Having my first Ultherapy session

Celebrities constantly fuel their game with bold charisma, appealing personality and unwavering x-factor. But as we age, riding the tides and staying relevant can be really tricky. Does glamor have to fade over time? Nowadays, nothing is impossible.

Along with the surge of the demand for procedures that result to a youthful, natural-looking skin, a lot of clinics for dermatology and cosmetic surgery sprouts everywhere in the country. The emergence of Merz Ultherapy in the Philippines became the answer to our kababayans’ clamor, and my trusted Manny & Pie Calayan Clinic is certified by Merz to perform the procedure.

Ultherapy is the only US FDA-approved, non-invasive procedure that can lift sagging skin non-surgically. It uses Micro-Focused Ultrasound with Visualization (MFU-V) technology — using ultrasound imaging and therapy, doctors can precisely target areas where procedure would be most effective. The therapy gets into deeper layer of the skin — more than typical lasers can reach via surgery — specifically aiming for our body’s own collagen production. To put it simply, a more active collagen production leads to firmer skin laxity, making us younger-looking. All these guaranteed safe and effective.

The procedure is recommended to improve sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles on the entirety of the face, the neck and the décolleté (upper chest area). It has no downtime with results appearing gradually anywhere between two to six months post-treatment. Typically, one treatment will do the trick — but results vary from every person’s lifestyle and level of collagen production.

If you’ve tuned in on my Facebook Live on Aug. 30, you’d probably know now that I had my first Ultherapy session done at the TriNoma Mall branch of Manny & Pie Calayan Clinic. I had the Brow Lift treatment but I would have had the Full Face Ultherapy treatment done; however, my dental implants stopped me from doing so. Yes, that is one of the contraindications of the procedure. That is why it’s important to go to experts like Doctors Manny and Pie Calayan before even thinking of doing anything to your face and body.

A quick recap of my experience: the first step was taking 120mg of arcoxia for pain relief, and I had a consultation with Dra. Pie right after. Upon thorough assessment, I found out that I couldn’t risk doing the Full Face procedure as I have six dental implants. There are no specific studies that it’s contraindicated but they’d rather not recommend it for the client’s welfare. After which, topical anesthesia was applied on my brow area.

I had the Detox Drip done while waiting an hour before the anesthesia takes on full effect. It is an IV solution that’s filled with antioxidants to strengthen the immune system, fight free radicals and regenerate our body’s vitamins C and E.

Dra. Pie personally walked me through the whole process which made me feel at ease; I didn’t feel nervous even for a second. After wiping off the anesthesia, Dra. Pie marked the target areas and started the procedure. More or less, the main procedure took about 20 minutes. I didn’t feel any pain at all. There was a mild tingling sensation, but it was tolerable.

As promised by Ultherapy, it has zero downtime. I was able to go to my other engagement after having the procedure, and it didn’t even seem like I had anything done. It was, indeed, all natural-looking.

I went back the next day for my regular facial treatment done at the TriNoma Mall branch. If I only had the time, I would’ve done it right after my Ultherapy session. This weekly facial routine is just a simple effort to maintain my skin care, especially that I work in the public space.

I typically opt for their Diamond Peel facial or Deep Cleansing Facial with Collagen Rich Organic Mask. I favor these two facial treatments to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells on my face. The Diamond Peel uses microcrystals to reduce excess oil production while simultaneously improving the quality of my skin through the removal of scars. The Deep Cleansing Facial with Collagen Rich Organic Mask thoroughly nourishes my skin because of the mask that’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It would really make me feel that my skin is all brand new.

It’s always best to personally consult accredited experts regarding the procedure. Ultherapy is offered in Manny & Pie Calayan Clinic branches: TriNoma Mall, Quezon City; Festival Mall, Alabang; and Medical Plaza Makati.

(For details, follow Manny & Pie Calayan Clinic’s social media accounts @mannyandpiecalayanclinic or visit https://mannyandpiecalayanclinic.com. You may also visit my official Facebook page @therealboyabunda for a possible giveaway soon.)