Approaching Facelifts with Confidence

Globally, aesthetic procedures have become increasingly embraced by mature adults. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, nearly70% of individuals aged 40 and above have shown interest in non-invasive skin-tightening procedures. Closer to home, aesthetic trends in Asia show growing confidence in age-positive solutions, with more individuals over 45 opting for non-surgical options like Ultherapy to maintain their vitality and appearance.

Understanding the Skin’s Natural Changes
As we grow older, our skin naturally loses firmness due to declining collagen and elastin production. These two vital proteins form the structural foundation of the skin, helping it stay smooth, supple and resilient. Over time, this reduction can lead to visible signs of ageing, such as sagging, fine lines and wrinkles. Environmental factors like prolonged sun exposure, smoking and lifestyle habits may further accelerate these effects.

While ageing is a natural process, today’s medical aesthetic treatments offer many options to support skin health and enhance natural beauty. One such option is Ultherapy Prime – an evidence-based, non-invasive skin-lifting treatment offered at Cambridge Medical Group (Somerset), which gently stimulates collagen production to lift and tighten the skin.

What Is Ultherapy Prime?
Ultherapy Prime is an enhanced version of the Ultherapy machine. It is a non-surgical facelifting treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production deep within the skin. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ultherapy Prime is indicated for lifting the skin of the brow, under the chin, neck, and for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.

Unlike surgical facelifts, Ultherapy Prime does not involve needles or incisions. Instead, it promotes gradual skin tightening from within, making it a comfortable and practical option for those seeking natural-looking results without downtime. Benefits of Ultherapy Prime include:

  • Tightened skin (typically achieved via a surgical facelift, previously).
  • A reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Toned face and contoured jawline.
  • Heightened collagen production.

How Ultherapy Prime Differs from Ultherapy
Patients can expect to experience the following benefits when they opt for Ultherapy Prime instead of Ultherapy:

  • Enhanced Accuracy for Optimal Outcomes: Ultherapy Prime’s visual enhancements give doctors brighter, clearer visuals during the procedure. This makes accurate targeting of treatment areas easier, potentially optimising the results for your skin.
  • Less Pain: Many individuals who have experienced Ultherapy Prime report that they found the treatment to be significantly less painful than the original Ultherapy procedure. The increased accuracy alleviates discomfort and minimises swelling by avoiding unnecessary stimulation of surrounding tissues.
  • Convenience: The machine’s faster processing and elevated ergonomic design can reduce your time in the clinic while still leading to effective results.

How It Works
Ultherapy Prime works by delivering ultrasound energy at accurate depths beneath the skin’s surface, reaching layers typically addressed in surgical procedures. This energy triggers a natural healing response known as neocollagenesis, encouraging new collagen formation.

What sets Ultherapy Prime apart is its clearer real-time imaging capability, allowing doctors to visualise the tissue layers during treatment to tailor therapy accurately to each patient’s needs. The process takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the treatment area, and does not require anaesthesia or recovery time.

What to Expect
After the treatment, collagen production gradually increases over the following months. Most patients begin to notice subtle lifting and tightening within a few months, with optimal results appearing around six months post-treatment. Improvements can last for many months, depending on individual skin conditions and ageing processes.

Ultherapy Prime is well-tolerated by most patients. While some may feel brief tingling or warmth during the session, discomfort is typically minimal and temporary. No post-treatment rest is necessary. This makes it ideal for those with active lifestyles or professional commitments.

Who May Benefit from Ultherapy Prime?
Ultherapy Prime is ideal for individuals experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity and those seeking a non-invasive method to refresh their appearance. It is often suitable for those who:

  • Notice mild sagging under the chin or jawline.
  • Have early signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Prefer a gradual, natural enhancement over surgery.
  • Seek preventive care to maintain skin firmness.
  • Want a solution that fits into a busy schedule.

Patients in their 30s to 50s commonly consider Ultherapy as part of their skin maintenance regimen. At this stage, many still retain good skin elasticity, making them responsive to collagen stimulation therapies. However, patients in their 60s and beyond are increasingly turning to Ultherapy as well – often as a means to refresh their appearance in a way that reflects how they feel on the inside: vibrant, present and engaged.

More mature individuals may also be looking for a way to stay in step with how their energy, self-confidence and life goals have evolved. Ultherapy Prime allows them to enhance their features gently without altering their identity or expression. In fact, many patients in this group have shared that they pursue the treatment not out of vanity, but to honour their evolving sense of self and well-being.

Whether you are a working professional, a caregiver, an active retiree or simply someone who values self-care, Ultherapy Prime can be a supportive tool in your personal wellness journey.

Supporting Long-Term Skin Confidence
While Ultherapy Prime delivers noticeable improvements, it is not a substitute for surgical procedures in cases of significant skin laxity. For patients who desire more comprehensive rejuvenation, Cambridge Medical Group also offers the Duo-Facelift Programme, which combines Ultherapy with Thermag3 – another cutting-edge collagen-stimulating technology.

For optimal outcomes, patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, limit sun exposure, and follow post-care instructions provided by their doctor. Avoiding harsh exfoliants and products containing vitamin A immediately after treatment can help to support skin recovery.

A Thoughtful Approach to Skin Ageing
In a time when people are living longer and staying active well into their later years, appearance has become more than skin deep – it is a reflection of how one chooses to live, connect and express themselves. For many, exploring aesthetic treatments like Ultherapy Prime is less about turning back the clock and more about aligning their outer appearance with an inner sense of vitality, confidence and purpose. Ultherapy Prime, a refreshed take on this treatment journey, reflects a more modern, self-assured perspective on ageing. It is not about reversing time, but about making thoughtful, confident choices rooted in the refinement of self – choices that can inspire you to move through life with a renewed spring in your step.

Book a Personal Consultation at Cambridge Medical Group (Somerset)
If you are curious about how Ultherapy Prime can complement your skincare goals, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced aesthetic doctors. Dr Shirley Kwee, Cambridge Medical Group’s Medical Director and a seasoned physician with
over a decade of experience, is an expert in Ultherapy Prime. Her clinical expertise in Ultherapy Prime helps patients achieve
natural-looking skin enhancements aligned with their aesthetic goals. Dr Kwee leads a team dedicated to helping you make informed and empowering choices. PRIME

Author

  • Medical Director
    Cambridge Medical Group
    MBChB (UK) GDFM (Singapore)

    Dr Shirley Kwee is a veteran doctor with over 10 years of experience in Aesthetic Medicine. She is the Medical Director of Cambridge Medical and Aesthetics (a member of Beyond Medical Group). Dr Kwee’s clinical interests and expertise include Injectables (BTX and Dermal Fillers), Thread Lifts, Treatments for Skin Pigmentation, Anti-Ageing, Weight Loss, and Body Sculpting. Dr Kwee understands that everyone needs to feel good about themselves, and her holistic approach is of a reputable standard. She believes in the importance of personalised treatment plans and finding the right combination of treatments for her patients.

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