As we age, our skin wrinkles for two reasons.

1. First, as muscles are used over time, their continuous movements cause the overlying skin to wrinkle.
2. Next, the skin and underlying tissues lose a component called collagen, which typically provides structural support. Without this structural support, the skin wrinkles.3 

Luckily for many, medical aesthetics can curb these effects.

Several medical aesthetic procedures can reverse wrinkled skin, minimize the detrimental effects of acne, and even remove hair from unwanted areas. Traditionally, some treatments involved surgery, but nowadays, several medical aesthetic clinics offer less invasive options. So what are these procedures, and how do they work?

Several procedures exist, and they can involve:

• chemicals, 

• nutrition, 

• micro-needling therapy, 

• injections, 

• heat, 

• or other methods.2 

This article will provide general information about two of these procedures.

Ultherapy is a medical aesthetic procedure that tightens the skin to reduce wrinkles.

How does it work?

Through ultrasound and radiofrequency technology, Ultherapy heats the tissues under the skin. This effect promotes the formation of collagen, which adds more structural support to the skin and “straightens out” the wrinkles.4

Ultherapy only requires up to two hours of your time and may cause swelling, redness, or bruising at worst. Some patients find it painful so we will use various pain control methods (such as topical cream, oral medication, and/or “laughing” gas to help you get through.

Since there is no recovery period, one can continue their business throughout the day as if nothing happened. It can take 2-3 months before the effects start to show, and these effects can last for over a year.

Some people may need a follow-up appointment to experience the best results.5

Morpheus8 is a type of radiofrequency technology that can tighten wrinkled skin and reduce the scarring caused by acne.

This medical aesthetic procedure causes slight injuries to the skin, promoting the body’s healing process.

This healing process facilitates the formation of collagen and new blood vessels. The process revamps the physical appearance of the face and other treated areas.5,6

Like Ultherapy, the Morpheus8 procedure doesn’t require much time. It may also be painful so we would use the same methods as for Ultherapy. Both procedures are likely to need minor recovery methods.

It’s important to refrain from wearing makeup for 2-3 days after the procedure.5

The face and body change for a variety of reasons. Luckily, with the availability of medical aesthetics, we can minimize the effects and enhance our personal appearances. 

Do you think medical aesthetics may be right for you?  Contact a medical aesthetics clinic to book a consultation.

Writen By Alana Stilla

1. Clinic WMC. December 12, 2022. Accessed December 12, 2022. https://www.medicalcosmeticclinic.ca/
2. Medicine AAoA. What is Aesthetic Medicine? December 12, 2022. Accessed December 12, 2022. https://www.aaamed.org/aesthetic_med.php
3. Medicine CAoA. Facial Anatomy and Neuromodulators for the Upper Face. December 12, 2022. Accessed December 12, 2022. https://www.caam.ca/facial-anatomy-and-neuromodulators-for-the-upper-face
4. Chilukuri S, Lupton J. “Deep Heating” Noninvasive Skin Tightening Devices: Review of Effectiveness and Patient Satisfaction. J Drugs Dermatol. Dec 1 2017;16(12):1262-1266. https://jddonline.com/articles/deep-heating-noninvasive-skin-tightening-devices-review-of-effectiveness-and-patient-satisfaction-S1545961617P1262X/
5. Clinic WC. Non-Surgical Facelift Treatments. December 12, 2022. Accessed December 12, 2022. https://www.medicalcosmeticclinic.ca/non-surgical-facelift/
6. Hendricks AJ, Farhang SZ. Dermatologic facial applications of Morpheus8 fractional radiofrequency microneedling. J Cosmet Dermatol. Oct 2022;21 Suppl 1:S11-s19. doi:10.1111/jocd.15231