Ultrasound scanning technology is an interesting development in aesthetics which could be set to take anti-ageing and cosmetic treatments to the next level.
This technology offers practitioners a way of seeing more anatomical detail beneath the surface of the patient’s skin. It illustrates the muscles, fat pads and vessels as well as blood flow. It can also show the thickness of the skin, which gets thinner with age and collagen depletion as well as varying in different areas. In addition, it can help to evaluate the location and composition of any previous dermal fillers.
Logically, a better understanding of the physiology should help Aesthetic Doctors to provide even more sophisticated treatments based on precise understanding of the patient’s skin.
It can also be very useful in those cases where patients are unhappy with their treatment and come seeking ‘corrective’ work, whether that is reversal of fillers, adjustment of the procedure, additional work or all of the above. Similarly if there is a complication of any kind, ultrasound can be used to assess filler placement and to guide the placement of reversal injections (hyaluronidase).
Ultrasound imagery could enhance the safety of all procedures by providing more insight into the unique structure of the skin’s inner layers.
Research supports the idea of using ultrasound in aesthetics. A study entitled Ultrasound patterns of different dermal filler materials used in aesthetics by Fernando Urdiales Gálvez, MD, Francisco M. De Cabo Francés, MD, and Isabel Bové, MD was published in May 2021 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. The team concluded:
“Ultrasound imaging may be a valuable tool for assessing the nature of former dermal filler procedures in daily practice. The identification of these patterns will allow specialists to choose the best therapeutic approach in patients who underwent previous aesthetic treatments.”
Study Management of dermal filler (vascular) complications using duplex ultrasound by Sayed M. Habib, Leonie W. Schelke and Peter Velthuis published in Dermatologic Therapy concluded:
“…the use of duplex ultrasound may improve the safety of filler treatments and become an integral part in the current management of filler complications.”
Ultrasound skin analysis, Northamptonshire
Dr John Tanqueray MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM is Founder, Cosmetic Physician and Director of Mulberry House Clinic, Northamptonshire. He is an experienced practitioner who works at the very forefront of aesthetic treatments and techniques, He has invested in an ultrasound device and training for the clinic based in Hardingstone. He explains:
“We are beginning to use Ultrasound to examine the facial tissues prior to treatment.
“This offers the possibility of outlining individual anatomy and mapping blood supply to add an additional layer of safety. There is a clinic in Rotterdam that has been developing this approach over a number of years, and John has received training from them.
“We are using a small handheld device that produces images on an iPad. This is a skill that has to be acquired, but if this should become a mainstream part of clinical practice it will be good to know that we will be well ahead in this area.
“This technique can also be used as an aid to dissolving filler on the very rare occasions that it can cause problems (something in the region of 1 in 6000 treatments). By visualising the filler it enables Hyalase to be targeted directly to the relevant area so that smaller doses can be used, and a more immediate result is achieved.”
Corrective treatment, dermal filler reversal and hyalase
IMPORTANT UPDATE
Since publication of this article, Mulberry House Clinic have been approached by a number of clients seeking ultrasound scans and diagnosis for treatments carried out elsewhere, including disappointing results, lumps, swelling and even suspected infection.
Mulberry House Clinic cannot offer ultrasound diagnosis or corrective treatment for clients that have been treated elsewhere for policy and insurance reasons.
If you are seeking help after treatment elsewhere, the first port of call should be the practitioner who carried it out. We understand that this can be difficult, but it is their duty to provide any necessary aftercare. If they are not responding or unable to help and your concern is of a medical nature, then the NHS would be the best course of action – visiting your GP or A&E depending on the nature of the issue.
For guidance on choosing a suitably qualified practitioner who can handle any issues that may arise, we recommend our Guide to Choosing your Treatment Provider.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 18 years experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
