KOSMETIK International, Issue 02/2019
Using radiofrequency and ultrasound against fat deposits, wrinkles and cellulite
Nowadays, patients are increasingly striving for a perfect appearance: firm, wrinkle-free skin, no bothersome fat deposits on the body and thighs free of cellulite are considered the ideal image. One of the most important developments in plastic surgery is the trend towards non-invasive treatment methods, such as radiofrequency therapy and ultrasound therapy. The desire to optimise the body and face without downtime and risks is the central focus.
There are a wide variety of different treatment systems for wrinkle smoothing and fat reduction. As representative examples, we would like to explain the mechanisms of two procedures in more detail. On the one hand, the combined therapy with radiofrequency and ultrasound using the BTL EXILIS ELITE™, and on the other hand, the therapy with highly focused ultrasound using the Classys Ultraformer® HIFU Medical. Both procedures are very efficient, but work with different methods.
Wrinkle smoothing and fat reduction with radiofrequency and ultrasound
The BTL EXILIS ELITE™ is a device that uses radiofrequency and ultrasound to target the skin, tighten the face, neck and décolleté, or gently dissolve fat deposits. The procedure also shows an impressive effect against cellulite. In the BTL EXILIS ELITE™ system, the X-Wave™ system is additionally used during cellulite treatment, which supports the removal of fat cells through shock wave therapy.
In principle, all areas of the body can be treated, regardless of gender and age. The radiofrequency-ultrasound wave method is a gentle and pain-free alternative, especially for patients who want to get rid of their problem areas on the abdomen, hips, thighs or "bingo wings". The heat effect in the deeper layers dissolves the fat cells so that they are reabsorbed by the body and disappear. During wrinkle smoothing, which can also be performed as a so-called "lunch-break treatment" during a lunch break, the respective body area is treated with circular movements. Through the targeted warming of the tissue, the restructuring of the collagen fibres gradually begins. Patients can sleep, read or relax during the treatment.
The warming of the skin surface is comparable to a hot stone massage. Immediately after the treatment, the patient can return to their normal daily routine, although strenuous sports should not be performed and visits to the sauna should be avoided directly after treatment. Slightly reddened skin shortly after treatment generally disappears within a few minutes. The skin surface, the surrounding tissue and the nerves are not damaged during the treatment.
Number of treatments
The recommended number of treatments is between 4 to 6 sessions. The interval between individual treatments should generally be 7 days. Depending on the condition of the skin, an extension of the treatment may be necessary. First improvements in skin condition and elasticity can occur after the second treatment. The complete result is then visible 3 months after completion of the treatment.
Lasting improvement
The combined radiofrequency-ultrasound therapy for facial rejuvenation, elimination of cellulite and reduction of fat pads achieves a lasting improvement. The dissolved fat cells on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs or upper arms cannot regenerate. An improvement in skin condition and elasticity remains visible for a long time. However, the natural ageing of the skin is not stopped by the treatment. When a new treatment cycle becomes necessary depends very much on individual factors and the respective lifestyle.
Facial rejuvenation and skin tightening with highly focused ultrasound therapy
Highly focused ultrasound therapy with the Classys Ultraformer® HIFU Medical is an efficient treatment method for facial and body tightening without any surgery. With this latest and very efficient method of lifting without surgery, there is the possibility of delivering the focused ultrasound energy into different depths of the skin. The controlled heat that penetrates the skin layers stimulates a repair mechanism of the collagen fibres. This treatment thus helps the skin to tighten and firm itself in a natural way.
Which problem areas can be treated?
The HIFU ultrasound therapy is aimed at all patients with loose, slightly sagging skin on the face, neck, décolleté and body. The skin has lost elasticity due to the ageing process and therefore looks less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin of the eyelids are, for example, first signs of ageing skin. Similarly, a less firm chin silhouette and sagging cheeks indicate a loss of elasticity. Treatment with highly focused ultrasound renews the skin from within and gives it an overall fresher and firmer appearance. The treatment is also very efficiently applicable for skin tightening specifically on the abdomen, thighs and upper arms.
Wrinkle smoothing without surgery - how does it work?
The ultrasound treatment is applied in different layers of the skin. The highly focused ultrasound creates small micro-injuries in the different skin layers. During the treatment, the tissue is heated to up to 80 degrees. The resulting wound healing leads to a restructuring of the tissue, which in turn leads to an increase in collagen and elastin in the treated skin areas. This makes the skin plumper and firmer. The ultrasound treatment lasts between 30 – 60 minutes, depending on which areas are being treated. Immediately after the treatment, an immediate effect with smoothing of the superficial skin and an improvement in the skin's appearance is visible. The final result is visible three months after completion of the treatment and lasts up to 2 years.
However, since the skin continues to age, future fresh-up treatments can help keep pace with the individual ageing process. This allows individual zones on the face and body to be addressed and corrected with a short treatment sequence depending on the ageing process.
Which treatment method is most suitable for a patient must be clarified in a personal consultation with the treating physician. If necessary, injections with Botox®, hyaluronic acid or autologous fat may also be used to support the non-invasive treatment methods in order to achieve the best possible and above all natural result.
