FAQs Ultherapy

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a safe, non-surgical ultrasound-based treatment that may be used to lift and tighten the skin of the lower face, chin and neck. It is also FDA approved to elevate the brow, and improve lines and wrinkles of the chest. It uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen generation and tightening in these areas.

What is unique about Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA to actually lift skin. During this treatment, the layers of the skin are visualized with ultrasound imaging, allowing the energy to be delivered very specifically to the appropriate tissue level.

Can Ultherapy replace a facelift?

Ultherapy treats the deep foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery but won’t duplicate the results of a facelift. It is a great alternative, however, for those not interested in surgery who are looking for gradual and natural looking improvement. It can also be used to postpone or extend the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How does Ultherapy differ from laser treatments?

Ultherapy uses sound energy, ultrasound, which is used extensively in medicine. Ultrasound energy has unique properties that allow it to bypass the surface of the skin to treat specific depths not matched by other non-invasive devices. The energy stimulates collagen production resulting in a clinically significant lift over 3-6 months. This is in contrast to laser treatments which cannot reach the deeper skin layers at high enough temperature without injuring the overlying skin. Laser is more effective at improving more superficial color and texture.

How long does an Ultherapy treatment take?*

The length of treatment depends on the areas being addressed. A face and neck procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, performed by our experienced laser nurses. A chest treatment takes 30 minutes, and a brow lift takes about 15 minutes.

Will I need to take time off from work and personal life?

There is no downtime with Ultherapy. You can resume your normal routines immediately with no special instructions or lasting discomfort. You may apply makeup immediately after the procedure.

How many treatments will I need?*

Most patients only need one treatment and results are expected to be very long lasting. However, based on the degree of skin laxity, the response of each patient and each area treated is variable. Some patients may benefit from additional treatments at least 1 year later. Ultherapy turns back the clock, but doesn’t stop it. Future treatments can help patients keep pace with the natural aging process.

Is Ultherapy safe?

The FDA-cleared Ultherapy procedure has been used safely in over 350,000 treatments. Ultrasound energy has been used safely in the medical field for more than 30 years.

Are there any side effects?

Initially there is mild redness for a few hours, and mild swelling that can last days to a few weeks. Mild bruisingmay occur.Small pink weltsmay be visible and can lasthours to days.Tingling and tenderness to the touch is temporary andmay last a fewdays to a fewweeks. Extremely rarely inflammation of nerves around themouth or brow has led tomuscleweakness leading to a temporary asymmetric smile or brow position. Extremely rare scarring has been reported and is unlikely with the new Ultherapy guidelines and techniques. Fat loss in the treated area is also unusual and unlikely with this procedure.

Am I a good candidate for Ultherapy?

A good candidate has mild to moderate skin laxity. Examples are slightly loose skin on the neck, sagging under the chin and jowl, a flattened slightly lowered brow, and lines or wrinkles on the chest. Patients with extreme sun damage and laxity will do less well, and may require more than one treatment to achieve sig- nificant results. Ultherapy does not address discoloration, and other procedures may be used to improve color in the areas treated with Ultherapy.

How successful is the Ultherapy procedure?

In clinical trials over 80% of treated patients were satisfied with their improvement in the lower face, neck and chest. 60-80% of patients treated above the brow felt they achieved a noticeable brow lift. Unfortunately, despite collagen generation, some patients will not be able to visually appreciate the results of their treatment.

Do I need to be medicated for the procedure?

Some patients tolerate the procedure well with 800 mg Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin). Others are much more comfortable with more substantial pain control and mild oral sedation (such as Percocet and Valium). Discuss your tolerance for discomfort with your doctor to decide what approach works best for you. Please note, if you take a narcotic or sedative for your procedure, you will need a ride home. We will accompany you to your ride to ensure that you will not drive while on these medications.

Who should not be treated with Ultherapy?

You should not have the procedure if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a bleeding disorder, have an autoimmune disease/connective tissue disorder (such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis), or have an active infection. Patients who have cystic acne, open wounds, or implants in the area to be treated should not be treated.

*Individual Results May Vary*