January 26, 2018
Ultherapy® FAQs:
Get general Ultherapy® questions answered, below. For more in-depth information and a personalized Ultherapy® treatment plan, schedule a consultation.
What is Ultherapy®?
Ultherapy® is a non-surgical ultrasound treatment that counteracts the effects of gravity on your skin. 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.
What is unique about Ultherapy®?
Ultherapy® is the only non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA to actually lift skin. Ultherapy® is also the only cosmetic procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue targeted during the treatment to ensure the energy is deposited to where it will be most beneficial. With the addition of the new Ultherapy® Décolletage Treatment, Ultherapy® is also now the only non-invasive procedure specifically indicated by the FDA to improve lines and wrinkles on the chest.
Can Ultherapy® replace a face lift?
Ultherapy® treats the deep foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery, but won’t duplicate the results of a facelift. Ultherapy® is a great alternative, however, especially for those not ready for surgery or for patients looking to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery.
How does Ultherapy® differ from laser treatments?
Ultherapy® uses sound energy – tried-and-true ultrasound – which has unique properties that allow it to bypass the surface of the skin to treat depths not matched by any other non-invasive cosmetic device. Ultherapy® ultrasound stimulates collagen production in the skin’s foundation, resulting in a clinically significant lift of tissue over 2-3 months.
Lasers rely on light energy, which cannot reach deeper skin layers at an optimal temperature, so laser treatments typically only treat superficial skin and are not FDA-cleared to lift skin. Since the two technologies often treat different types of skin issues, they’re actually very compatible.
How does Ultherapy® stimulate the creation of collagen?
Ultherapy® deposits focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration. The treatment jumpstarts a natural process, known as neocollagenesis, to produce fresh, new collagen. Ultherapy® doesn’t involve any creams, fillers or toxins; it just relies on your body’s own collagen-building process for natural, noticeable results.
How long does an Ultherapy® treatment take?
The length of the treatment will depend on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan. A face and neck procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, while a chest treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.
Will I need to take time off?
With Ultherapy® there is no downtime. After your procedure, you can resume your normal activities immediately, without having to follow any special post-treatment measures.
What does the Ultherapy® treatment feel like?
As the ultrasound energy is delivered, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited to precise depths, indicating that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Comfort levels vary from person to person, but the sensation only lasts while the ultrasound energy is being delivered.
When will I see results? How long do they last?
After your Ultherapy® Treatment, you may see some initial effect, but the ultimate results will take place over 2-3 months, as your body naturally regenerates collagen. Since the procedure stimulates your own collagen production, how long the results last really depends on you. The treatment produces new collagen on the inside, but your natural aging process will dictate how long that translates into visible results on the outside.
How many Ultherapy® treatments will I need?
Most patients only need one treatment. However, based on the degree of skin laxity, the biological response to ultrasound energy and the individual’s collagen-building process, some patients benefit from additional treatments. Because skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments can help patients keep pace with the body’s natural aging process.
Are there any side effects?
The skin might appear flushed at first, but the redness should disappear within a few hours. Some patients experience slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch, but these are temporary in nature. Other, less common post-procedural effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin.
Who is a good 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 consultation.
