After a drought of two years without any new developments in the anti aging industry, there is a new and exciting device in the market called Ulthera. This device is developed in USA and seems to be the next big wave in the world of aesthetics. Before, most of the devices that are out in the market are variations of pre-existing technology. The Ulthera does not use laser or light, but Ultrasounds waves.

Using a probe that scans the skin and allows us to see that we are delivering the ultrasound energy to the desired skin layer, it causes collagen regrowth and skin lifting. It is especially great for hooding around the eyes. There are preliminary observations that it reduces dynamic lines too. As it uses ultrasound, this device is colour blind, like Thermage, it is safe all skin colours which is so important in our multicultural island. It will be hitting our island by next month.

Engaging thermal injury to stimulate the wound healing process, intervening healthy tissue from the epidermis down to the point of treatment is mercifully spared, leaving the surface skin virtually free from any possible side effects.

The procedure is slightly painful without any anaesthetic cream but upon application of some topical anaesthesia, the treatment can be relatively painless. It takes about 40 minutes to do a full face treatment and there maybe some slight erythema (redness) initially for the first half hour. The results happens gradually over a period of 3 to 6 months and if more improvement is desired, it can be repeated then. Otherwise maintenance once a year is enough to keep the skin tight and snug.