vary widely. For some patients, the procedure is easily tolerated after taking 800mg of ibuprofen. For most of our patients, the application of a topical anesthetic cream for 20-30 minutes before the Ultherapy procedure is sufficient to allow patients to tolerate the procedure quite comfortably.
Other patients require a higher level of pain control for Ultherapy. For these patients, we offer intravenous pain medications that can make them a bit sleepy, and also reduces the level of discomfort during the procedure. Patients have their vital signs continuously monitored by a nurse while the procedure is being performed if they choose this option.
Finally, for those patients who have a low pain threshold, or a great deal of apprehension about the degree of pain that they anticipate may be associated with Ultherapy, we offer the option of receiving a deep intravenous sedation in an operating room setting under the care of an anesthesiologist while the Ultherapy treatment is being performed. This also has the advantage of removing almost all memory of the procedure afterward.
This menu of options allows us to tailor the level of analgesia and anesthesia to the individual needs of each patient, and, in so doing, open up the procedure to any patient who might have hesitated to enjoy the benefits of this powerful noninvasive facial aesthetic treatment because of a fear of the discomfort that might be associated with it. Welcome to the new era of painless Ultherapy at Wave Plastic Surgery Center!
If you are interested in any of our painless Ultherapy options, make sure to mention to this during your consultation or when you call to make your next Ultherapy appointment.
ULTHERAPY BEFORE & AFTER CASES
