The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts is a state of the art practice in Northern Virginia for various aesthetic procedures. It is led by board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, or simply Dr. V, who now also provides Ultherapy to her patients in Chantilly, near Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, and Prince William.
An Overview of Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure to reduce skin laxity in the face and neck with the help of ultrasound technology. This innovative procedure can lift and tighten sagging skin without involving any surgical incision, needles, or foreign objects. Ultherapy works in two ways by strengthening the existing collagen layer underneath the skin as well as stimulating the generation of new collagen to make the skin tighter, fuller, and smoother. The treatment employs ultrasound imaging, which enables the patient to see the areas of tissue that are being treated.
See Ulthera before and after photos
People in their thirties or forties with mild to moderate skin laxity in the neck or face are usually ideal candidates for Ultherapy. However, this procedure is not a substitute for facelift surgery. It is an alternative for people who may not be willing to undergo a surgical procedure. The treatment can also be useful for people who have undergone a facelift in the past, and wish to prolong its impact. The treatment does not involve any significant side effects or downtime, and can be performed even without local anesthesia, depending on the patient’s pain tolerance.
Ultherapy on The View!
A Patient’s Experience with Ultherapy
The following is a first person account of a patient who chose to undergo Ultherapy at a relatively late age of 52. This is her personal story about why she chose it, and how she felt about the outcome. Identity of the patient is withheld to maintain confidentiality.
“I’m 52, but I believe I do not look more than 45. I have looked after skin all through my adult life, but age seems to have caught up with me, and my skin is sagging around the jaw and neck. I did not wish to undergo the knife or general anesthesia, so I chose Ultherapy. The signs of aging on my face and neck had not bothered me until one day I came across some of two decades old pictures in my closet, and thought to myself: “I looked quite beautiful back then.” That’s when I promised myself that I would do everything I could to take care of my appearance, and not surrender so abjectly to the aging process as I had been doing until then.
I did some online research and came across Ulthera as a non-surgical procedure that suited my needs for facial rejuvenation. I met a cosmetic surgeon, who explained to me all the pros and cons of this treatment in comparison to other surgical and non-surgical options. When finally I was ready for an Ultrasound Lift, the doctor discussed with me whether to perform the procedure with or without local anesthesia.
I decided to go for it without local anesthesia. My doctor advised me to take two pills of ibuprofen an hour ahead of the procedure. The entire procedure lasted for a little more than an hour. The doctor and her assistant worked on my face and neck. I relaxed comfortably with a blanket to cover my knees, while the ultrasound wand worked on various parts of my face. The doctor asked me intermittently if I was comfortable. Only when they applied the UF wand to my neck, I felt a slight stinging sensation.
I do not have much fat on my face due to collagen depletion with aging, which seemed to make my treatment slightly uncomforting. I was told that layers of fat tissue on the face can cushion the impact and make the treatment less painful. The doctor had to apply all her skills to apply the UF close to my facial bone for the best results, while making every effort to keep me comfortable. Once the procedure got over, the doctor reminded me about using sunscreen for a few weeks. She told me to expect gradual results over a period of next three to four months.
However, my first reaction when I saw my face and neck in the mirror was: “I look great! I guess this treatment works.” I hardly noticed any bruising or swelling as I had been warned about. Several months have passed since the day of my treatment. I do not know how others perceive me, but to me I look better. Has Ultherapy changed my life? Certainly not. I don’t think any treatment can do that. But it has certainly made me feel better about myself and raised my self-esteem.”
For more infomation on Ultherapy please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia. Dr. V also offers Ultherapy skin tightening procedure to her patients in Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/
