I was one of the first patients treated with ellacor when it came to the office. I've had a number of facial procedures including filler, microneedling RF, utrasound skin tightening, and wanted to try ellacor for something more corrective. I am 45 and was beginning to see some sagging skin in the area around my mouth and jowls and thought this would help. I went back and did my photos at 4 months post and definitely see a shrink wrapped effect to my lower face. The healing time took a little longer for me, but I wore tinted sunscreen and make up so it wasn't that noticeable. This is definitely a procedure that did more for me and something I'll do again once every year or two to fight off the aging/loose skin.
Ellacor is a fairly new technology that treats wrinkles and sagging skin (so sad!) on the lower face. I decided to try it based on a recommendation from Dr. Kranendonk at Skye Dermatology in Jupiter, Florida. I am so glad I did!!! I had my treatment on a Thursday afternoon - it took about an hour (including numbing time) and was mildly uncomfortable overall. I left the office with some swelling and red "stamps" on the treated area - lower face and chin. I was worried about missing too much work so I stayed home Friday and planned to go back on Monday. Because Ellacor is not a "heat" based treatment, I had no pain or discomfort over the weekend. I sent Dr. K photos every morning so she could see how I was healing. By Monday, I was able to wear makeup and go to work!! I still had some redness and visible stamps on my face, along with bruising from the numbing process, but with a white mineral sunscreen followed by a tinted BB cream I was able to conceal any discoloration. I took these UNTOUCHED before and after "selfie" photos to witness any improvement for myself. The "before" photos were taken on the day of treatment and the "after" photos were taken at the 6 month mark. You can see I have a lift in my upper lip and the skin around my mouth appears tighter with less sagging (YAY!). Note that this was after only one treatment! I am very happy with the entire process - from treatment, to healing time, to the results. I would highly recommend this treatment to anyone looking to firm up their lower face area.
Dr. Kranendonk and her team were so helpful. They addressed all of my skincare needs and answered every question I had about treatments that are best for me! Would absolutely recommend their practice to anyone interested in any of their cosmetic treatments.
Fat grafting to the lower eyelid can be effective, but because the skin is thin, any irregularity in the graft can show as a lump or bump. Another option would be to use a hyaluronic acid filler, such as restylane, instead. I've had patients get 1-2 years of correction with restylane when used in the lower eyelids, and the product is more forgiving than fat.
Ultherapy is not advised in patients with autoimmune conditions, including scleroderma. I am unaware of any specific studies using ultherapy in patients with scleroderma. However, since ultherapy stimulates collagen, the concern is you would be at risk for developing scleroderma in your face, or other treatment sites. A safer option would be using hyaluronic acid fillers or fat grafting to replace volume. An experienced cosmetic dermatologist can minimize the appearance of the jowls and eyelid sags through the use of hyaluronic fillers or fat, while providing a natural looking result.
Sculptra would be an ideal choice for you, as it builds collagen and provides longer lasting results (two years or more). Sculptra acts as the foundation, to build volume. Treatment with hyaluronic acid fillers can be done later, if needed, for fine lines. I would also encourage you to begin using Retin-A (tretinoin) to help build collagen in your skin. Retin-A is a prescription cream that can be obtained through your dermatologist. With consistent use, Retin-A will help prevent fine lines and will compliment your Sculptra results.