Is Ultherapy possible post orthodontic jaw surgery?

Question

30 years ago I had jaw surgery to realign my teeth (bottom jaw protruding). I have no idea if I have metal in my jaw as a result (screws or plate). My original orthodontist is long retired so I can't ask or get my files. Should I proceed with Ultherapy? What would happen if I tried it and I did have metal in my jaw? Could I at least do eyes/brows if not jawline? Thank you.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The deepest of the focused ultrasound energy is 4.5 mm with Ultherapy and it is not likely to penetrate plates or wires in your jaw.The energy delivered is limited to the skin and just below the skin, way superficial (above) the gums and jawbone.If you have any concerns, your dentist can get a mandibular xray and discuss that with you.Dr Karamanoukian

Matthew Elias, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There are many types of orthognathic surgical techniques that OMFS surgeons use.  If metal screws/plates were used in your mouth it is likely to be in your mandible (lower jaw) at a depth much deeper than Ultherapy penetrates the skin to (1.5mm, 3mm, and 4.5mm).  I see no reason why you cannot have Ultherapy performed but it is best you discuss with your Board Certified Dermatologist for proper evaluation and management as titanium theoretically could reflect and scatter the ultrasound waves.  An X-ray may be in order to see if there is any metal in your jaw.  If you and your physician are concerned with treating your jaw there should be no reason not to be able to do upper face, but again please discuss with your physician.  Regards, Dr. Matt Elias

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

Yes, of course Ultherapy is possible after orthognathic surgery. The HIFU energy is never delivered to your teeth or jaw bone. Ultherapy is an extremely safe
treatment that carries little to no real risk when the treatment is performed
by an experienced professional. Ultherapy is,
without question, the best collagen-inducing device for facial rejuvenation. RF
devices, such as Thermal, only heat the tissues up to 50-55 Celsius while a
minimum of 60C is necessary for new collagen growth (Neocollagenesis). Thermi
is, in my opinion, a very poor tool that has limited to no use in facial
aesthetic. There is no
other non-surgical device that does what Ultherapy does, despite their claims
otherwise. Furthermore, Ultherapy has the first, and the only, FDA approval for
non-surgical lifting. We feature Ultherapy as the basis for our Non-Surgical Face-Lifting
program and we have achieved amazing results by combining Ultherapy with
treatments such as toxins, fillers, fractional resurfacing, modified phenol
chemical peeling, stem cell rich fat transfers, micro-needle radiofrequency
treatments (the only useful RF based treatment available today), and excellent
skin care regimen management.

Is Ultherapy possible post orthodontic jaw surgery?

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Is Ultherapy possible post orthodontic jaw surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

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