Ultherapy is a new FDA-approved procedure that claims to lift, tighten and tone skin. The treatment is indicated for lifting the eyebrow and lifting lax submental (beneath the chin) and neck tissue. The cost of Ultherapy is between $3000-$5000 and most people need 3 treatments. However, follow up treatments are recommended every 12 months to maintain results.
The procedure is non invasive and requires no anesthetic or sedation. However, the procedure is painful and some physicians recommend local anesthetic. Ultherapy is a skin tightening device and the technology competes with Solta Thermage, Syneron Refirm and Cutera Titan. Ultherapy is commonly administered on the brow, neck, and under the chin but it can be performed almost anywhere where there is skin laxity. Ultherapy claims “there’s no downtime, no foreign substances, no radical change; just a healthy revving-up on the inside for a natural, noticeable effect on the outside.” As part of our Ultherapy review, I underwent three treatments. I observed a subtle lifting effecting 3 months after 3 treatments. The cost of each Ultherapy treatment is comparable to Thermage and 2-3 times the price of Refirm and Thermage. The results were comparable to Thermage, Refirm and Titan. Ultherapy results were not comparable to injectables or surgery.
Ultherapy works differently to conventional lasers that target the outer layers on the skin. Ultherapy bypasses the surface of the skin and delivers energy to the deepest layers of the skin. In a nutshell, it causes damage to the collagen layers of the skin and this in turn regulates new collagen. The procedure uses Ultrasound technology which has been used for the last decade in fat burning devices. The best use for Ultherapy is as a non surgical brow lift. Ultherapy lifts the brows and opens up the eyes.
Ultherapy penetrates the deepest layer of the dermis, sending ultrasound frequency that promotes collagen production. Ultherapyis causes pockets of damage by heating the deep layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen production. If you are considering having Ultherapy, it is recommended that you consult the pre treatment instructions. Ultherapy is contraindicated for the use in patients with open lessions or wounds, cystic acne, existing keloid scarring, mechanical implants, dermal implants, implanted electrical devices, metal implants in the face and anticoagulant treatment plan, pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Ultherapy side effects mayinclude mild to moderate redness and swelling, discomfort, bruising, nerve damage and scarring. Ultherapy is a non surgical procedure, however, you should anticipate 2-3 days of downtime. You could return to work immediately, however, your skin will look slightly irritated, swollen and red. This should subside within a few days. It is strongly advisable to wear sunblock anytime you go into the sun and religiously after the procedure.
Before the treatment begins, the physician marks the area to be treated with a pen. A full face treatment took just over an hour. A full face treatment can take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. With topical anesthetic, you will experience discomfort. Without, Ultherapyis can be reasonable painful, particularly towards the end of the treatment. Ultherapy has been featured on Home and Family, Extral, The View, New You, Prevention, NewBeauty, Details, W Magazine and various international programs.
A handful of notable plastic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists offer Ultherapy, including Lancer Dermatology, Rodeo Drive Dermatology and Aesthetics, Leaf MD, Wave Plastic Surgery Center, The Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, Rebecca Fitzgerald Dermatology, Mudgil Dermatology, Grace Dermatology, New York Dermatology Group, Union Square Dermatology Group, Bostom Dermatology and Laser Center, Boston Cosmetic Surgery Center, Fox and Schingo Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Associates of Huntington.
References:
Third party resources are provided for educational reference purposes only and have no association to The Derm Review. Always consult your medical advisor before making decisions.
Ulthera website
Advanced Dermatology – Ultherapy
