More patients are opting for non-invasive methods in their quest to look younger. A plethora of laser treatments are now available for those who want their skin to look younger and rejuvenated without appearing too artificial.

AsiaOne Health speaks to Dr Vanessa Phua to find out more about two different types of laser treatments that are available on the market today.

Ulthera

What is Ulthera (pictured above)?
It is a non-surgical facelift using focused ultrasound to target superficial and deep layers under the skin. It heats up the skin in real time for an instant and continued lifting effect over time.

What is it used for?
It is used to tighten and lift the skin in men and women with mild to moderate skin laxity of brow area, cheeks, jawline, neck, decolletage, arms and other parts of the body with loose skin.

How does it work?
It uses focused, precise ultrasound heating at specific depths at 70deg celsius to initiate natural wound healing response, contraction and activation of collagen and new skin regeneration. Fibroblasts create new, healthier collagen overtime, resulting in reduction of skin laxity and tighter skin.

How is it performed and how long does it take?
The smooth Ulthera ultrasound applicator is placed on your face. This allows the doctor to actually 'see' into your skin and the tissue beneath. This same handpiece is then used to deliver precise points of heat energy at just the right depth below the skin to achieve a positive effect, leaving the surface of your skin unharmed.

A full face treatment takes about 45 minutes.

Your skin's response to the energy is to contract immediately, and then to stimulate the growth of new collagen over time. A gradual tightening occurs and peaks in 90 days, resulting in a natural, lift of facial skin tissue.

How long do the effects last?
Results last approximately 18 months, but this varies from person to person, as determined by their lifestyle and genes.

What are the side effects?
In the first 3 days after treatment, you might feel mild, sporadic tingling in the treated area.

How many sessions are necessary to see initial results?
Ulthera is a single session treatment, where results last a minimum of 18 months. The regenerative process is initiated right away, but the full effect will gradually be evident over the course of two to three months. The skin tightening and lifting results are visible as early as the 1st week.

How much does each session cost?
A treatment for the full face costs $4,000.