Should I use tetracycline after ultherapy?

Question

I've been taking tetracycline for my dermatitis, but I consider discontinuing taking them as I want maximum effect of Ultherapy. Will tetracycline slow down the tightening process after Ultherapy? That is, is tetracycline anti-inflammatory or just anti-bacterial? I also eat a lot of sugar/chocolate, can this cause sagging and slow down the tightening process?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi E,Tetracycline is an anti-biotic and will not affect the results of your Ultherapy treatment.  Neither will the sweets, pass me a piece of chocholate please!  Good luck and be well.Dr. P

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Taking tetracycline after an Ultherapy procedure will not affect your results.  Eating sugar and chocolate in large amounts can lead to some health issues but moderate amounts should be fine and will also not affect your Ultherapy result.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.I have done Ultherapy since 2010 and have not seen problems with antibiotics and Ultherapy. Read the Ultherapy ebook on the link below.Dr Karamanoukian

Robert S. Bader, MD, FAAD · Answer

The real answer is: We do not know. There are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of Ultherapy in persons on Tetracycline versus those who are not. Therefore, we do not have a definitive answer as to whether or not there will be a difference. THE SCIENCE: The heat generated by Ultherapy causes thermal damage that requires repair and healing. Cytokines will be released during the healing process that will lead to tightening of the skin and the desired result.  Theoretically speaking, minocycline, a derivative of tetracycline, has been shown to inhibit the effects of TNF-alpha. This protein when applied topically to wounds has been shown to decrease wound healing and collagen production. Therefore, if tetracycline acts similarly to minocycline, it could have an effect on wound  healing, and ultimately, could have an effect on the final cosmetic outcome after Ultherapy, although further studies are needed. Interestingly, one study showed that minocycline reduces hypertrophic scarring, although the mechanism of which this occurred was not discussed. SUMMARY:In short, we just do not know how tetracycline will affect the final result. If tetracycline behaves similarly to minocycline, it could have an effect on the final results.REFERENCES:Ann Chir Gynaecol Suppl. 1996;211:1-53. The effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha on wound healing. An experimental study. Rapala K1.1996 Apr;40(4):934-40. The tetracycline derivative minocycline differentially affects cytokine production by monocytes and T lymphocytes. Kloppenberg M1, Brinkman BM, de Rooij-Kij, et al.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Jul;120(1):80-8; discussion 89-90. The inhibitory effect of minocycline on hypertrophic scarring. Henry SL1, Concannon MH, Kaplan PA, et al.

Renee Snyder, MD · Answer

HI. Tetracycline is commonly used to treat several inflammatory skin conditions in dermatology, rosacea, bullous pemphigoid and acne just to name a few. What is not well known about the drug is that it is very anti-inflammatory. At even low doses the drug is used to treat the inflammation of periodontal disease. I would think that you would want the inflammation after a tissue tightening procedure to occur, this is what helps lead towards the reparative phase and resultant tissue tightening that you are looking for. Therefore, I would not take tetracycline nor any other anti-inflammatory medications during or around the time of your treatment. I don't feel there are any dietary restrictions, but I would avoid chocolate if it triggers acne breakouts. Good luck.

Should I use tetracycline after ultherapy?

Answers (5)

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