As collagen levels decline with age, skin gradually loses its firmness – leading to fine lines, sagging skin, and a less-defined jawline.
These changes have prompted some to explore non-invasive skin-lifting treatments that offer results without surgery or extended downtime, notes Dr Akira Tan, executive doctor at SL Aesthetic Clinic.
“These days, there is a growing interest in personalised, non-invasive aesthetic solutions that offer gradual, natural-looking results with minimal interruption to daily life. While this trend is popular with those in their 20s to 40s, it also appeals to individuals in their later years who are seeking a non-invasive way to maintain skin firmness,” he adds.
Among the aesthetic solutions available is Ultraformer MPT, an updated version of the Ultraformer III, says Dr Tan.
Launched in Singapore in 2023, Ultraformer MPT uses “HIFU to heat targeted layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production to gradually lift and tighten your skin”, he explains.
“Like its predecessor, this treatment targets a wide range of concerns – including sagging skin, smile lines, heavy upper eyelids or eyebrows, fine lines, enlarged pores, and facial or body sculpting and slimming – but it now delivers results up to 2.5 times faster and more comfortably.”
Faster, more comfortable skin lifting
The Ultraformer MPT’s improved speed can be attributed to advancements in its energy delivery system, particularly its Micro Pulse (MP) mode, which disperses ultrasound energy in smaller, finer points and at a faster rate.
The quicker, more diffused energy delivery not only shortens treatment time, but also improves patient comfort.
“Rather than a concentrated dot, the energy spreads out more like a soft spray, improving the area of coverage,” says Dr Tan. “These quicker ‘shots’ also enhance the patient’s comfort at each point.”
With these technical improvements, treatment times are reduced. According to Dr Tan, treating the lower face now takes 15 minutes, compared with 35 minutes to 45 minutes using the older methods.
In addition to speed and comfort, the Ultraformer MPT treatment can also be customised. At SL Aesthetic Clinic, doctors tailor each session to suit the patient’s facial structure and aesthetic goals — whether the aim is lifting, sculpting, or improving skin texture.
“With Ultraformer MPT, doctors can adjust the depth of ultrasound energy to target different layers beneath the skin – from the surface for refining texture and pores, to the deeper dermis for collagen stimulation and firming, and down to the muscle and fat layers for lifting and slimming respectively. This versatility allows the treatment to be tailored to each patient’s unique concerns,” says Dr Tan.
Post-treatment, many patients notice a subtle lift immediately after the procedure.PHOTO: SL AESTHETIC CLINIC
For greater precision, the Ultraformer MPT has 10 precision-designed handpiece attachments for hard-to-reach areas and customisable energy delivery. Of note is the 2.0mm handpiece, with its slimmer and more compact design tailored for thinner skin around the eyes and forehead, delivering focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen safely in these sensitive regions, says Dr Tan.
“This is more effective than the bigger, traditional handpieces, as the slimmer profile can deliver focused energy with greater precision and consistent contact, helping to lift heavy eyebrows and tighten upper eyelids.”
Complementing this, the Ultra Booster handpiece uses a circular energy pattern to effectively cover contoured areas while enhancing the delivery of active topicals – combining lifting and rejuvenation in one comfortable, efficient treatment, he adds.
The handpiece also enhances transdermal delivery of topical ingredients. Dr Marcus Goh, an executive doctor at SL Aesthetic Clinic, says: “The Ultra Booster allows us to combine topical serums during treatment. The delivery of ultrasound energy makes it easier for the skin to absorb active ingredients more effectively without the use of needles.”
What to expect post-treatment
An entire Ultraformer MPT session – including application of the numbing cream – typically takes around 15 minutes to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated, says Dr Tan.
Post-treatment, many patients notice a subtle lift immediately after the procedure, with full results gradually revealing themselves over two to six months, as collagen continues to rebuild, he adds.
Downtime is minimal. According to Dr Goh, temporary side effects may include redness, swelling, tingling or slight tenderness at the treated areas. These effects are usually mild and typically resolve within a few hours to a few days.
“Many individuals can return to work or social activities on the same day,” he says.
Dr Goh adds: “At SL Aesthetic Clinic, a full medical assessment will be done to ensure both safety and treatment effectiveness.”
He notes that the Ultraformer MPT is not suitable for individuals with active skin infections, severe cystic acne, severe skin sagging, or for pregnant women. It may also not be appropriate for those with metal implants near the treatment area, implanted devices like pacemakers, unhealed wounds, or active skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. This would also apply to those with severe or uncontrolled medical conditions, including bleeding disorders or advanced skin laxity.
“Doctors will also consider conditions that may impair collagen formation or healing, such as metabolic issues, poor nutrition, chronic smoking, excessive alcohol intake, uncontrolled diabetes or long-term use of immunosuppressive medications,” says Dr Goh.
For more information, visit SL Aesthetic Clinic.
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