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Acoustic Wave Therapy for Skin - Uses, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action

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Acoustic wave therapy is a novel face-tightening procedure that reduces wrinkles and fine lines. Read the article to know more about acoustic wave therapy.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Published At November 15, 2022
Reviewed AtNovember 16, 2022

Introduction:

Acoustic wave therapy has a lot of medical applications, such as treating chronic pain in joints, muscles, and other painful injuries. They have been proven to produce beneficial effects on the skin. A series of treatments are required for better results.

How Does Acoustic Wave Therapy Work?

Acoustic waves create vibrations that positively impact the skin cells and connective tissue. In extracorporeal shock wave therapy, the shock waves are delivered externally into the skin. These shock waves cause micro-tears in the connective tissues and stimulate collagen production, which aids in the healing of the tissues. These shock waves also target the fat cells and break them down for easy elimination.

How Is Acoustic Wave Therapy Performed?

  • An antiseptic gel is applied to the area to be treated.

  • The device is then moved over the area in vertical and horizontal directions.

  • The tip of the device is used to treat the entire area.

  • The desired results can be obtained by adjusting the acoustic waves' appropriate pressure, number, and intensity.

What Are the Uses of Acoustic Wave Therapy?

  • Skin tightening.

  • Skin toning.

  • Reduction of fat.

  • Reshaping and contouring.

  • Smoothening the connective tissues.

  • Eliminates the appearance of the orange peel effect.

  • Manipulates the muscle tone.

  • Anti-aging effects.

  • Reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

  • Improves the appearance of sagging skin.

  • Reduces dark circles around the eyes.

  • Treats varicose veins.

What Are the Mechanism of Actions of Acoustic Wave Therapy?

The mode of action of the therapy in different applications are,

  • Anti-Aging: Acoustic wave therapy helps in combating the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, loss of skin tone and firmness, etc. This is due to the stimulation of collagen and elastin production in the skin. It improves the oxygenation of the tissues and promotes cell renewal, thereby restructuring the damaged dermal layer of the skin.

  • Skin Tone and Firming: The treatment stimulates cellular metabolism and produces new supporting fibers, restoring the skin's firmness.

  • Facial Wrinkles: The acoustic waves act directly on the dermal layer of the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production, which helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

  • Treats Scars and Stretch Marks: This therapy promotes the recovery of the tissue by regeneration and repair and thus reduces the scars and stretch marks on the skin.

  • Reduces Dark Circles Around the Eyes: The sound waves cause microoxygenation, produce a reoxygenating effect, and treat dark circles around the eyes.

  • Reduction of Fat: The acoustic waves promote natural lipolysis by stimulating the enzyme lipase. This occurs by stimulating the blood and lymphatic circulation and oxygenation of tissues responsible for stimulating the enzyme by cellular metabolism.

  • Remodeling Treatment: These acoustic wave therapies are recommended before the liposuction procedure as they help soften the accumulated fat by allowing easy elimination during liposuction.

  • Improves the Appearance of Sagging Skin: This therapy reactivates the metabolic processes, eliminates accumulated fat, and stimulates the synthesis of fibroblasts and supporting fibers like collagen and elastin, restoring saggy skin.

  • Treats Varicose Veins: Acoustic waves help increase the blood flow and clear the mucus built, which is the reason for varicose veins.

Can Acoustic Wave Therapy Be Combined With Other Treatments?

  • Acoustic Wave Therapy with Botox: They can be used in combination, but acoustic wave therapy should be done only after four weeks of botox injection to prevent interruption of the beneficial effects of botox.

  • Acoustic Wave Therapy with Mesotherapy: Acoustic wave therapy should be given at first which causes diffusion of substances introduced through mesotherapy. They can be used in combination for quick and qualitative tissue change.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

For best results, a minimum of two weekly treatments is required for six to twelve months. Some individuals also take one or two treatments a year. The duration of the treatment entirely depends on the condition treated and its severity.

How Is Success Measured?

The success rate of acoustic wave therapy on medical conditions can be easily measured based on the pain scale. But the success of acoustic wave therapy for skin conditions is immeasurable as an aesthetic value cannot be measured in quantity. It is based on the quality of skin development, which also may differ from person to person. So the success of the therapy can be declared only by the individual's satisfaction after a series of treatments. The satisfaction of the individual is also based on the realistic expectations the individual has of the therapy. If there are unrealistic expectations, the success rate remains doubtful.

What Are the Contraindications of Acoustic Wave Therapy?

Individuals with the following conditions do not apply to acoustic wave therapy.

The conditions are,

  • Pregnancy.

  • Blood clotting disorder.

  • Anticoagulant therapy.

  • Fitted with an artificial pacemaker.

  • If tumors are present at the site.

  • If skin abrasions or wounds are present at the site.

  • If received steroid injection before six weeks of the therapy.

What Are the Side Effects of Acoustic Wave Therapy?

The possible side effects of the therapy are

  • Redness.

  • Bruising.

  • Mild discomfort.

These are the common symptoms one can encounter after the procedure, and the individuals can resume their activities a day after the procedure. However, there are no severe complications following the therapy.

Conclusion:

Acoustic wave therapy is a good choice for managing skin conditions as they have few side effects that are not complicated. Besides cosmetic management, they are widely used in the medical management of pain. However, specific individuals are not applicable for this procedure and are forced to opt for alternative therapy. So if you plan to get treated with acoustic wave therapy, check your medical status and carry on.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Is Acoustic Wave Therapy Effective for Cellulite?

Acoustic wave therapy can treat cellulite and fat accumulations and provides contour to the body. It can work within two to three weeks after therapy, and results might last for around six to twelve months. Studies report a 98 % success rate in patients treated.

2.

When Are Acoustic Wave Therapy Effects Noticed?

Acoustic wave therapy involves nonthermal skin penetration to reduce fat and activate blood flow in the applied site. It requires at least four to five sessions of therapy, which take up to 12 weeks to show significant results. However, complete benefits can be noticed after 16 to 20 weeks.

3.

Does Acoustic Wave Therapy Cause the Skin to Tighten?

Acoustic wave therapy uses sound waves to penetrate the skin non thermally, acts on the skin cells, metabolizes them, reduces fat, and activates the blood and lymphatic flow in tissues, thereby causing skin tightening and help get rid of wrinkles.

4.

How Long Is Acoustic Wave Therapy Effective?

The effectiveness of acoustic wave therapy was evaluated using scientific studies. The analysis showed that acoustic wave therapy was almost permanent in most cases. Still, on average, the significant effects last for around two to three years, depending on lifestyle and health factors.

5.

Has FDA Approved Acoustic Wave Therapy?

Acoustic wave therapy employs sound waves to penetrate the skin without heat application, relieve pain, and treat dermatological issues and erectile dysfunction. Hence it was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

6.

What Are the Best and Newest Procedures to Treat Fine Lines and Wrinkles?

The best procedures to treat fine lines and wrinkles are:
- Facelift.
- Soft tissue fillers.
- Chemical peel.
- Laser skin resurfacing.
- Dermabrasion.
- Botox. 
- Photodynamic rejuvenation. 

7.

What Are the Best Procedures for Skin Tightening?

The best procedures for skin tightening are:
- Ultrasound therapy.
- Radiofrequency skin rejuvenation therapy.
- Threadlift.
- Laser skin resurfacing.

8.

How to Tighten Skin Naturally?

Natural ingredients to tighten skin are
- Banana.
- Cucumber.
- Aloe vera.
- Pineapple.
- Coffee grounds. 
- Honey.

9.

Is It Possible to Tighten Saggy Skin?

Skin tightening can be done naturally at home. However, the results are less significant if the skin is too saggy. In addition, cosmetic procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing, works best and are minimally invasive to firm loose skin.

10.

Which Serum Is Effective for Skin Tightening?

The serum containing hyaluronic acid is best for tightening the skin. It does not replace the elastin lost but moisturizes the skin and tightens the complexion. In addition, it enhances the facial contour and provides a youthful appearance.
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Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Venereology

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