As beauty technology advances,
facial ultrasound has become an essential tool, enhancing traditional aesthetic procedures such as non-surgical facial lifting and contouring, making them safer and more precise. By using ultrasound to analyze facial structures, doctors can diagnose and plan treatments more accurately, resulting in safe procedures and natural-looking beauty outcomes.
What is Facial Ultrasound?
Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create images beneath the skin, revealing layers such as fat, blood vessels, muscle sheaths, muscles, bones, and tendons. This allows for safer, more effective procedures in aesthetic treatments.
Types of Ultrasound in Aesthetics
Ultrasound technology in beauty treatments falls into two main categories:
- Therapeutic Ultrasound
This type uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to generate heat and stimulate collagen production beneath the skin, helping to lift and tighten the face and reduce wrinkles. Examples include non-surgical lifting programs like Ultherapy and Ultraformer. - Diagnostic Ultrasound
This type is used to capture images of subdermal structures for diagnosis and treatment planning. Facial ultrasound allows doctors to view detailed facial anatomy, including blood vessels, muscles, and subcutaneous tissues, enabling safer and more precise procedures, such as filler and bo injections.
Benefits of Facial Ultrasound in Aesthetic Procedures
Ultrasound helps doctors analyze facial structures and create personalized treatment plans based on individual issues, as each person’s facial anatomy varies. By accurately identifying issues, appropriate methods can be selected, resulting in satisfying outcomes. Ultrasound is beneficial for:
Precision Injections
Ultrasound allows doctors to see the exact placement for injections, reducing the risk of injecting near critical blood vessels or tissues, which helps avoid complications like lumps, migration, or vascular occlusion.
Assessment and Correction of Previous Treatments
For patients with filler-related issues like lumps or overfilled syndrome, ultrasound helps in identifying filler placement and guides corrective procedures precisely.
Reduced Complication Risks
Real-time visualization of facial structures allows doctors to avoid incorrect injection placements, minimizing the risk of complications such as vascular occlusion, which could lead to skin necrosis or even blindness if blood vessels are affected.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Facial Ultrasound in Aesthetic Treatments
Advantages
- Safe and radiation-free (unlike X-rays and CT scans that use radiation and could increase cancer risk with frequent use)
- Enhances treatment accuracy
- Reduces the risk of complications
Disadvantages
- May have higher costs compared to traditional treatments
- Requires specialized equipment and trained, skilled practitioners
Ultrasound is not an automatic device; incorrect imaging or interpretation can lead to misdiagnosis and adverse treatment outcomes. It requires a specialist’s expertise to produce accurate images and interpret them correctly. Dr. Atita Inwong, a board-certified diagnostic radiologist from Siriraj Hospital, brings her specialized skills in ultrasound and accurate imaging interpretation to ensure safe and precise procedures for patients.
Summary
Facial ultrasound is becoming a significant technology in the beauty industry, offering benefits of precision, safety, and natural results. Its use in aesthetic procedures enhances treatment efficacy and boosts confidence for both patients and practitioners, making non-surgical aesthetic options safe and attractive for those looking to maintain a youthful appearance.
Read Dr. Sroy’s interview on creating safe beauty with Facial Ultrasound here : Hello Magazine Interview
