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Correct that Aging Neck and More With Ultherapy

Beauty Portrait Of Woman With Aloe Vera Slices.Ultherapy is a proven treatment that can improve the appearance of thin, loose skin on the neck, chest, and other areas. This treatment has been around for some time, so we think it deserves a re-introduction. When newer technologies come along, it's easy to think of them as new and improved. This may be the case with some new inventions but, in the world of beauty and anti-aging, Ultherapy still holds a great deal of value.

How Ultherapy Works

The Ultherapy device is approved to tighten sagging skin and superficial tissue on the face, neck, and chest. The technology smooths lines and creases and can also tighten up the jawline and lift a descending brow all by using powerful ultrasound energy. First, the Ultherapy device utilizes ultrasound waves to identify the perfect depth of skin for treatment. Then, ultrasound energy is delivered to that layer of tissue. When absorbed, the ultrasound waves heat the targeted tissue, creating a cascade effect of tightening and ongoing collagen production. This process occurs over several weeks and results in firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin.

Benefits of Ultherapy

One of the primary benefits of the Ultherapy procedure is that it achieves noticeable, rewarding improvements in just one session. These do take some time to build, often a few months, but they develop naturally and with no indication of obvious work. This is appealing to people who prefer to manage their aging skin without plastic surgery. By targeting deeper layers of tissue for collagen remodeling, Ultherapy works from the inside out rather than the outside it. There is no downtime in which patients must stay out of the limelight to recover. While there may be some post-treatment redness, this typically does not get in the way of normal activities.

Additional benefits of this treatment include:

  • Ultherapy targets the deepest layers of the skin in ways that other modalities cannot.
  • The Ultherapy device is FDA-cleared based on proven safety and efficacy observed in clinical trials. The device is cleared for use on all skin types.
  • Results are long-lasting. Studies indicate that the results of one Ultherapy session can last up to two years, after which a repeat treatment can be performed.
  • Treatment is comfortable and nonsurgical.

Who Is a Candidate for Ultherapy?

You may be a great candidate for Ultherapy if you have begun to notice sagging and skin weakness on your neck or under your chin. If your upper chest has wrinkles and creases, you may love what Ultherapy can do. This treatment is also often sought by adults who are frustrated at the appearance of a descending brow but would like a longer-lasting solution than Botox and one that is more conservative than a surgical brow lift. The treatment can also be done on the jawline and neck area as an early measure to slow the progression of these signs of aging.

The best way to know what Ultherapy can do for you is to have a trained professional evaluate your skin. During a consultation at Pacific Dermatology, you can expect a thoughtful conversation with a board-certified professional and a comprehensive examination of your skin and tissue characteristics. We will discuss your concerns, goals, and our expectations of the Ultherapy procedure based on the data obtained. We are proud to serve the areas of Seattle, Renton, and Federal Way, WA. To schedule an appointment, contact us at 206-859-5777.


Is Ultherapy Your Ideal Nonsurgical Facelift?

We know that the signs of aging will develop at some point. Many of us have a loose plan in place to manage them when they do. For some, the final solution to more significant signs of aging is a surgical facelift. For others, the preference to avoid surgery influences the decisions they make. Even when there is a desire to address aging without surgery, there often comes a time of frustration. Maybe skincare and injectables aren’t correcting every problem, like sagging skin, anymore. This is just one of several instances in which Ultherapy may be the ideal nonsurgical facelift.

Isn’t Ultherapy a Skin-Tightening Treatment?

Ultherapy is often perceived as a skin-tightening treatment. While it does tighten the skin, this system does much more. Years ago, doctors realized that surgical facelifts were falling short because they were focusing on superficial tissue only. To achieve meaningful and lasting results, as well as results that looked natural, it was necessary to also lift the muscle or the SMAS. This understanding was implemented into the development of Ultherapy.

During Ultherapy treatment, ultrasound is used first to locate the precise depths at which energy should be deposited. High-frequency ultrasound waves are then delivered to three different layers of tissue. This stimulates more extensive remodeling that centers around collagen constriction, first, then the stimulation of new collagen fibers over several months. The innovative delivery of high-frequency energy affects the same layers of tissue that a surgeon would tighten during a facelift. The results occur naturally over time and they last for years.

Regardless of whether the signs of aging are corrected with a facelift or a nonsurgical treatment, collagen loss is something that will continue. This is because the cells that produce collagen slow down during early adulthood and the body utilizes the collagen it has to heal wounds and partake in other physiological processes. To offset the breakdown of this vital protein, many people schedule Ultherapy treatments every so often as a part of their ongoing beauty regimen. A few years ago, model Christie Brinkley named herself as one of those people who rely on this system for continued youthfulness.

Many people are looking for nonsurgical methods to sustain their youthful appearance. For many reasons, Ultherapy makes sense. If you would like to learn more about this cosmetic procedure, schedule a visit to our Renton or Seattle office at 206-859-5777.


October 2016 Events and Specials

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October 2016 Specials and Events are here. Save the Date for our Evening of Beauty on Thursday, November 3rd in Northgate and Thursday, Dec 1st in Renton. Get Botox at $10/unit, plus 15% OFF all retail products. From head to toe, get holiday ready! Read about our top 10 treatments. Learn more by reading through our specials, contact us, or RSVP for our August Events at 206-859-5777.


September 2016 Specials and Events

Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016Upload: August 30, 2016
September 2016 Specials and Events are here. Back to School Back to Skin in September: Ultherapy events & savings, acne treatments for all ages, 15% off clarisonics all month, schedule your September skin check, free liposuction and cellfina consults, and more! Learn more by reading through our specials, contact us, or RSVP for our September Events at 206-859-5777.


April 2016 Specials and Events

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As Featured in NEW BEAUTY© MAGAZINE
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April 2016 Specials and Events are here. Renew You! NEW Treatments. NEW Events. NEW ways to renew your skin and body for SPRING! Specials include Clear+Brillant, Halo, Laser hair removal, vi peels, and Ultherapy. Plus, sign up for events on Ultherapy, Obagi, and more. Learn more by reading through our specials, contact us, or RSVP for our April and May Events at 206-859-5777


Plan Ahead To Look Your Best For Weddings, Reunions & The Beach

By Cheryl Wells

If you are planning a little spruce up for a Spring or Summer event like a wedding or high school reunion, NOW is the time to start planning! While many of the most modern procedures don’t have any “down time” where you’re hiding behind big sunglasses, they do take some time to take effect. For example, Botox will give you a noticeable improvement in about a week, while you’ll need 3-6 months to see the maximum effects of Ultherapy as it spurs new collagen growth to smooth wrinkles and lifts your face. To time your treatments right, follow the chart below:

Upload: March 16, 2016
When to Schedule
(Minimum-Ideal)
Name of Procedure What it does
3-6 months Ultherapy – Face/neck & chest

Liposonix – Tummy, waist, thighs

Lift, tighten, tone and smooths wrinkles

Permanent fat cell destruction

4-8 weeks Fillers – Lips, cheeks, under eyes
smile lines and around the mouth
Adds volume
Softens wrinkles
3-6 weeks Botox – Crow’s feet, 11’s, forehead and other facial wrinkles Buys you “wrinkle-free” time. Softens wrinkles and decreases muscle movement
3-4 weeks IPL/BBL – Face, neck, chest, hands Diminishes brown spots, freckles, redness, veins, rosacea, sun damage and more
2-8 weeks Clear & Brilliant — Coming soon! Face, neck, chest, arms, hands Improves skin tone and texture, and gives your skin a more radiant, youthful glow

Ultherapy is a new and effective non-invasive alternative to a face-lift, with virtually no down-time. It is the only FDA-approved device that allows the provider to see an image of the layers of the skin in order to direct the ultrasound waves at the exact precise depth needed to cause neocollagenesis. This collagen growth will lift and tighten your face, neck, or chest. It really works! The price for Ultherapy usually runs anywhere from $750 to $3500 depending on the area treated. View more

Liposonix can help get rid of those exercise resistant fatty deposits by fully destroying the fat cells! Never to return again—once the fat cells are gone—they are gone forever. Liposonix uses HIFU Ultrasound waves at a specific depth and frequency with a unique large tip to accomplish this cell destruction. The price ranges from $500 to $3500 depending on the size of the area. View more

Botox & fillers are a great way to soften wrinkles and/or add volume to help you look younger. Botox is a purified protein that decreases muscle movement, which essentially gives you wrinkle free time. Fillers are used to add volume in areas such as the cheeks or lips and to help soften creases. They are also a terrific complement to your Ultherapy treatment. Use these spot treatments any time after Ultherapy and at least one month or two (see chart) before your special occasion. The average price ranges from as little as $250 and up to $1000, or more depending on what is needed. View more

IPL/BBL uses multiple light beams and wave lengths to target the problem areas. Both devices diminish brown spots, freckles, redness, veins, rosacea, sun damage and more. They are also terrific anti-aging treatments! They work at a cellular level and physically make the skin cells healthier. If your skin is healthier at a cellular level, then it acts looks and feels younger. Look up Forever Young BBL for more info. View more

As a nurse who has worked with lasers, fillers and injections for 11 years, I have helped many people plan and get ready for their special day and I would like to help you too! There is so much more to tell you when it comes to our fabulous no-downtime treatments, but space is limited. If you are looking forward to an important event, please book a FREE consultation (with me, Cheryl the Laser Queen) and I can help create your beauty plan for your special day!


Belotero and Ultherapy treatment


I am interested in Belotero for under eye hollow treatment and also Ultherapy for my face. I live in NM where we have limited options for this kind of treatment. I am in Seattle for several days and want to see about getting both treatments or one. -C

Hi C,

I would be happy to see you for consultation and treatment for Belotero under the eyes, and for Ultherapy. Belotero is by far my favorite filler for under the eyes. It is very pliable and smooth and does a super job of improving dark circles/hollows. I have done hundreds of under-eye treatments with fillers and we are the #1 clinic for use of Belotero in Seattle. As far as downsides – there is a risk for a temporary bruise, and you can get swelling and redness. In very very few of my patients, I have seen persistent swelling (probably from blockage of the lymph drainage). It is super rare – so I would not worry too much. 95% of my patients are really happy with the treatment.

I would also be super happy to see you for Ultherapy. Again, we are the #1 clinic in Washington State for doing Ultherapy. It is a great tightening and lifting procedure. I feel like it turns the clock back almost 5 years. Ultherapy can be uncomfortable, so we recommend that you be prepared to take 800mg of ibuprofen, and I suggest an additional narcotic, such as Vicodin. This means that you cannot drive yourself home right away. Depending on the area that we are treating, it takes about 2 hours to do. My patients are all super happy. We can do both treatments on the same day if you would like.

Please call our clinic to set up a consultation. If you want to send photos, then we could look at them and prepare to do the treatments when you get here since you live in New Mexico. Remember to mention RealSelf when you call so that the $80 consult fee is waived.

I look forward to seeing you.

Jennifer Reichel MD
Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
pacificderm.wpengine.com
Renton, WA and Seattle, WA


Liposonix nerve healing

I had Liposonix done on my anterior thighs  4 months ago. Sometimes when I rest, I feel shooting pain in nerves, in right anterior thigh area, at random time intervals. Is this normal?

Dear M,
Thank you for your input after your Liposonix treatment.
Yes, this is totally normal - can do that for months after treatment. Just like with liposuction or other ultrasound devices, such as Ultherapy, there can be temporary nerve injury. Nerves tend to "let you know" when they are injured and trying to heal. They will cause those annoying twinges and tingles and shooting pains. And, it is always random (but can occur more when you are rubbing the area - like in a massage, or working out because you are stretching the nerves. I would not worry about this unless it is really painful. Nerve tenderness after Liposonix usually resolves or several months, but in some rare cases, it can take longer. Please call if you have any other concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Reichel
Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
Renton WA and Seattle WA

 


Nonsurgical treatment to tighten loose skin

I am 67 with pretty good skin and I want to tighten my skin, if possible, and my neck, with a nonsurgical treatment. I have read about Ulthera and would try this if it is effective on older skin. Please reply. Thank you, C

Hi C,

Thanks for your question. Ulthera can be effective on older skin. It is an ultrasound, non-invasive, tightening device and can be used on all skin types. It would be important to see you in person so that we can do a consultation to decide if it is a good option for you. I definitely believe in face-lifts and I am very honest with patients about whether they are in the right category to do a surgical procedure. Most women are ready for a face-lift between the ages of 55 and 70 (but everyone varies). At 67, you may have only mildly loose skin and could be a great candidate for Ultherapy. I am starting to recommend a series of 2 treatments to some patients. I like to space them about 6 months apart, and we bundle the price so that it is less expensive for the 2nd treatment. So, I guess the bottom line, is that yes, you might be a candidate for a non-invasive procedure. Please feel free to call for a consultation. The $80 consult fee is waived when you find me via RealSelf. You can call 206-859-5777.

Thanks.

Dr. Reichel

Jennifer Reichel MD

Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center

11011 Meridian Ave N Ste 102

Seattle WA, 98133

206-859-5777

pacificderm.wpengine.com


Surgical treatments for excessive sweating

The website suggested that for excessive sweating, there are some surgical treatments that could be applied. What exactly are these surgical treatments and what are there success rates? Thank you. JM

 

Hi JM. Thank you for sending your inquiry.

Yes, there are surgical treatments for excessive sweating. The treatment options may vary depending on which areas of your body you are having excess sweating.

In the armpits (axillae), you can have Botox or Dysport injections done. This is not permanent. Most patients respond well to the injections and will have decreased sweating for 6 to 9 months. This is the most popular treatment right now. It wouldn’t be considered surgical.

Another option for the armpits is to have a procedure done called retro-dermal curettage (axillary suction curettage). Retro-dermal curettage is a liposuction type procedure where you inject a large volume of a dilute anesthetic into the armpit area. You then take a liposuction cannula and insert it through tiny ports (little incisions made in the skin) and scrape the underside of the skin where the sweat glands live. The cannula is a small hollow metal tube. It has holes at the end and the edge of the hole is a little bit sharp. For liposuction, you point the “hole” on the cannula downward to suck out fatty tissue. For sweating, you point the cannula up toward the skin and basically scar the sweat glands down so that you no longer sweat. This is really a pretty easy procedure to undergo, and is very safe. It is effective for most patients and can give a permanent decrease in sweating of 50 to 90% or so. This would be considered a surgical procedure.

The other procedure that we offer for excess sweating can be performed in the armpits, and on the palms and soles of the feet. It is called Ultherapy. Ultherapy is an ultrasound device that sends high frequency ultrasound waves below the skin. It is most often used to tighten the skin of the neck, jawline, and face. However, when Ultherapy is done for sweating, the ultrasound waves penetrate the skin to the depth of the sweat glands and actually destroy the sweat glands. The preliminary studies done with this procedure showed a 70% reduction in the amount of sweating after 2 treatments. We believe it should have permanent, or very long-standing effects. It is NOT invasive, and is a great option for sweat reduction.

Finally, you can have the nerves that are associated with sweating cut. Depending on where you are sweating will change where the nerves should be cut. This procedure is called a sympathectomy. It is usually performed by a thoracic surgeon.

I hope this helps. I would be happy to see you in consultation to discuss the treatments further and pick the one that is right for you.
Thank you for your inquiry.

 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Reichel MD

Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center

11011 Meridian Ave N Ste 102

Seattle WA, 98133

 

206-859-5777

pacificderm.wpengine.com


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