How Ultherapy can Make you Feel Good about Yourself: A Patient’s Experience

Tag Archives: Facial Plastic Surgery in Virginia

The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts is a state of the art practice in Northern Virginia for various aesthetic procedures. It is led by board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, or simply Dr. V, who now also provides Ultherapy to her patients in Chantilly, near Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, and Prince William.

An Overview of Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure to reduce skin laxity in the face and neck with the help of ultrasound technology. This innovative procedure can lift and tighten sagging skin without involving any surgical incision, needles, or foreign objects. Ultherapy works in two ways by strengthening the existing collagen layer underneath the skin as well as stimulating the generation of new collagen to make the skin tighter, fuller, and smoother. The treatment employs ultrasound imaging, which enables the patient to see the areas of tissue that are being treated.

See Ulthera before and after photos

People in their thirties or forties with mild to moderate skin laxity in the neck or face are usually ideal candidates for Ultherapy. However, this procedure is not a substitute for facelift surgery. It is an alternative for people who may not be willing to undergo a surgical procedure. The treatment can also be useful for people who have undergone a facelift in the past, and wish to prolong its impact. The treatment does not involve any significant side effects or downtime, and can be performed even without local anesthesia, depending on the patient’s pain tolerance.

Ultherapy on The View!

A Patient’s Experience with Ultherapy

The following is a first person account of a patient who chose to undergo Ultherapy at a relatively late age of 52. This is her personal story about why she chose it, and how she felt about the outcome. Identity of the patient is withheld to maintain confidentiality.

“I’m 52, but I believe I do not look more than 45. I have looked after skin all through my adult life, but age seems to have caught up with me, and my skin is sagging around the jaw and neck. I did not wish to undergo the knife or general anesthesia, so I chose Ultherapy. The signs of aging on my face and neck had not bothered me until one day I came across some of two decades old pictures in my closet, and thought to myself: “I looked quite beautiful back then.” That’s when I promised myself that I would do everything I could to take care of my appearance, and not surrender so abjectly to the aging process as I had been doing until then.

I did some online research and came across Ulthera as a non-surgical procedure that suited my needs for facial rejuvenation. I met a cosmetic surgeon, who explained to me all the pros and cons of this treatment in comparison to other surgical and non-surgical options. When finally I was ready for an Ultrasound Lift, the doctor discussed with me whether to perform the procedure with or without local anesthesia.

I decided to go for it without local anesthesia. My doctor advised me to take two pills of ibuprofen an hour ahead of the procedure. The entire procedure lasted for a little more than an hour. The doctor and her assistant worked on my face and neck. I relaxed comfortably with a blanket to cover my knees, while the ultrasound wand worked on various parts of my face. The doctor asked me intermittently if I was comfortable. Only when they applied the UF wand to my neck, I felt a slight stinging sensation.

I do not have much fat on my face due to collagen depletion with aging, which seemed to make my treatment slightly uncomforting. I was told that layers of fat tissue on the face can cushion the impact and make the treatment less painful. The doctor had to apply all her skills to apply the UF close to my facial bone for the best results, while making every effort to keep me comfortable. Once the procedure got over, the doctor reminded me about using sunscreen for a few weeks. She told me to expect gradual results over a period of next three to four months.

However, my first reaction when I saw my face and neck in the mirror was: “I look great! I guess this treatment works.” I hardly noticed any bruising or swelling as I had been warned about. Several months have passed since the day of my treatment. I do not know how others perceive me, but to me I look better. Has Ultherapy changed my life? Certainly not. I don’t think any treatment can do that. But it has certainly made me feel better about myself and raised my self-esteem.”

For more infomation on Ultherapy please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia. Dr. V also offers Ultherapy skin tightening procedure to her patients in Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. http://drvfacialplastics.com/contact-us/

Dr. V believes that hats, along with other preventative measures both surgical and non-surgical may assist in improving the glow of the face. That is why we are proud to sponsor this weekend’s 2013 International Gold Cup Hat Contest!

The popular hat contest is on Race Day October 19, 2013.

Categories Judge include:
1. Best Racing Theme
2. Funniest/Most Outrageous
3. Most Glamorous/Elegant
4. Best Child (under 18)
5. Best Men’s Showing

Entering the contest is easy. If your party is on Members Hill come to the Winner’s Circle in front of the Steward Stand at 2:15pm. The contest will start at 2:30pm. If you party is located in either the North or South areas of the course meet at the Entrance Gate to Members Hill at 2:00pm. Look for the sign that says “Hat Contest” and join the parade to the Winner’s Circle.

For more information about the race click here

A new type of non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound and the body’s natural healing process to lift and tighten loose skin on the face, neck, eyebrow and under the chin is called Ultherapy. The only FDA-cleared procedure to lift skin on these hard-to-treat areas.

See more Ulthera Before and After Pictures

Dr. V is what she goes by but her real name is Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen. She is a board certified plastic surgeon who conducts and offers the most state of the art aesthetic procedures that are available in this field. Her practice is in Northern Virginia. You can also schedule an Ultherapy appointment with her office. This is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment offered in Warrenton, Arlington, Fairfax, Middleburg, Fauquier, Manassas, Prince William, Loudoun, Chantilly (near Leesburg), and other areas as well.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy or Ultrasound Lift is an FDA-approved non-invasive procedure to tighten loose skin in the face and neck area. The treatment makes use of ultrasound technology to lift and tighten drooping skin. It performs a dual action of supporting the existing layer of collagen in the skin as well as stimulates the production of new collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. Without involving any cuts or needles, the ultrasound waves penetrate into the targeted deeper layers.

See Ultherna Before & After Photos

People in their thirties or forties, who suffer from mild to moderate skin laxity in the facial and neck area are usually superb or ideal candidates for Ultherapy. However, it is important to remember that Ultherapy is not a substitute for facelift surgery. It is an effective alternative for patients who are either unwilling or unable to receive surgical treatment. It is typically used to lift skin around the neck, chin, and eyebrows.

How does it work?

The goal of Ultherapy is to penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis to achieve longer lasting skin tightening effect. It delivers ultrasound frequency in controlled phases to the deeper layers to induce collagen production. The focused ultrasound energy heats up the deeper layers in targeted pockets to stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen helps improve skin elasticity, tightens the sagging areas, and adds more volume to make the skin appear smoother, fuller, and tighter.

For most effective results, a patient may have to undergo two to three treatment sessions of Ultherapy. However, the extent and frequency of treatment may vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. Effects of the treatment can last for up to a year or longer. Follow up treatments can be received after a year to extend the results for longer periods.

Procedure

At the initial consultation stage, the doctor will evaluate the current health status, age, medical history, and extent of skin laxity. The doctor will also carefully understand the unique needs and expectations of the patient regarding skin tightening and improvement in appearance. Depending on the assessment, a treatment of Ultherapy may be recommended. The doctor will explain the procedure and benefits in detail, and may show before and after images of other patients to ensure the patient has realistic expectations from the procedure.

The doctor will mark the targeted area that needs to be treated with Ultherapy. Treatment of the full face and neck may require a little over an hour. If the area to be treated is lesser, the procedure can be completed in a shorter time period. The procedure is completely non-invasive and involves no incisions or injections. However, the pain threshold level of each patient may vary. If a patient shows signs of anxiety or has a low tolerance to pain, the doctor may advise local anesthesia to improve comfort levels during the procedure.

The treatment is typically administered on the neck, brows and beneath the chin, but it can also be performed on other areas where skin elasticity is weak. The treatment is not designed to cause a radical change in appearance. The goal is to rev up the skin on the inside in a healthy and natural way so that the outcome is visible on the outside. Best results with Ultherapy are usually seen after three treatment sessions.

Different from Laser Therapy

Ultrasound therapy works in a different way compared to the traditional laser skin tightening procedures. Laser therapy primarily targets the external layers of the skin, but Ultrasound Lift involves the delivery of ultrasound frequency into the deepest skin layers. It bypasses the top layers of the skin and avoids any serious damage to healthy skin.

The goal is to deliver maximum energy to the collagen layers of the skin so that the process of new collagen formulation is initiated. The principle involved in Ultherapy is the same as what is used in fat melting ultrasound based devices. A brow lift is one of the most popular uses of Ultherapy for people who do not wish to undergo a brow lift surgery.

Downtime and Side Effects

Ultherapy does not have any of the usual risks or side effects associated with surgery. It may cause mild redness and soreness in the skin that may last for a few days. But a patient can return to work immediately after the treatment, and there is no specific downtime involved.

Don’t hide your skin this fall. For the month of October, purchase one Fraxel treatment before the end of October and receive 25% off your second Fraxel treatment for November.

No matter how healthy you live or what you do to take care of yourself, eventually the effects of the sun, environment, stress, fatigue, and the signs of aging will change your appearance making you look older than you feel. The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts, under the direction of Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, M.D. (Dr. V), is proud to offer the latest in state-of-the-art equipment and the most advanced fractional technologies available including Fraxel® Laser Systems Click Here to Learn More

Schedule Your Fraxel DUAL Appointment Today

Don’t wait! Call 703-327-8200 to schedule your skin care appointment today.

Supporting the new Gum Spring Library, Dr. V is sponsoring the First Annual Wine Tasting Event on Saturday, October 26th, 7-9:30pm.

Come join us at the Gum Spring Library for an elegant evening event. Proceeds will benefit the educational initiatives of the Gum Spring Library.

This year’s theme is a “Mystery & Masquerade” and will feature a presentation and book signing by acclaimed writer Ellen Crosby, author of The Wine Country Mysteries, wine tastings from Willowcroft and Cana wineries, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a fashion show sponsored by Stein Mart, live jazz music by the Mark Brandt Trio and a silent auction.

Admission is $55. Must be over 21. Cocktail Attire. Come join us for what’s sure to become our annual signature fund raiser to support the wonderful programs at your library!

The new Gum Spring Library located at 24600 Millstream Dr., Aldie, Virginia 20105

The Virginia Gold Cup Association hosts two of the hottest steeplechase races in Virginia. The Virginia Gold Cup Races held on the first Saturday in May and the International Gold Cup Races held on the third Saturday in October are a social “must” in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Go and enjoy the 76th running of the world famous International Gold Cup steeplechase race, October 19, 2013 at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia.

Dr. V will be donating 5 gift certificates for treatments from The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts for 5 lucky winners during the race!

For help in selecting your perfect International Gold Cup ticket package, please call the Virginia Gold Cup Association Office at 540.347.2612.

Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, who heads the Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts in Northern Virginia. She provides a range of advanced cosmetic surgery procedures for patients in Chantilly, Fairfax and surrounding communities in VA. Dr. V specializes in facial plastic surgery and performs cosmetic and reconstructive procedures such as facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, and rhinoplasty.

Dr. V is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. She received her medical degree from the University of Minnesota, and completed her residency training in Head and Neck Surgery. She followed it up with a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA.

What is a Facelift?

Facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure to reduce the signs of aging, primarily from the midface and lower face. Aging signs may appear more conspicuously on the face due to heredity factors, gravitational forces, environmental exposure, sun damage, medical condition, and natural facial expressions. Skin elasticity also goes down with age due to depletion of natural collagen. Facelift is an effective way to reverse the signs of aging, make the facial skin appear tighter and smoother, and restore youthfulness to the face.

The procedure involves re-contouring the loose skin and muscles, re-positioning the underlying fat and tissue, and restoring volume to the cheeks and mid-face without causing excessive stress to the overlying skin. A typical facelift can take several years off the patient’s face. The goal is to meet the patient’s needs and expectations from the procedure without compromising safety and customizing the treatment in accordance with the unique facial features and anatomy of the patient.

Facelift Techniques

With advancements in cosmetic surgery, a number of innovative approaches to facelift and neck lift surgery are available today. However, the traditional facelift procedure still continues to be preferred by many surgeons. An experienced plastic surgeon will choose the technique that is most suited to meet the patient’s needs and facial condition.

Traditional Technique: The traditional or standard facelift technique is designed to treat the lower two-third portion of the face as well as the neck. It involves removal of excess fat and skin, tightening the loose muscles, and re-draping the skin on the face smoothly. This procedure can be used to correct conditions such as sagging skin, excess fat pockets, droopy jowls, lines beneath lower eyelids, tired or old looking mid-face, lines around the mouth and double chin.

Endoscopic Technique: This facelift procedure involves the use of a miniature camera that is inserted underneath the skin to help identify problem areas and perform corrective surgery. The technique is minimally invasive to ensure that the recovery period is shorter, surgical risk is reduced and scars are negligible. Tiny incisions are made in this technique to help lift the upper face and cheeks. This technique can help improve conditions such as droopy brows, loose skin over cheeks, frown lines, sagging mid-face and jowls, and lines around the mouth.

Facelift is essentially a facial plastic surgery of the mid-face, lower face, and may also include the neck. However, conspicuous signs of aging in the upper face may not be corrected by any facelift technique. To ensure overall facial harmony, the plastic surgeon may recommend combining of facelift with other procedures such as forehead lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, and minimally invasive treatments such as Botox or laser skin rejuvenation.

Procedure

Facelift is usually performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon will begin the procedure by making an incision along the hairline or natural creases or folds on the face to hide the scars. Through the incision, the surgeon will remove a certain amount of excess tissue and fat. Multiple small incisions may be made to remove fat and loose skin from the chin and neck to enhance the overall facial contour. The overlying skin will be smoothed and re-draped on the face and the incisions will be closed.

The patient will have the face bandaged after the surgery and it may take a day or two before the dressings can be removed. Stitches will be removed in about a week. Pain relieving medication may be prescribed for the first few days. Cold compresses can be used to provide relief from swelling and bruising. Most patients can resume their normal activities within two to three weeks following the surgery.

Facelift with Dr. V

The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts is a state of the art facility for facial plastic surgery in Chantilly and Fairfax, VA. Dr. V is board certified facial plastic surgeon, with expertise in various cosmetic surgery procedures. She is an experienced surgeon in Northern Virginia for facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, and other facial rejuvenation techniques.

For more information about this procedure or any other please click here to contact us.

Old Town Warrenton welcomes the 24th Annual Evening Under the Stars fundraiser for the Partnership for Warrenton Foundation. The fundraiser helps support the annual activities we all enjoy such as the nationally recognized GumDrop Square and Christmas in Old Town as well as the lamppost restoration project, Main Street’s American Flags and the economic and aesthetic revitalization of Old Town and much more. The 24th Annual Evening Under the Stars boasts tastings from an estimated two dozen of the area’s top restaurants and caterers, dancing in the street to live music performed by the Daryl Davis Band, a cash bar, and a silent auction. The event promises something for everyone. This is the social event of the fall, a true not-to-miss event! Tickets will be on sale starting in July on the web site under the Tickets Tab, at participating shops in Old Town and in Partnership office (26 S. Third Street).

Don’t forget to bid on the silent auction items Dr. V donated from the Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts that include a Botox Party and Facial Rejuvenation Package!

To purchase your tickets, reserve a table or a VIP Package please click on the Tickets tab of this web site. You may also purchase tickets by credit card by calling the office at 540-349-8606 or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 3528, Warrenton, VA 20188

If you have items you would like to donate to the silent or live auction, please contact Jennifer@PartnershipforWarrenton.org or call 540.349.8606.

As a facial plastic surgeon, in addition to consultations for surgical improvement of facial aesthetics, I am often asked by patients about basic skincare as a complement to other efforts. I like to compare beautiful skin to a perfect canvas on which an artist manifests her masterpiece. The skin on your face and neck can signify to others a lot about your health and how well you take care of yourself. Yet, many of us disregard our skin’s health and often spend little time nourishing it. Indulge your skin to allow glowing illustration of your emotions.

The most basic skincare regimen consists of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting.

Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser specifically formulated for the face. You may use a soft brush or your fingers to gently exfoliate and refresh in the morning, and de-stress and fully cleanse in the evening after a long day.

Moisturize with a balanced complex that uniquely harmonizes with your type of skin: dry, neutral, oily. Don’t be tempted to skip this step if you suffer oily skin. Lack of moisture initiates a vicious cycle that throws your skin even more off-balance and causes more oil production.

And most importantly, protect your canvas at all times from the harsh aging effects of the sun. Allow me to repeat. Protect. Protect. And protect! Each and every morning, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, covering both UVA and UVB.

In the summer months, constant reapplication is essential as the sunscreen shield often fades away during activity. Don’t neglect your skin in the coming winter months. Although the sun may not be directly beaming down on us, its rays still reach and damage our skin. Most of us in the metro area spend an abundance of time in the car commuting during the week. Sun exposure comes directly and indirectly reflected from other cars, from dashboards, from any shiny surface. Protect yourself.

In addition, always apply an initial layer of sunscreen before you apply make-up or other cosmetic products. Even though some products offer a degree of sun protection, most do not fully prevent sun penetration adequately. Check and confirm next time you pick up a foundation product.

Vigilance and dedication to nourishing and cultivating your skin with delay the signs of aging and lead to a healthy canvas whereupon a work of art and expression arises.

For more information about this procedure or any other please click here to contact us.

Contact Us Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts

CHANTILLY:
South Riding Professional Square
25055 Riding Plaza, Suite #140
Chantilly, VA 20152
TEL: 703.327.8200

How Ultherapy can Make you Feel Good about Yourself: A Patient’s Experience

Tag Archives: Facial Plastic Surgery in Virginia

An Overview of Ultherapy

Ultherapy on The View!

A Patient’s Experience with Ultherapy

What is Ultherapy?

How does it work?

Procedure

Different from Laser Therapy

Downtime and Side Effects

Schedule Your Fraxel DUAL Appointment Today

Don’t wait! Call 703-327-8200 to schedule your skin care appointment today.

Dr. V will be donating 5 gift certificates for treatments from The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts for 5 lucky winners during the race!

What is a Facelift?

Facelift Techniques

Procedure

Don’t forget to bid on the silent auction items Dr. V donated from the Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts that include a Botox Party and Facial Rejuvenation Package!

The most basic skincare regimen consists of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting.

Contact Us Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts

Request a Non-Surgical Consultation

Request a Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

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THE FALL CAPSULE COLLECTION 2022

Limited Time

THE FALL CAPSULE COLLECTION 2022