Ultrasound in medicine and cosmetology enhances the effect of drugs

The use of ultrasound in various fields of human activity, including medicine and cosmetology, is associated with its special properties of propagation and interaction with the environment. In the process of propagation of an ultrasonic wave in media that differ in their densities, the speed of propagation of the wave changes. In addition, ultrasonic waves experience not only reflection from the interface, but also absorption.

Ultrasound stimulates the skin

Let us dwell in more detail on the use of the phenomenon of acoustic cavitation in cosmetology, in particular for peeling, stimulating and nourishing the skin. It is known that the process of occurrence of keratinized cells in the epidermis takes about a month. It is obvious that the upper layer of the epidermis, containing cornified keratin, must be removed. Ultrasonic cavitation makes this possible.

The main operating factor of ultrasonic facial cleansing are shock waves resulting from the collapse of cavitation bubbles. The upper layer of the epidermis also exfoliates under the action of oscillating air bubbles penetrating into the gap between the layers of keratinized cells.

Acoustic currents (acoustic wind), resulting from pressure drop, carry away destroyed, keratinized cells. The cavitation effects of ultrasound are useful in the fight against fibrous formations on the skin that provoke deep wrinkles.

Cavitation and sonophoresis in skin rejuvenation

It should be noted that shock waves generated by ultrasonic cavitation can also cause dispersion of liquid and solid materials. Therefore, this method is very effective for obtaining emulsions and suspensions with a high degree of dispersion, which is controlled by the selection of the ultrasound frequency. In addition, the specified mechanism of action of the ultrasonic wave can be successfully used for the implementation of sonophoresis – one of the methods to improve the condition of the skin.

The essence of sonophoresis is the application of a bioactive gel to the skin, which is dispersed under the action of ultrasound, which contributes to its penetration into all layers of the skin, saturating them with oxygen and nutrients. An extremely important result of sonophoresis and ultrasound therapy in general is that with an increase in the frequency of ultrasound, the degree of dispersion of bioactive gel particles, as well as emulsions and suspensions obtained as a result of ultrasound, increases. A direct consequence of reducing the size of the particles that make up the bioactive gel, emulsions and suspensions is an increase in their effectiveness.

The reason for the increase in the effectiveness of such techniques is the increase in the total surface of the particles through which the introduction of medicinal and cosmetic preparations through the skin and other surfaces of the patient's organs and tissues.

Ultrasound Applications

Obviously, the external beauty of a person is determined by the internal, as well as the state of his physical and mental health. In this ultrasound – a reliable assistant, as ultrasound diagnostics and therapy have successfully entered our daily lives.

Let's look at some medical applications of ultrasound

The change in the speed of propagation of ultrasound in various organs and tissues, its reflection and absorption at the boundaries of media with different densities in the human body underlies the well-known method of ultrasound (ultrasound). This method uses special computerized devices, which, according to certain programs, make it possible to visualize images on the monitor screen. Modern examples of the use of ultrasound in medicine are ultrasound echoencephalography – diagnosis of tumors and inflammations of the brain; ultrasound cardiography – study of the dynamics of cardiac activity using ultrasound; ultrasonic holography – obtaining three-dimensional images of biological objects using the interference of ultrasonic beams, etc.
The action of ultrasonic waves with low intensity at the level of 1 W/m2 is used in therapy, it provides acceleration of physiological processes in cells.
With an increase in the intensity of ultrasound up to 106 W/m2, cavitation effects occur and, as a result, irreversible changes in the structure and functions of cells. This mechanism also underlies the bactericidal action of ultrasound.
Ultrasound of even greater intensity is used to destroy all sorts of neoplasms. The same mechanism is used in dentistry (tartar removal, canal drilling, etc.). The process of destruction of biological tissues at intensities greater than 106 W/m2 is used in ultrasonic surgery and ultrasonic osteosynthesis – welding of tissues and bones due to an increase in the speed of diffusion processes in them.
In the pharmaceutical industry, cavitation processes that occur under the action of high-intensity ultrasound are used to disperse solid and liquid materials in order to obtain therapeutic emulsions and powders. The same mechanism underlies the fight against such "ugly" problem like cellulite.
Effective methods of ultrasonic physiotherapy use the mechanical and thermal effects that occur under the action of ultrasonic waves of various amplitudes and frequencies. At the same time, ultrasonic waves of low intensity of the order of 0.1-1 W / m2 lead to an acceleration of physiological processes, while ultrasound of an intensity of the order of 10 W / m2 – to their oppression.