New treatment for turkey neck: Ultherapy
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

free skin care · Fri Nov 12, 2010 5:41 am

Did anyone else happen to see Dr Oz yesterday when they showed the "latest and greatest in plastic surgery" for saggy necks, called ULTHERAPY. They used an ultrasound device and just held it on the neck area. Totally painless, non-invasive, no anesthesia or numbing required. Over the course of 3 months, the neck tightens up. The before and afters were pretty impressive. Cost: $1000. Thoughts?

free skin care · Fri Nov 12, 2010 7:00 am

MOuntain Girl here is a review of the procedure from an EDS poster....

not a happy ending at all..although at first she loved the results. The procedure was extremely painful..and after a number of months (i don't recall how many) everything reversed back (and it sees like from her post that there was even 'extra'damage)..she then decided to have a facelift.

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=35270&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

free skin care · Fri Nov 12, 2010 10:53 am

ok...so I was reading the thread and seeing how happy Rosebud was with the results and then finally came to the part, several months later, where her face began to sag. DANG IT! Thanks J for guiding me to that thread.

free skin care · Fri Nov 12, 2010 6:53 pm

mountaingirl wrote:

ok...so I was reading the thread and seeing how happy Rosebud was with the results and then finally came to the part, several months later, where her face began to sag. DANG IT! Thanks J for guiding me to that thread.

Yep, I followed that for a friend who's older but hates that turkey waddle as she calls it, but it sure didn't turn out well did it? Crying or Very sad

free skin care · Fri Nov 12, 2010 6:57 pm

what's unsettling to me is how much pain the procedure gave her (and apparently that is the 'norm' according to her doc...so dif than the explanations of the procedure given online!

free skin care · Fri Nov 12, 2010 7:03 pm

jasminerosey wrote:

what's unsettling to me is how much pain the procedure gave her (and apparently that is the 'norm' according to her doc...so dif than the explanations of the procedure given online!

I agree, there is a lift that's done in about 1-2 hours but is minimally invasive yet surgical and from what I have heard not painful. You are just sore (normal sore) and it actually works!

free skin care · Fri Nov 12, 2010 7:41 pm

OMG, what is that lift called, Darkmoon? (i like to imagine that i may be brave enough to undergo surgery at some point for my vanity..but i know in reality i never will...still would like to know though!)

free skin care · Fri Nov 12, 2010 7:47 pm

jasminerosey wrote:

OMG, what is that lift called, Darkmoon? (i like to imagine that i may be brave enough to undergo surgery at some point for my vanity..but i know in reality i never will...still would like to know though!)

The clinic in Maryland my friend is considering calls it a lunch break lift (or close) but I think there are different names for the procedure. Here is a link that describes neck lifts.

http://www.plasticsurgeryjacksonville.com/neck-lift.html

free skin care · Sat Nov 13, 2010 9:33 am

I have read something about this procedure, the Ultherapy? The article I read said it was extremely painful, but quite effective. Not sure how long lasting the results would be though.

Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:35 pm

I am interested in purchasing an ultrasound device that could be used on my neck--it is a home-use hand-held ultrasound (specifically the one from Lips2kiss). I have read about many other devices on this forum--is there a thread on ultrasounds for firming? Has anyone found them to be effective?

free skin care · Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:47 pm

Dr Baumann wrote about this recently.

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/skintype/improve-your-turkey-neck-thanksgiving

free skin care · Thu Nov 25, 2010 6:26 pm

My sister had Ultherapy performed over the summer to the upper half of her face, quite frankly it was a waste of money. She saw no improvement with 2 rounds of Ultherapy (her doctor gave her another round free because she didn't respond to the first) So it was a big dud for her.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 12:42 pm

This treatment is very new and there is no proof it works. In clinical trials, it is only SUGGESTED that this treatments helps. Lasers and IPL are not the safe treatments they are touted to be. They are extremely dangerous and should only be used when necessary and not for cosmetic purposes. Even if you have THE most experienced laser doctor, these are devices being used on your face and devices can malfunction. If it does, it's malfunctioning on your face/eyes. Even if you were to have this treatment and a "successful" outcome, the results would not be permanent and it would have to be repeated (therefore more risk taken). Please see this forum before making your decision. It has alot of useful information, including stories of those harmed.

http://iplandlaserdamagesupport.prophpbb.com/

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 4:03 pm

I believe saying that IPL and laser treatments are "extremely dangerous" is a gross exaggeration. I've had many IPL treatments plus one laser and one Thermage treatment. Both of my daughters have also had these treatments. None of us have had a problem. These treatments are now common place and are used by just about every cosmetic clinic.

I know that the web abounds with horror stories (you've only got to check out realself.com to see that). But sometimes I don't think people are prepared for the down-time. And with these types of procedures it's usually a case of "no pain, no gain". The first IPL I ever had was a very intense treatment that left me swollen, bruised and battered for about 10 days - but the results were worth it in the end.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 4:41 pm

If you stop and think about it.. really, a laser to your face isn't dangerous?! I'm glad you and your daughters had a good outcome but just know there are plenty of people who haven't. I had V-Beam and was burned, so I immediately knew I was injured. However, with some of these devices, the damage isn't apparant until a couple of months later or even a year out. Many IPL victims experience fat loss and don't realize this until a couple months post procedure. It's been noted, especially with Fraxel, that damage can be quite delayed, sometimes even a year later. These horror stories are real- ipl/lasers can be devastating to people's faces and lives. Don't be fooled into thinking because they are used everywhere, they are safe. These devices were grandfathered into the FDA approval process and the FDA doesn't acknowledge the numerous complaints against them. Please see this link, it's a list of some of the many complaints filed to the FDA http://iplandlaserdamagesupport.prophpbb.com/topic344.html

If you continue to choose this form of treatment, I wish you the best of luck. I just feel people should be better informed because
the dangers are well concealed by the industry, Dr.'s and FDA.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:04 pm

When you say you were burned, isn't that what a laser does - it damages the epidermis, which then peels off to reveal new skin. I had a Pearl Laser and my skin looked like burnt toast for about five days, but then it healed and was fine. I've also had spot burns from IPLs, but nothing that has scarred - you are warned that there could be blistering before you have the treatment.

As for fat loss one year after treatment - people's faces are constantly changing and evolving. I think many people don't get the "miracle" results that they were hoping for, they quite often have unrealistic expectations. This leads to disappointment down the track.

I'm by no means arguing that everything is 100% safe - as with any cosmetic procedure things can go wrong and it's important to do your homework and find a reputable operator. But by the same token, I don't think it's helpful to have a "Profit of Doom" attitude as many people have been helped by these types of procedures.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:14 pm

V-Beam shouldn't cause 2nd degree burns with open wounds, which is what happened to me. The laser also "scattered" to other areas of my face where I wasn't directly treated. This is the term used by a burn specialist I saw. The fat loss is real, it can result in denting of the skin.

It only takes one treatment gone wrong for one's life to turn on a dime. IMO, not worth the risk.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:19 pm

This reminds me of many doom and gloom stories fueled by the media.
Example when my about to be 30 year old daughter was 18 months there was a huge stink over the pertussis vaccine (whopping cough) so being a loving mom I asked my pediatrician, well he informed me that A) He had been at Children's Hospital during the last outbreak of Whooping Cough and 1 in 10 children died of the disease compared to about 1 in 2 million having a severe reaction to the vaccine. B) I was taking a greater risk by far driving the 10-15 minutes to his office even with a cat seat snuggling her in! All four of my kids had their full course of vaccines. Smile

People are taking risks all the time by choice!
Having a baby
Taking BCP
Taking many medications
Having any "elective" surgery.....on and on and on!

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:32 pm

Yes, the horror stories about vaccinations really annoy me too. So many mothers now aren't getting their babies vaccinated that the incidence of deaths from Whooping Cough is on the rise.

Anne19 - I know you were happy with your PRP injections (I have a consultation on Friday for this). But I'm having a hard time finding any positive reviews on this also. This is what the doctor on Realself has to say:

Quote:

PRP Platelet Rich PlasmaBy Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD - Los Angeles Oculoplastic surgeon

This board-certified ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon is an active member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).
Learn more Hi Tony

I so love questions from the Realself.com community because it keeps me aware of all the crazy things out there.

PRP claims improvement in facial appearance with the injection of the patient's own plasma. Essentially, blood is drawn from you, spun and the plasma in injected under the skin with the implication that growth factors in this liquid stimulate rejuvenation. The problem with this great idea is there is no a shred of scientific evidence that it even remotely works. The before and after pictures of this procedure on various web sites are either very unimpressive, show patients who have clearly had other services, or have obvious manipulation of the lighting between the before and after images. If you want proven treatment stick with BOTOX and Restylane. If you want something that is unproven and most likely ineffective, try RPR.

http://www.realself.com/question/PRP-Platelet-Rich-Plasma-PRP-facial-rejuvenation-fact-review

Sorry to go off-topic here - but I'm just trying to demonstrate that there doesn't ever seem to be one procedure where everyone agrees that it's beneficial - it makes it very difficult to decide what to do. And there are plenty of Botox horror stories out there too.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:33 pm

Not really comparable to having a baby... most people have IPL/lasers for cosmetic reasons... Thing is, the stories of negative outcomes isn't fueled by the media, it is well concealed. The consent forms we signed didn't mention possible fat loss, vision problems (as many aren't given adaquete eye protection, thyroid problems, laser "scattering" etc. As these devices become even more commonplace, there will come a time when the negative side effects will no longer be able to be concealed- Just like many medications have been taken off the market after the very dangerous side effects have been exposed.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:43 pm

Anne19 wrote:

Not really comparable to having a baby... most people have IPL/lasers for cosmetic reasons... Thing is, the stories of negative outcomes isn't fueled by the media, it is well concealed. The consent forms we signed didn't mention possible fat loss, vision problems (as many aren't given adaquete eye protection, thyroid problems, laser "scattering" etc. As these devices become even more commonplace, there will come a time when the negative side effects will no longer be able to be concealed- Just like many medications have been taken off the market after the very dangerous side effects have been exposed.

That was one example and yet women make the choice all the time and some do lose their lives. My point is medical procedures, medications have risks and we should educate ourselves to those risks and then make informed decisions knowing full well there are NO guarantees. Life is a crap shoot. Smile

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 6:13 pm

Anne19 wrote:

Thing is, the stories of negative outcomes isn't fueled by the media, it is well concealed.

I don't agree with that. Nothing much is hidden from the media these days, all you have to do is phone a newspaper or current affairs programme. One of our local TV programmes ran a story on one woman who was unhappy with IPL - they showed the most horrific photos of her post treatment. But when they interviewed her on camera she looked fantastic, so I don't know what she was complaining about. As I said earlier, I think it's a case of people not being prepared for the down-time.

Conversely, there are allot of people unhappy with these types of treatments because they see no results at all. I think this is because the clinicians are too frightened to use a higher setting in case they cause a bruise or blister.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 7:53 pm

A while back I ran into a young lady I used to see at my gym. (I think I've posted about this once before.) Anyway, apparently she had an IPL treatment and had EXTREME fat loss in her face(necrosis?)---like her face disappeared. She was hospitalized for weeks and had to undergo numerous grafts to her face and will never really look the same. It was a nightmare that lasted for months and months. That is the only horror story I've heard on IPL's but it was enough to keep me away.

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:13 pm

mountaingirl wrote:

A while back I ran into a young lady I used to see at my gym. (I think I've posted about this once before.) Anyway, apparently she had an IPL treatment and had EXTREME fat loss in her face(necrosis?)---like her face disappeared. She was hospitalized for weeks and had to undergo numerous grafts to her face and will never really look the same. It was a nightmare that lasted for months and months. That is the only horror story I've heard on IPL's but it was enough to keep me away.

Fat necrosis has been linked to RF treatments such as Thermage - I've never seen it linked to IPL - are you sure it was IPL and not RF that she had?

free skin care · Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:31 pm

http://www.rosaceagroup.org/QandA/Dr_Nicholas_Soldo.php

Dr Soldo: Melissa,

Again, if strict guidelines are followed and enough IPL’s are performed (? 10, 15, 20 ?) all patients have some improvement. It can be mild to moderate to dramatic.

I see many men responding well with fewer treatments than women, maybe because they tend to have thicker skin with more collagen.

I do not know what a maximum number of treatments would be. I generally see adequate results with 5- 15 treatments, but have done more in rare cases of some patients with particularly bad rosacea. I am not personally aware of any negative effects from repeated IPL. I have read an article of supposed negative effect (fat loss etc) in a study in Europe, but I don’t know what machine was used in the study.

I have seen fat necosis in the face and indentations with other machines, like Thermage, and also IPL-RF combinations (such as Aurora). Although uncommon, I have also seen small skin divots from use of an ND-Yag.

But I have never seen these problems with IPL or PDL. I have done many IPL treatments daily for nine years, and have seen none of those effects from the machines I use. One must question things such as

1. Equipment used--what was the machine used?

2. What was the technique used?

3. Who administered the treatment?,etc.

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.