NESAI: skin ultrasound with artificial intelligence
NESAI is an ultrasound scan that lets us see your skin from the inside before treating it. A program with artificial intelligence reads the images and helps us interpret them.
Duration
Derm 5 min · Face 30 min
Price
Derm €50 · Face €90
Performed in
Barcelona
What is NESAI?
NESAI is an ultrasound scan. It is not an X-ray or a light-based test, which is why it can be repeated without any problem.
It is not a device either. It is a program that works with the images from an ultrasound machine: we do the scan, load the images into NESAI, create your file and indicate what we are looking for and which area each image belongs to. The artificial intelligence gives a first reading.
The program is CE marked and at Instituto de Benito we work under its license.
It is used to see what you have inside before deciding. If you had a filler years ago and do not know what it is, or you notice a lump that does not go away, the ultrasound tells us what is going on. With that, the doctor decides with more information.
There are two different tests
- NESAI Derm assesses the condition of your skin. It measures the thickness of the dermis and assesses its density, collagen, fibers and sun damage. It does not see fillers.
- NESAI Face is the more complete examination and is done area by area. It shows whether there is inflammation, vacuoles, poorly integrated fillers or biopolymers.
What NESAI does not do
It does not compare your face with the average for your age or give you a percentage of wrinkles. That is done by other technologies, the ones that work with light and a photograph of the face. NESAI is ultrasound.
It does not remove the risk of a treatment either. There is always risk, as there is when driving. Having the test first is like wearing a helmet: it does not remove the risk, but it is safer than not having it.
How is the test done?
NESAI Derm
We take two images of the area. In about five minutes you have the report, which the program itself generates. We explain how your skin is and what can realistically be achieved with the treatment. Sometimes the conclusion is that this skin will not respond the way you hope, however much is done, and it is better to know that beforehand.
NESAI Face
It takes longer, about thirty minutes, because it is examined area by area. The artificial intelligence gives a first reading, the nurse explains your case to Dr. Francisco de Cabo, a radiologist specialized in ultrasound, and he reviews and signs the report. You have it the next day.
Before and after
If we repeat Derm after the treatment, we compare the two images and see with data whether the skin is firmer or has more fibers. It helps a lot when you tell us "I do not notice anything".
When it makes sense to have it
Before surgery
To assess the skin and anticipate what recovery will be like.
Before a treatment
Especially if it has not worked for you at other clinics. It may not have been done badly; your skin may simply not respond.
To compare before and after
With Derm we see whether the skin has changed on the inside after the treatment.
If you notice a lump or an inflamed area
With Face we see whether there are vacuoles, which are hyaluronic acid that has become encapsulated and has not integrated into the tissue.
If you have an old filler and do not know what it is
Face distinguishes between hyaluronic acid and biopolymer. It is worth knowing before acting, because hyaluronidase dissolves both the injected hyaluronic acid and that of your own skin.
Treatments in which we do NESAI
We do it before these treatments when the doctor considers it necessary. If you have an old filler or something is not quite right, afterwards too.
Frequently asked questions about NESAI
What is NESAI?
It is a skin ultrasound analyzed with an artificial intelligence program. It is not an X-ray or a light-based test. The ultrasound machine takes the images and NESAI helps interpret them. The program is CE marked.
What is the difference between NESAI Derm and NESAI Face?
Derm assesses the condition of the skin and Face looks for what is inside. With two images, Derm measures the thickness of the dermis and assesses its density, collagen, fibers and sun damage. Face is an area-by-area examination that shows inflammation, vacuoles, poorly integrated fillers and biopolymers.
When is each one recommended?
Derm, to get to know your skin before surgery or a treatment and to compare before and after. Face, when there is a lump, inflammation, discomfort or an old filler and you do not know what it is.
Does it detect old fillers?
Face does. Derm does not. Face sees fillers that have not integrated well and distinguishes hyaluronic acid from biopolymer. Biopolymer appears as tiny beads within the tissue, or as a fog in which no tissue can be made out. Well-integrated hyaluronic acid cannot be seen.
What are vacuoles?
They are hyaluronic acid that has become encapsulated and has not integrated into the tissue. The body surrounds what it does not recognize as its own, and that creates pressure: it can be uncomfortable or painful. Over time they can dissolve, but it takes a long time and depends on each skin.
Does it see botulinum toxin or threads?
No. The toxin acts on the nerve: it puts the muscle to sleep, it does not paralyze it, and it leaves nothing visible on the ultrasound. Threads are not detected either.
Who performs the test and who signs the report?
It is performed by the nurse, trained on the official NESAI course, and Instituto de Benito works under the program's license. The Derm report is generated by the program on the spot. The Face report is reviewed and signed by Dr. Francisco de Cabo, a radiologist specialized in ultrasound and medical advisor to NESAI.
How long does it take?
Derm, about 5 minutes. Face, about 30.
When do I get the report?
The Derm report, on the spot. The Face report, the next day, because it is reviewed and signed by the radiologist.
Is it included in the treatment?
Derm is included when the doctor considers it necessary. If you come for botulinum toxin, for example, there is no point in doing it. Before surgery it is the same: subject to medical assessment. Face is not included.
How much does it cost?
NESAI Face costs €90. NESAI Derm, if done on its own and without treatment, €50. As part of a treatment, Derm is not charged separately when the doctor indicates it: whether it applies is the doctor's decision at the assessment.
Can it be repeated?
Yes. It is an ultrasound and there is no problem in repeating it. Doing Derm before and after the treatment is the way to see how the skin has improved.
Does it make the treatment safer?
Safer, yes. Risk-free, no. There is always risk. Treating when you know what is inside is safer than treating blind, just as it is safer to wear a helmet.
Where is it done?
In Barcelona. For now it is not done in Madrid.