Ultherapy

What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a non-surgical face and neck treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift and tone loose or sagging skin without any downtime.

What is unique about the Ultherapy treatment?
Ultherapy is the only non-invasive 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 during treatment and ensure the energy is deposited precisely to where it will be most effective.

What kind of technology does Ultherapy use?
Ultherapy uses tried-and-true ultrasound technology, which has received FDA clearance for use in this new type of medical procedure to lift skin on the brow, neck, and under the chin.

What does the Ultherapy ultrasound treatment do?
Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen. As a result, skin will actually begin to lift and tone over time.

What does collagen do? How does Ultherapy stimulate the creation of collagen?
Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by keeping it firmed, toned and elastic. As we age, collagen loses its elasticity and its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity that pull the skin downward. Ultherapy jump starts a natural repair process that produces fresh, new collagen.

Is Ultherapy surgery?
No. Unlike a face lift, Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that addresses the skin and support layers below it, but doesn’t entail cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin.

Can Ultherapy replace a face lift?
Ultherapy is an “uplift” not a “face lift.” While it is not a replacement for surgery, it is a viable option for those not ready for a face lift or those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How is Ultherapy different from lasers?
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 lend support to the skin. Therefore, the two technologies are quite complementary!

Is Ultherapy safe?
The procedure has been cleared by the FDA after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and over 100,000 treatments have been performed safely worldwide. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.

Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?
A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone with skin that has “relaxed” to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. Sagging skin on the eyelids, on the neck or under the chin, for instance, are often the first signs of “maturing” skin. Typically, those in their thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates.

While Ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. There are also younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How long does the Ultherapy ultrasound treatment take?
A full face and neck treatment takes 60-90 minutes, and a partial face or brow lift treatment can take around 30 minutes–neither with any downtime.

What problem areas does Ultherapy target? What kind of results do you get?
Ultherapy addresses mild to moderate loose or sagging skin on the face and neck. Specifically, by reconditioning and renewing the skin from within, Ultherapy will lift the brow, which in turn reduces excess skin on the lids, opens up the eyes, and gives a more refreshed look overall. Ultherapy is also used to lift and tighten sagging skin on the neck and under the chin, addressing the “turkey gobbler” and “double chin,” which many patients are trying to eliminate.

How long until I see results with an Ultherapy treatment?
Patients may enjoy some initial effect with an Ultherapy treatment, but the ultimate lifting and toning will take place over 2-3 months, as tired collagen is replaced with new, more elastic collagen. As this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can appear up to 6 months following a procedure.

How long do results last?
Patients treated with Ultherapy still have fresh young collagen after a year’s time following the procedure, but skin continues to age. Future touch-up treatments can help keep pace with the aging process, which varies by individual.

Will I need more than one Ultherapy treatment?
The majority of patients only need one Ultherapy 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-building process). Dr. Alex will be able to recommend the right treatment plan for your needs.

Is there any downtime with Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is an entirely non-invasive procedure and as such, there is no downtime. You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take.

Will I feel the ultrasound during the Ultherapy treatment?
Yes. What you are feeling during the Ultherapy treatment is actually tiny amounts of focused ultrasound energy being deposited below the surface of the skin.

What does the Ultherapy treatment feel like?
Patients have noted there can be some discomfort while the ultrasound energy is being delivered during an Ultherapy treatment, but it is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated.

Is Ultherapy painful?
Comfort thresholds vary from patient to patient, but there can be some discomfort while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. This is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Patients typically leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come!

Exciting advancements have recently been implemented, including a new-and-improved treatment approach that is proven to increase patient comfort of the procedure without impacting efficacy. Of course, your practitioner will consult with you prior to your skin treatment to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Are there any side effects with Ultherapy?
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.

Before Your Ultherapy Treatment
No preparation whatsoever is required before your Ultherapy procedure, although your practitioner may recommend that comfort measures such as over-the-counter or prescribed medication be taken prior to treatment.

During Your Ultherapy Treatment
After cleansing the skin and identifying the specific areas to be treated, an ultrasound gel is applied and the smooth handpiece is placed upon your skin. The focused ultrasound energy bypasses the surface of your skin and is delivered to pre-planned depths within the tissue below to stimulate collagen growth.

Comfort levels vary from patient to patient and can depend on the area treated as well. Your practitioner will discuss options for making the experience as pleasant as possible. The sensation you experience is associated with the focused ultrasound energy as it is deposited below the surface of the skin. It is noticeable just while the energy is being delivered and patients typically leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come.

After Your Ultherapy Treatment
You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take. Your skin may appear flushed immediately after the ultrasound treatment, but any redness should disappear within a few hours. It is not uncommon to experience slight swelling for a few days, or tingling/tenderness to the touch for a few weeks following the procedure, but these are mild and temporary in nature. There is the possibility for other less common post-procedural effects, such as temporary small areas of bruising or numbness, and other rare effects which your physician will review with you.