I can’t wait to tell you all about the latest treatment we’ve added to our advanced treatments at The Clinic: ULTRAcel. It’s a revolutionary skin rejuvenation treatment for the face and neck.
I first discovered ULTRAcel at a conference earlier this year, and I just had to have a go! It’s such a great device: combining three different techniques to target all the layers of the dermis.
How does it work?
Basically it uses radio frequency and high frequency ultrasound to encourage the production of new collagen and elastin in the dermis. At the same time it tightens the existing collagen in the skin leaving your face and neck looking instantly smoother and firmer.
The increases in collagen and elastin take effect over the months following treatment, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for longer-lasting effects too.
If we want to get technical about it (and I do love the science bit!) the device uses three different technologies: Grid Fractional Radio Frequency (GFR), High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (FUS) and Fractional Radio Microneedling (FRM). GFR is used in combination with FUS in one treatment. FRM can be a standalone treatment, or used in combination with GFR and FUS.
What do these treatments do?
GFR & FUS Treatment
The GFR uses targeted heat to smooth the collagen in the skin, and also to stimulate collagen production. The FUS uses ultrasound thermal heat energy to tighten and contract fibres in the deeper, SMAS layer of the skin. This is usually only reachable through surgery. In fact most patients may experience an immediate collagen contraction – which is why this is sometimes known as the “Cinderella Facelift”! The treatment also stimulates the growth of collagen, meaning you get longer-term improvements in skin tone too.
FRM Treatment
FRM used to be known as INTRAcel. It is a dermal microneedling technique that also uses fractional radio frequency to heat the deep dermis, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. It’s usually recommended that you have three treatments at month-long intervals, depending on your own skin’s needs.
What does it feel like?
I had a quick taster session of the GFR &FUS treatment at the conference, and knew straight away that it was something I wanted to bring to The Clinic. A topical anaesthetic was applied to my skin. Treatment was delivered by a hand piece moved across the surface of my skin.
I felt a sensation of heat and a prickling – and although it was a little uncomfortable, it’s perfectly bearable. As you can see from my pictures below (yes, that’s me!) my skin looked a little reddened immediately after treatment. This soon cleared up:
As with many treatments of this type, there is a little redness afterwards, but for most people this subsides over the first day or two. And of course it’s important to protect your skin from the sun afterwards as it heals. But hopefully everyone is wearing sun screen every day in any case, yes..??
It’s worth noting that there are a few groups that ULTRAcel treatments are not suitable for. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo treatment. Likewise those with pacemakers or defibrillators. It’s also not suitable for diabetics or patients with auto immune disease, or those undergoing accutane treatment.
If you would like to find out more, you can read our full treatment page here. Or of course you can call The Clinic on 020 8699 9496 or contact us and we’ll get back to you.
