Is there a danger with the Profound of similar problems like the Ulthera?

Question

There are several reviews on here of the Ulthera " melting the face, skin sagging, needing facelifts andfat transfers after Ulthera procedure, I don't want to take that chance w profound.

Brock Ridenour, MD · Answer

I have been treating patients with Profound RF for almost 2 years and I am one of the most experienced providers in the country.  The Profound Dermal (skin) treatment keeps 90% of the heat confined to the dermis and I have never seen an unintended consequences such as fat loss or facial sagging. 
The Profound SQ (subcutaneous) treatment is a much different design. It has been designed to treat conditions such as cellulite and submental fullness (double chin). The subcutaneous needles penetrate more deeply into the fat. It is used to both diminish fatty bulges and to tighten the the overlying skin by its effect on the subcutaneous fibrous network. 
Personally, I strongly prefer the reliability of Profound RF over Ulthera for facial skin tightening.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Judy,
Your concern is shared with many patients that I see in consultation.  Since Profound RF dermal treatment is directed only 1 to 2 mm below the skin surface, it does not effect fat.  The subdermal Profound RF micro-needle tip is used to purposely eliminate fat cells (for double chins and body fat.)
I do not believe that Profound RF patients need to worry about undesired fat loss with the consequent need for correction.  As with any facial aesthetic treatment it is essential to make sure that you choose your treating physician carefully based upon their skill, knowledge, results, experience, and most importantly their natural artistic vision.  Good luck and be well!!!
Dr. P

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Profound and Ulthera are great devices that can be done safely and provide outstanding results.  We have both devices and it is not uncommon that we use them together in the same patient.  The key is to assess your concerns and determine whether either procedure will help to achieve your goals.  Understanding the underlying anatomy and customizing your treatment is key to obtaining great results and avoiding complications.  Remember both of these are tools, just like a scalpel is a tool for a surgeon.  It is the surgeon's experience and skill level that determines the results, not the scalpel.  I would recommend that you visit with an experienced surgeon who also specializes in non-surgical facial rejuvenation.  This will allow you to get the best options for your goals.

Sapna A. Patel, MD · Answer

Profound has its own risks but with this procedure, the microneedles in the dermal cartridge target a specific depth ( deep dermis) and so the fat layer is not affected; this means there is not a risk for melting the face. However, there is a subcutaneous cartridge to help melt fat- we use this for submental fat or thighs; if this is used in the face, you could see similar concerns as with Ulthera about melting the face. Additionally, this is more invasive than Ulthera so there is the possibility of nerve damage/ weakness, as well as numbness/ paresthesias.

Is there a danger with the Profound of similar problems like the Ulthera?

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More Profound RF Questions

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More Profound RF Questions

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