Anti-Ageing: Local Dynamic Micro-Ultrasound With Bellasonic

What is LDM with Bellasonic?

LDM, which is short for “Local Dynamic Micro-Ultrasound”, is a non-invasive skin therapy/treatment involving ultrasound. It is mainly used to slow and prevent skin aging processes and boost natural skin healing processes. At Clifford Clinic, we use Bellasonic, a machine imported from South-Korea to administer LDM treatment.

Skin and aging

There are many metabolic processes working to keep our skin radiant and healthy, which include transport of essential metabolites, hydration and oxygenation. These processes allow our skin to regenerate naturally and helps maintain a youthful look.  As we age, some of these processes slow down, or even stop completely. Stress factors like UV radiation from the sun can worsen these effects, which is why excessive sun exposure speeds up skin aging. The inhibition of these metabolic processes can cause our skin to wrinkle and sag, creating the “tired” appearance associated with aging skin.

How does LDM work?

LDM works by delivering a specially tuned ultrasound waves to stimulate the natural metabolic processes in our skin. This acts via 4 main mechanisms.

• Decreasing activity of Matrix Metallopeptidases (MMP)

MMPs are a type of enzyme found in the human body which are capable of degrading most extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen. Under normal conditions, MMPs helps the body with regular processes such as tissue remodelling and tissue repair. However, when subjected to stressful conditions such as UV light, MMPs can be excessively produced and digest even healthy skin proteins like collagen, causing damage. LDM in this case, is able to inhibit the activity of MMPs, reducing the aging effects MMPs have on the skin.

• Increasing content of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the skin

GAGs are large molecular complexes found in the extracellular matrices (space outside cells) in the skin. They readily bind with water molecules to hydrate surrounding cells and increase extracellular space to allowing better transport of essential metabolites. This makes GAGs crucial in maintaining skin health. LDM is known to stimulate the production of GAGs in the skin, and ensure their levels remain high for young and supple skin.

• Increasing activity of Heat-Shock Proteins (HSPs)

HSPs are a family of proteins which cells produce under stressful conditions to aid tissue repair. They help degrade old, non-functional and unstable proteins in cells and ensure that cellular proteins are folded correctly, minimising unwanted molecular damage in the cells. These make HSPs important components in natural skin healing processes. LDM can stimulate the activities of HSPs, boosting natural skin regeneration.

• Re-aligning skin collagen

Pressure waves from the LDM is able to disrupt misaligned collagen structures in the skin, allowing them to realign, resulting in tighter and more even skin.

LDM with Bellasonic is good for:

Acne and acne scars

LDM with Bellasonic is effective in both treating and preventing acne scars.

Acne scars are formed when the skin heals incorrectly after an acne outbreak, and collagen structures become misaligned. These scars can be hypertrophic (raised) or atrophic (depressed). LDM can disrupt the misaligned collagen structures and stimulate them to realign, evening out the skin and alleviating acne scars. The enhanced regenerative processes also prevent acne outbreaks and acne scar formation.

Promoting healing of chronic wounds

Some individuals may suffer from chronic wounds like venous ulcers, which are open wounds that heal extremely slowly despite ideal recovery conditions. These are typically a side effect of existing medical conditions like diabetes mellitus and varicose veins. As the wounds heal very slowly, it carries a high risk of infection, and the discomfort caused may significantly affect the lives of afflicted individuals. LDM can help in these cases by boosting natural skin regeneration, and healing effects can be improved when coupled with other therapy methods.

Reduce skin aging

For those with relatively healthy skin, LDM with Bellasonic can become part of skincare treatment routine. Regular sessions are shown to have the following effects:

• Brighter and more radiant skin
• Increased skin elasticity
• Reduced wrinkles
• Reduce pigmentation
• Deep hydration
• Shrinking of pores
• Improved circulation
• Boosted natural regenerative processes.

Overall, a general anti-aging effect can be achieved.

LDM treatment procedure with Bellasonic

Firstly, the skin is gently washed and cleansed and an ultrasound gel is applied. The sonotrode from Bellasonic is then gently pressed on the skin and slowly moved around the treatment area. As our doctors will customise the treatment for every individual, the whole process may take 10 minutes or up to an hour depending on what is recommended.

FAQ

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment should be relatively painless depending on your existing skin condition. There should only be a mild warming sensation and mild vibrations felt on the skin during the ultrasound treatment.

However, patients looking to treat chronic wounds should expect to feel some pain when the sonotrode passes over/near the wound.

Is there any downtime after treatment?

There is usually no downtime after LDM treatment with Bellasonic and patients can typically resume their daily activities immediately. Mild swelling may be observed but these will usually subside in a few hours.

Are there any side effects?

There are no major side effects associated with LDM.

When can I expect to see results?

Results can typically be seen after the first session depending on the initial conditions and how well your skin reacts to the treatment. Results will improve with subsequent follow up sessions. 

 How do I know if I am suitable?

LDM has no major drawbacks and is suitable for everyone in general good health. However, do consult our doctors and notify them if you have the following as they may react negatively to ultrasound therapy:

• Malignant (or suspected malignant) tumours
• Electronic medical implants like cardiac pacemakers, life support systems and portable/ ECGs.

Can I combine LDM with other treatments/products?

Yes, LDM is suitable to be used with other treatments/products. You can consult our doctors for more information.