Posted January 22, 2024 in Provider Contributor
Written by Gilberto Saenz III, MPAS, PA-C. Dermatology / Plastic Surgery Board Certified Physician Assistant at Austin Plastic Surgeon
Gilberto Saenz III is a Board Certified Physician Assistant who specializes in Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. Gilberto provides a wide range of services in his practice including facial injectables, non-surgical and minimally invasive body contouring procedures, laser and light therapies, skincare, as well as assisting the surgeons he works with in their many surgical procedures. However, he will tell you that the absolute favorite part of his job is performing Full Facial Rejuvenation for his patients.
In the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, the advent of ultrasound technology has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the contours of how we approach non-invasive cosmetic procedures. As a medical professional deeply entrenched in the field, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of ultrasound on patient outcomes, safety, and the overall trajectory of aesthetic medicine.
Ultrasound, traditionally associated with diagnostic imaging, has found new frontiers in the field of aesthetics, offering a non-invasive and highly-effective tool for treatment planning and monitoring. At its core, ultrasound is rooted in the propagation of high-frequency sound waves and has evolved beyond mere visualization to become a dynamic tool for precision treatments and information gathering. This evolution has sparked a new era in aesthetic medicine, offering a non-invasive approach that aligns with the growing demand for effective and safer treatment approaches.
The face has been the primary focal point for the application of ultrasound technology; however, there are so many other applications we will explore further. As an aesthetic provider, the ability to navigate beneath the skin’s surface with unprecedented precision is nothing short of revolutionary. Ultrasound’s role in facial rejuvenation lies in its ability to visualize and precisely target specific layers of the skin and underlying tissue. Allowing for targeted energy delivery, stimulating collagen production and restoring elasticity through a variety of aesthetic treatments. The result is a natural and rejuvenated outcome without invasiveness of traditional surgical interventions.
The depth and accuracy of ultrasound imaging enables clinicians to visualize specific layers of facial anatomy, tailoring treatments to meet individual patient needs. This level of customization, combined with the non-invasive nature of ultrasound-based procedures, marks a significant shift from conventional approaches, offering patients not just exceptional aesthetic outcomes but an experience that improves safety for our patients as well.
The application of ultrasound technology also extends beyond facial aesthetics; however. In our practice, it has had a profound impact on our body contouring surgical patients. Renowned Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and body contouring specialist, Dr. Johnny Franco, utilizes the benefits of ultrasound technology with all his Brazilian Butt Lift patients receiving fat grafting. The incorporation of ultrasound technology with this particular patient demographic has proven time and again to not only produce superior surgical outcomes with the visualization of the placement of the fat transferred, but a superior safety profile for these patients as well. The Brazilian Butt Lift with fat grafting has long been regarded to be a high-risk surgical procedure; however with the incorporation of ultrasound both patient and surgeon can feel more comfortable knowing that every possible safety precaution is being utilized.
The pursuit of tighter, more youthful skin has long been a cornerstone of aesthetic medicine. Ultrasound technology has elevated skin tightening procedures to new heights, offering a non-surgical alternative to traditional facelifts. The mechanism is rooted in the ability of ultrasound waves to penetrate deep into the dermal layers, stimulating collagen synthesis. This, in turn, leads to improved skin elasticity and firmness, addressing the natural effects of aging without the need for invasive surgical interventions.
Additionally, the incorporation of ultrasound with the use of Radiofrequency Microneedling (RF microneedling), such as with Aesthetics Biomedical’s platform Vivace Ultra™, we are now capable of visualizing the appropriate depths for the layer of tissue being targeted for treatment with the RF energy. In turn this affords us, aesthetic providers, the opportunity to achieve high-yield outcomes for our patients.
Patient safety has always been at the forefront of medical practice, and the integration of ultrasound technology into aesthetic procedures has significantly enhanced safety profiles. Real-time imaging capabilities allow clinicians to monitor procedures with a level of precision previously unattainable. The ability to visualize tissue layers and track the distribution of energy, or the proper placement of dermal fillers and/ or biostimulatory fillers ensures that treatments are not only effective but also tailored to individual patient needs.
Reduced recovery times and a lower risk of complications contribute to high patient satisfaction. As a medical professional, the assurance that comes with real-time imaging and precision delivery of either volumizing fillers, bio-stimulating fillers or energy translates into confidence in the outcomes of aesthetic procedures. The marriage of safety and efficacy underscores the transformative potential of ultrasound technology in the hands of skilled practitioners.
While ultrasound technology has undoubtedly revolutionized aesthetic medicine, challenges persist. Ongoing research endeavors focus on refining techniques, expanding the scope of applications, and addressing specific anatomical nuances. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into ultrasound image analysis holds promise in further enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
From a medical professional’s standpoint, staying abreast of these developments is not just a professional obligation but a commitment to providing the highest standard of care. As the field continues to evolve, collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and industry partners becomes paramount to overcoming challenges and unlocking new and exciting frontiers in ultrasound-based aesthetic interventions.
As a medical professional immersed in the dynamic landscape of aesthetic medicine, the advent of ultrasound technology is nothing short of revolutionary. Never before have we had the ability to visualize the tissue layers we are targeting with our aesthetic treatments as we do now. With the addition of ultrasound in aesthetics, we have essentially been given Superman’s superpower of x-ray vision.
From facial rejuvenation to body sculpting and skin tightening, ultrasound has emerged as a versatile and powerful tool. The fusion of precision, safety, and individualized care has ushered in a new era, where patients can achieve their aesthetic goals with confidence in the capabilities and safety of modern medicine. The transformative potential of ultrasound technology is not solely confined to the present; but sets the stage for a future where innovation continues to shape the field of aesthetic medicine. As medical professionals specializing in aesthetics, we are at the forefront of this new golden age where the intersection of art and science meet to navigate this renaissance with a commitment to excellence and a profound appreciation for the impact we can have on the lives of those seeking the harmonious balance of beauty and well-being. Personally, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us.