Ultherapy is a non-surgical face and neck treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift and tone loose skin without any downtime. Ultherapy delivers heat below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural renewal of existing collagen and creation of new collagen. This results in a toning and actual lift of the skin over time.
Ultherapy is the only treatment that can specifically target the deep foundation below the skin that is addressed in cosmetic surgery without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin. It is also the only procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows us to actually see the layers of tissue we target to ensure the energy is delivered where it will be most effective.
Lasers typically address issues in the superficial layers of the skin (e.g. fine lines, wrinkles, pigment changes). Ultherapy addresses the deep skin layer and the foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery that lift and lends support to the skin; therefore, the two technologies are quite compatible!
The procedure has been cleared by the FDA after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and tens of thousands of treatments have been performed worldwide without any significant adverse events. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.
A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone with skin that has “relaxed” to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. Typically, those in their thirties + who have mild to moderate skin laxity. Ultherapy is not a replacement for surgery. There are younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of surgery.
Patients may enjoy some initial effect but the ultimate lifting and toning will take place over two to three months, as tired collagen is renewed and replaced with new, stronger collagen. As this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can appear up to six months following a procedure.
A full face-and-neck treatment takes 45 – 60 minutes, and a partial face treatment can take around 30 minutes – neither with any downtime.
Comfort thresholds vary from patient to patient, but there can be some discomfort while the energy is being delivered. This is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated. We will be sure to consult with you prior to your treatment to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
The majority of patients only need one treatment; however, some may benefit from more than one treatment (depending on how much laxity they have and their body’s own biological response to the ultrasound and collagen rebuilding process).
There may be slight redness for up to an hour or so following the treatment, and a small percentage of patients may have slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature. There is always the possibility for other less common post-procedural effects, which your practitioner will review with you
