ULTHERAPY
What is ULTHERAPY?
Ultherapy uses the body's own regenerative response to gently and gradually lift skin on the eyebrow, under the chin and on the neck, and smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.
Ultherapy® harnesses the power of ultrasound to transform the brow, chin, neck and chest. Ultrasound, of course, has been used safely throughout the medical field for more than 50 years and Ultherapy has been established as safe and effective in clinical studies and in more than 350,000 treatments worldwide.
Ultherapy® relies on ultrasound therapy to deliver its collagen-boosting treatment. It also incorporates traditional ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to where it will be most beneficial.
How does Ultherapy work?
Unlike other skin lifting treatments such as thread lifts, fillers and Botox, Ultherapy does not involve injections – it bypasses superficial skin to deliver the right amount of ultrasound energy at controlled depths, at the right temperature.
The Ulthera system delivers little pockets of energy into the skin. Each pocket heats the skin tissue to 60-70°C. This has 2 effects:
-
Immediate tissue contraction at the same depth of a surgical facelift.
-
Stimulation of new collagen growth. It has been proven scientifically that collagen growth happens when the skin heats up to 60-70°C.
Ultherapy’s ultrasound energy activates the skin regenerative process, known as neocollogenesis,, through tissue contraction, and new collagen production. Over the next few months, gradual tightening occurs, resulting in lifting of the face and tightening of the skin – naturally.
Each Ultherapy procedure involves using up to 3 different transducers to target different layers of the skin
By alternating between the 3 different types of transducers, Ultherapy delivers HIFU energies to 3 different depths in the skin. This allows great versatility – we are able to tailor the treatment to suit each patient. With the different depths, Ultherapy is also able to treat both superficial and deep foundational layers of the skin. Previously this could only be achieved with a surgical facelift.
-
The 1.5mm transducer is used to treat the dermis, and eliminate fine lines.
-
The 3.0mm transducer is targets fat and connective tissue layer.
-
The 4.5mm transducer targets the SMAS layer – it reaches the facial muscles. This is the depth that plastic surgeons reach when they perform a surgical facelift (This deep, foundational layer, known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system or SMAS, is a tissue layer of collagen and elastin fibers, muscle, and fat cells that extends from the neck up to the forehead).
How do I know I am a candidate for Ultherapy®?
A good Ultherapy candidate has mild to moderate skin laxity where the skin begins to feel and look less firm. Examples include a lowered eyebrow line, loose skin on the neck, sagging under the chin, and lines or wrinkles on the chest. Of course, the best way to find out if you’re an Ultherapy candidate is to schedule a free consultation appointment with one of our licensed providers.
What makes Ultherapy different from laser treatments?
Lasers and Ultherapy are utilized for different types of skin issues. Ultherapy uses focused sound energy while lasers rely on light energy. Laser treatments are typically used for issues on the surface and upper layers of the skin because light energy cannot reach deeper skin layers. Lasers cannot provide the “lift” seen with Ultherapy treatments. Ultherapy is the only treatment that can target the same depth as a facelift surgery. That said, laser and Ultherapy treatments are extremely compatible with one another as they can be utilized to address a variety of skin concerns on our patients.
Can you combine Ultherapy with injectables like Botox or dermal fillers?
Ultherapy skin tightening can be combined with additional anti-aging interventions, including injectables like Xeomin and Dysport, and fillers such as Restylane, Belotero or Radiesse. However, one of our favorite ways to enhance the results of Ultherapy is to combine it with PDO threads. Please see our PDO Thread info section by navigating to our Injectables section (under services)
Ultimately, the option to do combo treatments depends on a variety of factors: the area(s) being treated, the current condition of your skin, what kind of results you're hoping to achieve, and if you're an ideal candidate for Ultherapy and/or additional treatments. During your Ultherapy consultation, we can discuss the value of adding different treatments and if so, the proper order in which these treatment/procedures should be done.
What does the Ultherapy treatment feel like? Is the procedure painful?
You will feel the energy being deposited in the depths of your tissue, indicating that the collagen-building process has been initiated. The sensation will only occur while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. As with any procedure, the sensation and amount of discomfort can vary from patient to patient. Some patients may experience only mild discomfort, while other patients might feel slightly more discomfort in areas with more sensitivity. Initial studies with the treatment were performed with Tylenol alone for any discomfort, and this worked for the majority of patients. To date, we have yet to treat a patient that described anything more than mild discomfort.
How long is an Ultherapy treatment?
The length of your procedure will vary depending upon the area being treated and your specific treatment plan. Ultherapy neck and facial procedures typically take 60 to 90 minutes, while chest treatments average approximately 30-45 minutes. There’s no downtime after the procedure with Ultherapy. You will be able to head home or back to work after your treatment.
Is Ultherapy safe?
Ultrasound energy has been used in medicine for over 60 years. Ultherapy has been cleared by the FDA and has been used safely all over the world in more than 1.5 million treatments. We’ve had specialized, one-on-one training in the use of Ultherapy, in addition to our years of education and training in the medical and aesthetics field.
What kind of results can I expect from my Ultherapy treatment?
Occasionally, some patients can see initial effect immediately following the procedure, but the significant lifting will take 2 - 3 months, as tired collagen is rejuvenated and supplemented with new, stronger collagen. The ultimate results are seen by 6 months. We will track your progress with follow up pictures at 3 months and 6 months. There isn't a replacement for the dramatic effects of surgery, but Ultherapy offers a natural, 'no downtime' approach to noticeably improving lax skin.
How long will the results last?
How long the results last actually depends on you. Ultherapy stimulates your collagen production on the inside, but the way your body ages will determine how long this production translates into visible results. Additionally, proper skin care is key to maintaining healthy, glowing, youthful skin. It is recommended that all of our patients be on a skin care regimen prior to treatment to ensure maximum results and longevity. Typically, results can last between 12-18 months.
How many Ultherapy treatments will I need?
It is important to have a consultation to discuss the results that you hope to achieve, and how Ultherapy may be able to help alone or in conjunction with other treatments. The vast majority of patients only need one treatment. Some patients need additional treatments, however, depending on the degree of skin laxity, their biological response to ultrasound energy, and their collagen-building process. Your skin will continue to age even after a facelift, therefore future treatments (around 18 months) can help you stay on top of your body’s natural aging process.
How much does Ultherapy cost?
For Ultherapy price, the cost of treatment varies depending upon the area being treated and the desired results. Each treatment is highly personalized, but during your consultation you will be given a treatment plan with cost.