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The Benefits and Uses of Ultrasound in Aesthetic Medicine

Nov 30 2022

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Author: Cathy Longley

Most aesthetic procedures are generally safe.
These include Botox and dermal fillers.
But let’s face it, no matter how small the odds are, complications can happen.

These odds can be reduced to almost none with ultrasound.

In this article, we explore the uses of ultrasound in medicine.
We focus on its use in aesthetic practice.
We also cover its benefits, limitations, and future in the industry.

What Is Ultrasound Technology?

Ultrasound is an imaging method that uses sound waves.
It produces images of structures inside the body.
In medicine, these images help diagnose diseases.

Other uses of ultrasound in medicine include:

• Examination of breast lumps;
• Monitoring the health of babies in utero;
• Blood flow evaluation;
• Assessment of bone fragility; 
• Treatment of medical conditions;
• And more.

The Uses of Ultrasound in Aesthetic Practice

Ultrasound is not limited to diagnosing diseases.
It also has valuable uses in aesthetics and cosmetic medicine.
Some of these are:

Vascular Mapping 

Vascular mapping scans the face to locate arteries and blood vessels.
This guides practitioners to target the correct dermal plane.
They can then inject filler accurately.

Measuring Dermal Thickness

Ultrasound can also measure dermal thickness.
This is useful before microneedling and other procedures.
You can set the instrument to the correct depth.

It also shows the difference after injecting collagen-stimulating filler.

Measuring Fat Thickness

Ultrasound can measure fat thickness.
This is important before and after injecting deoxycholic acid.
It also helps with body contouring treatments.

Monitoring of Treatment

Ultrasound lets practitioners evaluate and track treatments.
It proves the impact of rejuvenating products.

Increases in hydration and collagen can be seen early.
This happens even before visible changes occur.
An ultrasound algorithm is being developed for this purpose.
It will numerically represent skin structure changes.

Benefits of Ultrasound for Patients and Aesthetic Practitioners

Prevents Vascular Occlusions

Vascular occlusion stops normal blood flow through a vessel.
This reduces blood flow to areas below the blockage.
The skin becomes starved of oxygen.
It can die without treatment with hyaluronidase.

Vascular occlusion is very rare.
It can result from filler entering a blood vessel.
It is impossible to know all vessel locations.
Ultrasound helps practitioners see larger underlying vessels.
This helps avoid this serious complication.

Resolving Filler Complications

Ultrasound shows where blood is flowing.
It determines if blood flows in or out.
It helps target the precise occlusion area.
This allows for timely and concise treatment.

Once the occlusion location is confirmed,
the practitioner injects hyaluronidase into the area.
They watch the filler dissolve to restore blood flow.

Other Benefits

Using ultrasound in aesthetic practice has many benefits:

• It reinforces the practitioner’s 3D anatomical knowledge;
• It helps distinguish pre-existing filler and nodules;
• It gives injectors peace of mind and confidence;
• It lessens patient stress during treatments.

Learn How to be a Master Injector at APT

Despite its potential, ultrasound is not yet mainstream in aesthetics.
The technology has only recently evolved.
Compact ultrasound handpieces are now available for facial use.

Today, there are portable, high-quality ultrasound devices.
They make filler treatments much safer.

APT Injection Training offers high-standard education.
We focus on facial rejuvenation injection techniques.
To become a master injector, check out our courses.
Or get in touch with us today.