Ultrasound Imaging in Aesthetic Medicine Portland, OR

About a year ago, I purchased my first ultrasound machine, a tool to allow me to see beneath the skin of my clients to ensure the absolute safest injection techniques. Using an ultrasound machine, it turns out, is a whole other skill and language that requires learning and practice. So to continue to hone these skills,  a couple of weekends ago I revisited my friends and teachers at an Anatomy and Ultrasound Course, where we focused on using the ultrasound tool for enhancing accuracy, safety and precision with aesthetic injections.

The ultrasound machine is a tool that helps one to visualize anatomy. I use it to help me map the vasculature in higher risk areas. In other words, this is an added layer to the evaluation process in avoiding injection of filler into blood vessels. After the injection process is complete, I can reapply the ultrasound to detect where exactly the filler has been placed, confirming accuracy. 

Other uses of the ultrasound include checking back in on a previous treatment; such as a checkup six weeks after a hyper diluted Radiesse treatment, which may show us how the skin responded. Just yesterday I took a preliminary image of the neck prior to this treatment and we will measure again once the treatment has settled to see if the skin thickened from the increased collagen.  The ultrasound may also be used to see previous filler treatments– where the filler is lingering or how much remains; this will help inform upcoming treatments. 

I recently completed a filler treatment in the temple region of a client’s face. We began the treatment using the ultrasound machine and it revealed that there was an artery right at the planned injection site. The ultrasound precaution allowed me to make changes to our plan to ensure that we injected as safely as possible. Grounded in that precision, I felt more confident in my ability to care for my client and help her meet her goals and keep her safe.

Anatomy is the essential language of my work, and I so appreciate the community for offering such a rich education that centers that foundation. I was in a group of twelve other injectors and found myself in such great company of well-trained, brilliant colleagues. My inner nerd got to come out and play, and I learned about what my peers are working on in their practices. I came away from this weekend’s educational gathering feeling reinforced in my knowledge and skill base. And I feel so excited to continue to integrate the ultrasound tool into my practice.

Thanks for reading.

xo

h.