What happens when you combine one of the best facial filler injectables with HIFU, an industry-lifting gold standard? Well, we’ll leave it to NU.U Aesthetics and Wellness’s Doctor Chew to explain how it works but if you’re pressed for time, expect a 25% in definition.
Hello Doctor Chew, I usually like to start interviews with first-time interviewees by asking them to describe what they do in 10 words or less. So, if you could kindly entertain me.
I would like to describe myself as a doctor-beauty designer.
How did the lightbulb idea of combining Restylane and HIFU come about? Was this perhaps, something most of your patients frequently requested?
I have actually been using Restylane products for the last 14 years and HIFU devices for at least six years. As I wanted to push the boundaries of what I can offer my patients in terms of non-surgical facelifting, I decided to combine HIFU treatment with the Restylane True Lift Technique.
It is a synergistic combination as HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energies to different depths of the skin/face up to a depth of four to 4.5 mm that effectively targets and contracts the SMAS layer which lies above the muscle layer. This is the same layer that surgeons target when performing a surgical facelift.
I perform the Restylane True Lift Technique using Restylane filler immediately after the HIFU by targeting the Zygomatic ligament along the cheeks which creates a vertical lift on the lateral face effectively slimming the jowls and enhancing the midface. There is a risk that the ultrasound energy might destroy the hyaluronic acid filler hence this sequence is preferable.
In fact, I have also started offering Sculptra X HIFU for my patients which is also a good combination.
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Out of curiosity, how many times have you performed both at the same time and what is the most common feedback you’ve received?
I started offering this combination at the beginning of this year and have performed close to 100 such treatments. The most common feedback is “really like it“ and “wow, the result is so instant“.
With Restylane True Lift and how it focuses on true retaining ligaments, what if one no longer has retaining ligaments? What are they anyway?
The Restylane True Lift Technique is a non-surgical procedure focusing on retightening the true retaining ligaments. True retaining ligaments run from the periosteum (bone layer ) through the SMAS and branch out to the subcutaneous layer of the skin suspending all the overlying facial layers.
These ligaments elongate with age, resulting in the descent of the overlying tissues and hence sagging skin. When Restylane Lyft which is a high G prime filler is injected into the base of the Zygomatic ligaments it results in a tightening of the ligaments and an indirect lifting of the SMAS layer.
With Restylane Volyme too, what are some common sections of the face that your patients request it for?
Restylane Volyme belongs to a range in the portfolio referred to as the OBT or Optimal Balanced Technology. It provides good tissue integration as well as a reasonable amount of support. This filler is usually used for filling the temple hollows and lateral cheek depressions.
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It’s kind of a medical miracle how the treatment requires just one session: can you perhaps, put a number to it? For example, a 20% increase in definition etc.
Yes, it is remarkable that the treatment requires only one session and the results of the HIFU continue to improve over the next 8 weeks. It must be mentioned though that HIFU is a generic term and not all HIFU devices are the same.
I have been using the Ultraformer 3 model for the past three years but have just acquired their latest version called the Ultraformer MPT which is more efficient, comfortable and gives a better outcome. When combined with the True Lift, I would not be exaggerating when I say that there is an increase of up to 25% in definition.
Just out of journalistic integrity, I need to ask what circumstances would a patient has that’ll make you reject them. Have you ever convinced a patient not to undergo it?
Usually, it does not happen but patients with unrealistic expectations or those with facial dysmorphia are those that I would not perform the treatments for. If we were to be specific about the HIFU x Restylane treatment, I would not recommend those patients with extreme skin laxity or flaccidity as they would not benefit from such a treatment.
Lastly, another thing I love to ask first time interviewees — do you happen to know the most played song on your Spotify last year?
I do not use Spotify but listen to music now on a paid / chosen playlist from the Apple Music App. I have been listening to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way“.
This interview was made possible through Galderma Aesthetics. Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our October 2022 issue!
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