Discovering Aesthetics – Ultherapy

My recent visit to the Four Seasons Hotel in London’s Mayfair was a triple-first for me.

The first time I’ve been to the Four Seasons Hotel:

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The first time I’ve seen a rainbow over London from a 10th Floor Balcony:

And the first time I’ve attended a press event for an aesthetic procedure – Ultherapy:

I was invited to this beautiful venue to hear from Doctor Tracy Mountford who is the founder and medical director of The Cosmetic Skin Clinic. She’s a qualified doctor and the founder member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine. She spoke to us about the Ultherapy Procedure.

Here’s what I learned. Ultherapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses the body’s own regenerative response to gently lift skin on the eye-brow, under the chin and on the neck. It also smooth lines and wrinkles on the decolletage.

It uses ultrasound imaging to alow practitioners to see the layers of tissue that they are treating and the ultrasound energy is targeted to deliver just the right amount of energy at the right depth and temperature. The energy triggers a natural response under the skin to produce new collagen.

I discovered that  key benefits are that it’s non-invasive and takes only about 30-90 minutes to administer. You don’t need any downtime after the treatment and you can see measurable results after a single procedure. The results aren’t immediate,  as the results develop over 2-3 months. It’s not intended to replace a face lift but it can be a good alternative if you’re not ready for surgery.

There was a lot of discussion about what the procedure felt like and whether it was painful or not. Some of the audience had heard it was painful, whereas others who had tried it before said it was uncomfortable but not painful.

So after a look out on the balcony which began with the rainbow photo and ended with a clap of thunder which made us all run inside (and after an encounter with a man in a toilet which had a see through glass door – I’ll tell you about that another time} I was invited to test it out.  I didn’t have a full treatment, but a short session. I had some gel put on my cheek so that ultrasound imaging would show the layers of skin. (This part is the same as when you have an ultrasound scan during pregnancy.) I was told that I have a thick dermis. Apparently this is a good thing. Then I had a few “shots” of treatment. It’s hard to describe what it felt like, maybe a little like a prick with needle so it’s sharp but not long-lasting. It didn’t leave any mark or redness. Although I can imagine that with several hundred of those “shots” of energy all over your face it might feel a little more uncomfortable.

So what did I think over all – well I’m in a bit of a dilemma. I’ve always thought that I wouldn’t have any aesthetic treatments but the results look pretty good, not drastic but giving a fresher lifted look. Will I give it a try? I haven’t quite decided yet. So watch this space. If I do, then you’ll here about it here first.

You can read more about the procedure, and book appointments here.

What do you think about aesthetics? Have you had Ultherapy? Would you have any non-invasive or even invasive procedures? Or have you had them already? I’d love to hear all about them. I’ll respond to all your comments.

Hazel