I have plates and screws in my jaws/chin. Would I be ruled out for Ultherapy? My face is starting the downward slide.

Question

13 years ago I had orthognathic surgery to the mandible and maxilla, with a sliding genioplasty. I am 36 now and aging. I'm really unhappy with the lower part of my face and the hooding I now have on my eyelids. I was hoping for something less invasive to help produce more collagen and tighten things up but, maybe I need something surgical instead. I've done everything right, haven't left the house without SPF since I was 15 but, that only goes so far. I'd just like to look fresher and less gaunt.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The energy is attenuated (lost) at 5mm depth and will not affect the screws and plates in your jaw. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound and ultrasound physics principles. Ultherapy is FDA cleared to treat laxity of the skin in the lower face, jowls and neck.Read the Ultherapy ebook on the link below. BestDr. Karamanoukian

Julian W. Dixon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. In my opinion you are likely a great candidate for ultherapy with the following caveat. You would absolutely require a provider that would be able to tailor your treatment specifically to your needs and with your underlying anatomy in mind. There are many areas where a more superficial transducer may need to be used, however this would not compromise your result if your provider was experienced. One of the great features of the Ulthera technology is that you can actually see where you are delivering the energy, but this requires a provider who understands how to interpret the ultrasound as well as someone who understands the anatomy.  In terms of your goals you should realize that ulthera can certainly tighten and lift the skin, however that may not be enough to improve the "gaunt" appearance you mention. Often volume must be strategically replaced 3-6 months post ulthera/preferably with fat or HA filler in our practice. But its an important detail to understand, that ulthera is great but is not always a stand alone procedure. Often touch ups to restore small amounts of volume in a precise location is necessary to achieve the best "fresh" result. In my opinion and experience, ultherapy is much more akin to a surgical device than many people/providers realize. As such in skilled hands in can work wonders and in unskilled it may not produce the desired result. In short find an experienced provider and you should be fine. Hope this helps.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

It depends upon exactly where the hardware is located. I treat patients with hardware outside the treatment field and this has proven to be safe, in my experience. However, if you need your jawline to be treated right on top of a mini plate that can create issues. You would be best served by consulting a physician Ultherapy provider who also has experience with facial trauma and understands where and how the plates were placed. This is likely to be a plastic surgeon or oral surgeon. Best.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Steven M. Gitt, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

Ultherapy does image the areas of treatment before delivering the energy so you should have no problem. Furthermore, the hardware is probable too deep for the lines of energy to reach. Just be sure to tell the person performing your treatment that you have hardware and there should be no problems. Good luck!

I have plates and screws in my jaws/chin. Would I be ruled out for Ultherapy? My face is starting the downward slide.

Answers (4)

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