We talk about what results should and, most importantly, what should not be expected from SMAS lifting using an ultrasonic HIFU therapy device. Only verified scientific data and real before-after pictures.
Ultrasound (US) is an oscillating sound wave with a frequency that is beyond the audibility of human hearing. When interacting with tissues, the ultrasonic wave has mechanical, cavitation and thermal effects on them. This effect was first noticed by submarine crews during World War II, when the ultrasonic sonars of submarines literally boiled fish in their path.1
Gradually, civilian specialists began to study ultrasound for its use in civilian life. In the late 1940s, researchers tried to focus ultrasound on a specific area of tissue to create an alternative to skin-damaging treatments.
Over time, this was successful, and High-intensity focused ultrasound, HIFU, appeared in the arsenal of doctors.
What is SMAS lifting (facelift)?
SMAS lifting is a facelift procedure without surgery.
The process uses ultrasonic waves, because they can penetrate deep into the skin. The impact on the deeper layers of the skin provides a better and more lasting effect.
Let's figure out exactly how the procedure goes. Ultrasound penetrates the skin to a depth of approximately 3.5 mm in the facial area and up to 13 mm on the body, reaching the SMAS layer. It consists of muscle, collagen and elastin fibers. Deterioration of the condition of this layer leads to loss of skin tone, the appearance of wrinkles, changes in the structure of the corners of the mouth and eyelids, and sagging skin on the thighs.
Ultrasound stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers, as a result the skin begins to regenerate, that is, the oval of the face is restored, wrinkles and sagging areas disappear, and overall skin health returns.
Operating principle of SMAS lifting Utims A3
SMAS lifting Utims is a non-surgical facelift technique, which is based on high-frequency ultrasound effects on the skin.
By heating the skin tissue, ultrasound pulses promote contraction of muscle fibers, activating the synthesis of elastin and collagen. Hyperthermia not only restores the tone of the SMAS layer, but also provides a natural tightening of flabby tissue.
The positive effect becomes noticeable after the first procedure. A short rehabilitation period is required for recovery.
How to prepare for SMAS lifting?
No preparation is required for the procedure. If the cosmetologist has free time, lifting can be carried out immediately at the first appointment.
Men are recommended to remove hair in the area where lifting is planned.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications or adjust or stop medications you are already taking. Tests or a medical examination may also be required.
If there are skin defects, mesotherapy may be prescribed.
It is not recommended to smoke or drink alcohol before the procedure.
Most often, nothing special needs to be done before the procedure; the listed appointments are individual and discussed with the doctor before the session.
Before lifting, the cosmetologist will cleanse the skin himself.
How is SMAS lifting Yutims done?
Yutimstherapy is carried out according to a specific algorithm:
- preliminary cosmetology consultation;
- cleansing the skin of impurities and cosmetics;
- marking problem areas;
- application of an auxiliary conductor;
- skin treatment with UTIMS A3 device;
- The final stage is applying a regenerating cream.
The duration of the procedure does not exceed one hour, depending on the number of areas being treated.
Indications for SMAS lifting
The main indications for SMAS lifting are:
- swelling;
- painting bags;
- decreased skin tone;
- large fat pad in the cheek area;
- fat deposits in the chin and abdomen combined with weak skin in these areas;
- fuzzy oval face.
Ultrasound helps get rid of fat deposits that are located between the dermis and the SMAS layer. On the cheeks this is most of the fat, on the chin and around the eyes there is less of it, but the procedure will still be effective.
Factors of the effectiveness of the procedure
In our clinic, ultrasonic tightening procedures are performed with the original Ultraformer device from the Classys HQ brand. The use of certified equipment, as opposed to cheap counterfeit replicas, provides the expected effect. This is reflected in the cost of smas lifting, but is also a guarantee of excellent results after the first procedure.
The use of a certified device gives results only when the equipment is in the hands of a qualified cosmetologist. These are the specialists who make up the staff of our clinic - experienced, certified, trained to work with the Ultraformer device.
Contraindications for SMAS lifting
Despite the great benefits of smas lifting, there are still contraindications. Facelift cannot be done by people under 18 years of age.
The procedure is also prohibited when:
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- oncological diseases;
- infectious diseases;
- diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems;
- mental disorders;
- using a pacemaker;
- the presence of metal implants in the area affected by ultrasound, except for dentures;
- purulent inflammation;
- acne and blackheads;
- predisposition to the appearance of keloid scars.
If you have at least one of the points, you should first make an appointment for a consultation. The doctor will decide whether the procedure can be performed and, if necessary, prescribe an additional course of treatment.
SMAS lifting procedure: pros and cons
Any cosmetic procedure, regardless of its nature, has its advantages or disadvantages. The pros and cons of SMAS lifting are determined from the point of view of effectiveness, contraindications, price, result, period of preservation of the result, rehabilitation period and other important criteria. It is very important that each patient is fully informed before the procedure, however, if you have questions, you can always contact our doctors and clarify the details.
Pros of facelift
If we talk first about the positive aspect, we cannot fail to emphasize the biggest plus, namely the absence of the need for surgical intervention and, accordingly, improving the appearance of the face quickly and painlessly.
SMAS lifting is a universal method of combating skin problems in different areas of the face, neck, décolleté and body. For each section, the required length of ultrasonic waves is selected so that they accurately reach the SMAS layer.
The results of the procedure are noticeable after the first session, the skin has a healthier and more elastic appearance, and lasts for a long period of time.
Most often, just one procedure is enough to achieve the desired effect. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated; the doctor will independently select the time interval between sessions. The minimum period is 1.5 years, as the result lasts quite a long time.
The rehabilitation period after SMAS lifting is not very long and does not cause excessive discomfort in patients.
Another feature of this facelift method is that it is painless. There may be discomfort during the lifting, but there will definitely not be pain.
Cons of facelift
We can talk a lot more about the advantages, but it must be emphasized that this procedure also has disadvantages. First of all, SMAS lifting is not performed on patients over 65 years of age due to the fact that it will not bring any effect. For those who have advanced the problem too much and have not taken advantage of the necessary treatment methods from the very beginning, lifting may not be sufficient, then the doctor will prescribe surgery.
For some clients, the price of a facelift may also be a disadvantage, but it is worth mentioning that one session is usually enough, so a one-time investment can significantly improve the situation with problem skin.
Duration of the effect of the SMAS lifting procedure
Lifting technology is a safe and painless alternative to surgery.
SMAS lifting is a non-invasive treatment without side effects. The process uses high-intensity ultrasonic waves that affect the deep layers of the skin. The procedure takes no more than 2 hours, with an additional half hour to apply anesthetic cream.
Pulses generated by the device selectively heat the desired area, causing thermocoagulation at the level of the SMAS layer. There is an immediate contraction of collagen fibers in different layers of the skin, followed by their retraction and stimulation of new collagen synthesis. The process of forming a new collagen matrix usually takes 3-4 months. As a result, a natural lifting effect occurs, which lasts for 1.5-2 years.
Adverse effects and post-procedure care
After the procedure using the ultrasound HIFU therapy device, no special care is usually prescribed. Patients can immediately return to their normal daily routine. Another thing is that the procedure itself is often very painful for the patient. In this case, local application of anesthetic cream has practically no effect, because tissue damage occurs to a considerable depth.
In the first hours after the session, mild erythema and swelling are expected - in most cases they disappear without a trace, although in 22-100% of patients they can persist for up to 48 hours.6 After SMAS lifting, a small bruise may appear, and if there is insufficient contact of the sensor with the skin, white blisters. In the latter case, topical corticosteroids are indicated.6
Temporary numbness in the treatment area has been reported in up to 18% of patients.7 It does not require treatment and resolves spontaneously within 2-3 weeks.
On a more serious note, the literature describes the occurrence of temporary paresis of the frontal branch of the facial nerve in 1 patient after using a HIFU device on the forehead.9 Eyebrow function was gradually restored within 2 weeks.
Rehabilitation after SMAS lifting
The difference between a non-invasive SMAS lift procedure and one that involves surgery is the recovery period. If surgery was unavoidable, the recovery period and complete healing will be longer and more difficult.
During the rehabilitation period after surgery, the patient should spend some time under the supervision of specialists, and should wear a support bandage for several days. Rehabilitation will take about two months. This time is necessary for the restoration of damaged muscles and tissues, as well as the resorption of hematomas. To ensure that the postoperative period passes without complications, it is recommended to use cooling compresses and take antibiotics. The patient is prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking and visiting saunas and steam baths.
In the case of SMAS face lifting, the circumstances are completely different. During the session, the skin is not damaged, so there is practically no need for a rehabilitation period, while the obvious results of the procedure are preserved.
Types of SMAS lifting: time-tested classics
Since the scope of application of the technology is quite large, the general concept of SMAS lifting can be defined as a combination of several types of procedures:
- classic lift;
- endoscopic rejuvenation method;
- ultrasonic lifting.
Each type should be described separately. What is SMAS classic face lifting? This is the most traumatic and expensive method. The operation requires careful preparation of the patient, and the time spent on the operating table under general anesthesia can range from 2 to 3 hours. After surgery, enough time is needed for the face to fully recover and acquire the expected attractiveness. But this technique is the most effective, since one procedure is enough to not think about age for another 10-15 years. The classic method is recommended for people over 40 years old, since it is at this age that changes on the face become noticeable to others.
SMAS lifting: what is it and how is the procedure performed?
- After the patient is put under anesthesia, the doctor makes an incision from the area behind one ear in the temple area, around through the anterior facial area to the area behind the second ear. The top layer of skin is peeled off in order to tighten the SMAS system to the desired level.
- Excess (redundant) tissue is excised.
- If necessary, liposuction is performed to reshape the position of the upper layer of skin.
- In the correct position, the skin is carefully fixed until complete healing.
- Cosmetic sutures are placed along the hairline and are removed no earlier than two weeks after the operation.
During the recovery period, the patient should be observed by a doctor to monitor the condition. The bandage can be removed after 3-4 days. In total, rehabilitation takes at least one and a half months. During this time, tissues and muscles have time to recover, postoperative hematomas finally resolve, and swelling subsides.
It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations: apply cooling compresses in a timely manner, take antibiotics, and do not bend over.
Attention! Even at the stage of preparation for surgery, you should give up cigarettes and alcohol. After the operation, it is strictly forbidden to visit baths and saunas.
What is the harm from the SMAS lifting procedure?
SMAS lifting does not have a negative effect on the skin, does not lead to hematomas or tissue damage, does not require stitches or long periods of rehabilitation, therefore, if all recommendations are followed, the risks and harm from it are minimal.
If there are contraindications, the doctor will refuse to perform the procedure, as this can greatly harm not only the skin, but also the entire body: keloid scars, panic attacks (for mental disorders), seizures (for epilepsy) are possible. That is why, if any contraindications are found, you should pay attention to other rejuvenation methods.
conclusions
High-resolution ultrasound diagnostics Doublo (SMAS-lifting Doublo) is the most important tool not only in developing an individual procedure protocol, but also the main assistant in drawing up a course of treatment for complex categories of patients. The high energy level of Doublo HIFU up to 2 J/cm2 ensures lasting, stable and pronounced results.
Thanks to the wide variety of protocols and manipulatives, the Doublo device is suitable for any course of treatment for cosmetic patients, and the possibility of high-quality diagnostics protects the doctor from mistakes and opens up endless opportunities for the growth of professional skills.
Dear readers of the Portal 1nep.ru, Especially for you, Vadim Andreevich Charikov conducted a webinar “SMAS-lifting HIFU: pitfalls in the work of a cosmetologist and how to deal with them.” Fill out the form below and we will send you a link to the recording.
How often should a facelift procedure be performed?
Of course, one of the advantages of an ultrasound facelift procedure is that there is no need to visit a cosmetologist frequently. Reviews from patients who have already undergone this procedure often mention that the visual effect is observed even after the first session.
The number of sessions required and the period between them are selected in accordance with the general condition of the patient and the problems he has. It is imperative to take into account their severity and the area in which the procedure is performed.
Most often, SMAS lifting procedures are performed once every few years, usually once every 2 years. Thus, another advantage of this method is that the effect lasts for 1.5-2 years, which allows clients to save money as well as time and enjoy the beauty and elasticity of the skin on the face, neck, décolleté or body for long periods of time.
“Ultraformer” procedure – what is it?
Today, the use of ultrasound in medical and cosmetic applications is one of the most common and effective solutions. The basis for the methods is serious scientific research. The hardware component is represented by a large selection of accurate and efficient equipment. Perhaps the most functional and practical option is the Ultraformer device.
The HIFU technology implemented in this device allows you to use the energy of ultrasonic vibrations in the range from 2 to 11 MHz, that is, to influence even the deep layers of the epidermis.
The popular technology is based on two main processes that occur in tissues when they are exposed to an ultrasonic wave:
- thermal ablation, or the conversion of mechanical energy into thermal energy;
- acoustic cavitation, complemented by the body's immune response.
What is an "Ulraformer"? This is a device that uses thermal ablation as its main method. The duration of exposure does not exceed 3 seconds, during which time tissues are locally heated and coagulation processes caused by the cytotoxic effect are started.
So what is “Ultraformer” lifting and how safe is it for humans? It is worth noting that ultrasonic facelift is a procedure that has undergone a huge number of clinical trials in leading American scientific centers. Experimentally, scientists were able to establish that the effect of ultrasound on the body is completely harmless. And the effectiveness of the method is at least 89%! Thanks to such high results, the technology was the first to receive registration from the Food and Drug Administration in the USA in the “Lifting” category.
What skin type is SMAS lifting suitable for?
SMAS lifting has the unique ability to lift, tone, and reshape skin tissue and is suitable for all skin types, but let’s go through each one.
The procedure is ideal for patients with dry and dehydrated skin. It is quite rough, so it may feel like the skin is “squeezing.” Also, this type is most prone to peeling and sensitivity. Signs of premature aging include the appearance of fine or even deep lines and loss of skin tone, firmness and elasticity.
Lifting, which is aimed at collagen synthesis, does an excellent job of removing all these signs.
For obvious reasons, patients with sensitive skin are recommended to replace aesthetic surgeries with SMAS lifting sessions whenever possible. This is due to minimal damage during the procedure and no adverse effects.
The effect of the procedure will be noticeable on any skin, however, before SMAS lifting, you must go to a consultation to exclude the presence of contraindications.
SMAS lifting in Moscow: who is it suitable for?
The SMAS facelift is intended for women and men who would like to look like they did 10–15 years ago. If you have tried to achieve this with the help of cosmetology, but the procedures have ceased to bring the desired result, perhaps it is time to seek help from a plastic surgeon.
SMAS lifting in Moscow is offered by many surgeons. When choosing a specialist, you need to take into account his experience and qualifications, the level of the clinic, and reviews of patients who have had surgery with this surgeon. SMAS-lift has different costs for different surgeons in Moscow, depending primarily on the qualifications of the surgeon and the technical equipment of the clinic. But if you need a significant rejuvenation effect without traces of the surgeon’s work, Dr. Bely is the only right choice. Why? Yes, simply because he is a specialist who can perform a SMAS lift through the shortest incision in the world!
At what age can you do SMAS lifting?
Most often, SMAS lifting is done after 40 years. At this age, processes begin that deteriorate the quality of the skin. The first wrinkles may appear. If there is unwanted fat, the procedure can be performed from the age of 18.
If necessary, it can be done earlier, but it is important to consider that face and body lifting is not a preventive procedure. It is aimed at eliminating existing problems with the skin, ligaments and muscles.
Between the ages of 25 and 35, you will need to consult with a specialist to confirm the need for SMAS lifting. The age limit is 18 years, but the cosmetologist may recommend the use of other technologies if he considers the symptoms insufficient for ultrasound tightening.
After 65, lifting will no longer bring the desired result, since the SMAS layer becomes too thin and collagen is lost.
Hardware SMAS lifting: getting younger with ultrasound
The most comfortable, safe and painless procedure: facial lifting using ultrasonic waves. The Ultraformer apparatus is widely used for this purpose. The technique does not require the use of general anesthesia - local anesthesia is sufficient, and it is also shorter and takes only about an hour and a half.
How is such an operation performed?
- Before the procedure is scheduled, the patient must undergo a thorough preoperative examination.
- Preparation includes drawing lines on the skin along which the lifting will be carried out.
- A special gel-like texture is applied to the skin in the treatment area.
- The specialist acts on selected areas with a special manipulator of an ultrasonic device. No pain. There may only be a slight tingling sensation
The effectiveness of the method is noticeable much earlier than after classical or endoscopic methods. Within a week, an improvement in facial contours and skin structure becomes noticeable. And the maximum effect will become obvious 3 months after the procedure. The result does not last long - about two years, after which the ultrasound facelift can be repeated. This technique is designed to eliminate age-related changes that appear at the age of 35-45 years.
Is it necessary to consult a cosmetologist before a facelift?
Consultation with a qualified cosmetologist is required before undergoing SMAS lifting. Only a specialist will be able to accurately determine the patients’ problems and their severity. The cosmetologist will also help identify all indications and contraindications.
The doctor will determine your skin type and prescribe treatment that can be used after the procedure to improve the result. The next visit to a cosmetologist for a facelift may not be necessary, and if there is a need, it will only be in a few years. The interval between sessions is also determined by the cosmetologist.
Suboptimal patient
Of course, there are patients in whom the expected results may be reduced. For such patients, additional methods may be required in the course of treatment to achieve significant results.
Reasons for decreased efficiency:
- Connective tissue dysplasia and its subclinical forms
- Significant reduction in the amount of connective tissue in subcutaneous fat and SMAS
- Excessive development of subcutaneous fat – requires an adipocytolytic protocol and course treatment
- Severe dehydration of the patient’s tissues – a course of biorevitalization is required
- Deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the body of patients
- Excessive tissue ptosis – indications for plastic surgery
Rice.
5. The scanogram shows weakly defined trabeculae and septa of subcutaneous fat - fewer “targets” for HIFU SMAS lifting. In clinical practice, we often encounter patients with subclinical forms of connective tissue dysplasia and a concomitant decrease in the amount of connective tissue in the subcutaneous fat and SMAS.
High-resolution ultrasound diagnostics allows us to identify such patients and approach them with comprehensive treatment to obtain optimal results. You can use a combined protocol - collagen-stimulating procedures followed by Doublo hardware SMAS lifting.
Clinical case 2
Patient, 40 years old.
From the anamnesis: in 2022, a thread lifting procedure was performed. The immediate effect was good, but lasted for a short time - 2 weeks. No contraindications have been identified, she is practically healthy. Tired type of aging, tissue ptosis is minor, but causes great discomfort to the patient. At the stage of ultrasound diagnostics, a sharp decrease in the amount of connective tissue at the level of subcutaneous fat and SMAS was revealed.
It was decided to carry out the course of treatment in two stages. At the first stage, the procedure is collagen stimulation with a polylactic acid preparation, after a period of biodegradation - the SMAS-lifting procedure.
Rice. 6. Scanogram before the collagen stimulation procedure, there is a sharply reduced amount of connective tissue in the subcutaneous fat and SMAS.
Rice. 7. Scanograms 6 months after the collagen stimulation procedure. There is a thickening of the skin and connective tissue in the subcutaneous fat.
At the first stage
During the course of treatment, a collagen-stimulating procedure is carried out: preparations of polylactic acid, hydroxyapatite, reinforcing threads.
At the second stage
– SMAS lifting procedure in the classical protocol using the method of uniform treatment.
Before the second stage, the patient noted a significant improvement in the condition of the skin: increased density, smoother texture, flattened wrinkles, and evened out complexion.
To enhance the lifting effect, the second stage was carried out - Doublo hardware SMAS lifting in the area of the middle and lower third of the face. The classic uniform development protocol was used.
Rice. 8. Results before and 2 months after the hardware SMAS lifting procedure.
