Other than vitamin C, what other supplement helps to build collagen prior to Ultherapy? Pycnogenol or astaxanthin? (Photo)

Question

I am 51 years old and planning on doing full face and neck ultherapy in January. What else can I do to get my skin in optimum condition for the ultherapy treatment? I just want to give myself the best chance for success in building good collagen and I have read that vitamin C helps. Any other suggestions?

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultherapy can target three different depths: the Dermis (deeper skin), Fat + Connective tissue (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System-SMAS) and Muscle.  The Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) is located below the fat and is a strong tissue that envelops the face.  It is made up of collagen, elastic fibers, muscle fibers and fat cells.  The ultrasound energy produced during an Ulthera treatment, precisely and consistently heats the targeted tissue to 60-70 degrees centigrade, which is the optimal temperature for contraction and denaturation of collagen.The results from an Ultherapy treatment work  in a two-step process.  The first stage is the contraction and denaturing of collagen, which causes an immediate tissue tightening.    The second stage occurs over time while the body’s healing response builds new collagen (neocollagenesis).  New collagen production is  generated over 2-3 months and often continues for 6 months after the treatment.   Full results are visible after 3 to 6 months.     To optimize your results, I do recommend at least 1000 mg of Vitamin C daily.  I also recommend the patient try to avoid anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, aspirin or Aleve as they can interfere with the inflammatory process created by the Ultherapy treatment.  Lastly, it is important that the patient use topical medical grade skin care which will work synergistically with the Ultherapy to create collagen.  Topical retin-A or tretinoin is important as well as daily sunblock.  In our practice we use Obagi and Jan Marini products and recommend topical Vitamin C, Glycolic acid, an ingredient like hydroquinone or kojic acid to control pigmentation and a moisturizer with either peptides or growth factors. Good luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Collagen destruction can be modulated by using antioxidants like vitamin C and pycnogenol, one of the most potent antioxidants that is known and used as a supplement.Smoking cessation is important and sun protection is key with high SPF to prevent skin damage.Some have advocated Sculptra injection immediately after the Ultherapy session as they showed that it enhances the Ultherapy effect. They call it Sculptherapy = Sculptra and Ultherapy. Dr Karamanoukian

Other than vitamin C, what other supplement helps to build collagen prior to Ultherapy? Pycnogenol or astaxanthin? (Photo)

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Other than vitamin C, what other supplement helps to build collagen prior to Ultherapy? Pycnogenol or astaxanthin? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.