This non-surgical cosmetic treatment is used to tighten areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, brow, and chest. This treatment works by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen beneath the surface of your skin and on top of that, the downtime is little to nothing! The results are natural-looking and it improves lines and wrinkles throughout the skin, even on the upper chest. 

If you are looking for a skin lift, this treatment is one of our best options. It successfully helps one achieve a more youthful look and is clinically proven to be a safe and effective solution for a more natural look. 

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a treatment that uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production by targeting the same layers as a surgical procedure would, except, this is non-surgical. This is FDA-approved and works to gradually lift the skin to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. 

The gentle, micro-focused ultrasound energy causes heat below the tissue to be produced and this triggers the body to produce collagen. It treats the superficial layers of the skin at a lower level of ultrasound energy and further helps with early signs of aging. Unlike other procedures that are invasive to the skin, ultherapy targets the right amount of depth at the right temperature, which is why this procedure is a great option for a skin lift. 

The Process for Ultherapy

Before your appointment, it is important to keep this in mind:

• Avoid Blood Thinning Medication and Dietary Supplements: If you have any questions about what medication you can or cannot take, please feel free to discuss it with our office or during your consultation. 
• Avoid Retinol, Salicylic Acid, and Glycolic Acid
• Avoid Direct Sun Exposure for Three to Five Days Before Treatment
• Remove Hair from Treatment Area: By removing hair in the specific area, results will be enhanced. 
• If a sudden skin infection comes about, depending on the severity of the infection, call our office to reschedule. 

Before the procedure, our staff will thoroughly cleanse the area to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. If necessary, our office staff will topical numbing cream

During the Procedure 

A clear ultrasound gel is applied to the treated areas and through the ultrasound imaging, energy is precisely delivered to the desired area. With ultrasound imaging, we can see the layers of tissue being treated. 

Because of this technology, it ensures the treatment energy is delivered to where it is most beneficial for your skin. It also ensures the energy is delivered at a precise depth required to stimulate collagen production. 

Using a hand-held Ultherapy device, our staff will deliver this focused energy to targeted areas beneath your skin. This energy penetrates deep into the skin layers at a depth that will produce an effective skin lift. Patients state they feel small amounts of heat or slight discomfort as heat is delivered into the skin. This sensation may feel similar to tiny bursts of energy or slight tingling, but it is tolerated well by many. 

Larger treatment areas like the whole face or neck can range from 60-90 minutes, while smaller areas like the brow or under the chin may take 30-40 minutes. 

Immediate Aftercare

After the treatment is completed, patients may notice mild redness, swelling, or tingling in the treated area, but they will subside after a few hours to a few days.  Some tenderness is also common and will resolve on its own. Bruising is a very rare occurrence and usually not a concern. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind post-treatment:

• Use Sun Protection: Everyday wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. The sun is the biggest culprit of breaking down collagen. Since you just invested in building that collagen back up with Ultherapy, you will want to preserve your skin and your investment every day. Making the application of sunscreen a daily routine and ritual is the best way to protect your collagen. Wearing hats and clothing to cover the treated area is also helpful. 

• Avoid Harsh Exfoliants and Products: Use gentle, non-irritating products for the first week after treatment. Scrubs, toners, glycolic acid, retinoids, and bleaching creams should not be used either. We will make recommendations on which products will enhance the effectiveness of the Ultherapy treatment. If you use certain products and are unsure if you should use them, do not hesitate to call our office. 

• Refrain From Using Cold Compress: Cooling the area is not recommended since the heat created beneath the skin tightens collagen.

• Use Warm Compresses to Resolve Bruising: If bruising is occurring, warm compresses for 15-20 minutes a few times a day will help minimize the bruising spots. 

Who is a Good Candidate?

Good candidates would include:

• Individuals in their 30s or older.

• Patients who have mild to moderate signs of skin laxity or aging.

• Patients who have concerns about sagging skin on their eyelids, brows, neck, and chin. 

• Patients who have loose skin under their neck and chin.

• Patients who have fine lines and wrinkles.

Patients with severe skin laxity may not see as great of a result as someone with mild to moderate skin laxity and may need more than one treatment to see a significant change. However, having the treatment can slow the aging process for anyone at any age.  

When Will I See Results From Ultherapy?

While some patients may see results right after treatment, it can take up to six months to see the full results of the skin tightening and lift. 

After a month, the results are more noticeable, but it takes several months to see all the benefits from this treatment, since it is a gradual change. Because we look at ourselves in the mirror each day, it may be difficult for a patient to appreciate the change. That is why we have our patients come in for “after” photos in 4 months. When we place the photos side by side, patients can more clearly see the change that gradually has occurred. Many of our patients are very happy with the change that they see and will schedule another area to be treated. 

Some patients can see continued progress for up to a year. 

Overall, Ultherapy is a treatment that uses ultrasound energy to heat tissue at measured depths in order to promote the production of collagen and reduce skin sagging. This non-invasive treatment offers long-lasting, natural-looking results without the need for surgery or downtime. This makes it a safe and effective option for those seeking a gradual lift and rejuvenation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many treatments will I need?

Most patients achieve their desired result after one session, but depending on the level of lift you want to achieve, a second treatment may be needed in 4-6 months. Some patients will opt for a “booster treatment” which is not as deep or as involved, but is very effective in targeting the superficial fine lines and giving a polished look.

• Can Ultherapy be used on all skin types?

 Yes, Ultherapy is safe for all skin types and tones. Since it works beneath the skin’s surface using ultrasound energy, it does not affect pigmentation. 

• Can Ultherapy be done year round?

Yes, since it is not a laser and it is not peeling your skin, it can be done year round even if you are tan. 

• What should I do to prepare for Ultherapy?

As mentioned before, stay away from certain medications, such as thinning medications, anti-inflammatories, and the skincare products mentioned above. 

• Can I wear makeup after the treatment?

Yes, you can wear makeup immediately after the treatment since there is no healing required of your skin. 

• What happens if I don’t see results after my treatment?

Some results will be immediate, but if you don’t see the full results you desire to achieve six months after treatment, you may need additional sessions. When you come in for your follow up photos in 4 – 6 months, your results will be assessed and a future treatment plan discussed. 

For a personalized evaluation of your skin and signs of skin concerns, schedule a consultation with one of our skilled staff members today at 201-505-1020.