Ultherapy: A Non-Invasive Way to Lift and Tighten Your Skin

Do you want to improve the appearance of your skin without surgery or downtime? If so, you may be interested in Ultherapy, a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten skin on the face, neck, and chest. Ultherapy is the only device of its kind that is FDA-cleared to lift tissue on the brow, neck (including the jawline), and under the chin, and to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. In this blog post, we will explain what Ultherapy is, how it works, what to expect, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What is Ultherapy and how does it work?

Ultherapy is a procedure that uses high-focused, intense ultrasound energy to gently heat the tissue below the surface of your skin, stimulating the body’s natural collagen growth. Collagen is a protein that gives your skin strength and elasticity. As we age, collagen breaks down, resulting in loss of skin firmness and sagging. Ultherapy helps produce new collagen growth, which in turn lifts and tightens the skin over time. Ultherapy can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the treated area.

Ultherapy is different from other skin tightening procedures, such as lasers and radiofrequency, because it bypasses the surface of the skin and delivers the energy precisely to the optimal depth and temperature for collagen regeneration. Ultherapy also uses ultrasound imaging, which allows the provider to see the layers of tissue they are treating and ensure the energy is delivered where it will be most beneficial.

What areas can Ultherapy treat?

Ultherapy is FDA-cleared to treat the following areas:

• Brow: Ultherapy can lift the brow and reduce the drooping of the eyelids, giving you a more open and refreshed look.
• Neck: Ultherapy can tighten the skin on the neck and improve the appearance of the jawline and the chin, reducing the “turkey neck” effect.
• Chest: Ultherapy can smooth out the lines and wrinkles on the chest, also known as the décolletage, giving you a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Ultherapy can also be used off-label on other parts of the body with loose skin, such as the abdomen, arms, knees, and thighs. However, the results may vary depending on the individual and the area treated.

What to expect before, during, and after Ultherapy?

Before Ultherapy, you will have a consultation with your provider to discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history. Your provider will examine your skin and determine if you are a good candidate for Ultherapy. You will also receive instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, such as avoiding sun exposure, anti-inflammatory medications, and blood thinners.

During Ultherapy, your provider will cleanse your skin and apply ultrasound gel. Then, they will place the Ultherapy device on your skin and use the ultrasound imaging to see the targeted tissue. Next, they will deliver the ultrasound energy to the desired depth and temperature, triggering the collagen production process. You may feel some tingling, warmth, or discomfort as the energy is delivered, but this is normal and temporary. The procedure can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the area and the extent of treatment.

After Ultherapy, you may experience some redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or numbness in the treated area, but these side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days. There is no downtime after Ultherapy, so you can resume your normal activities right away. However, you should avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen to protect your skin. You may also be advised to follow a skincare regimen to maintain your results.

When will I see the results and how long will they last?

You may see some immediate improvement after Ultherapy, as the heat contracts the existing collagen fibers, but the full results will take time to develop as new collagen grows. Most patients see the optimal results after 3 to 6 months, but some may continue to see improvement up to a year after the treatment. The results of Ultherapy are natural-looking and gradual, so you will not look like you had “work done.”

The results of Ultherapy can last for 1 to 2 years, depending on your skin condition, lifestyle, and aging process. However, Ultherapy does not stop the aging process, so you may need touch-up treatments to maintain your results. Your provider will recommend the best treatment plan for you based on your goals and needs.

Frequently asked questions about Ultherapy

Here are some common questions and answers about Ultherapy:

• Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy? A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone who has mild to moderate skin laxity and sagging on the face, neck, or chest, and who wants to improve their appearance without surgery or downtime. Ultherapy is suitable for all skin types and tones, so most people can benefit from it. However, Ultherapy is not a replacement for a facelift, and it may not be effective for people with severe skin laxity and sagging, or for people who have certain medical conditions or implants that may interfere with the ultrasound energy.
• How much does Ultherapy cost? The cost of Ultherapy depends on several factors, such as the area and the extent of treatment, the provider’s experience and location, and the number of sessions required. According to RealSelf, the average cost of Ultherapy is $2,600, but it can range from $500 to $5,500. You should consult with your provider to get an accurate estimate of the cost of Ultherapy for you.
• Is Ultherapy painful? Ultherapy can cause some discomfort during the procedure, as you may feel the ultrasound energy heating up your tissue. However, the pain level varies from person to person, and it also depends on the area and the intensity of treatment. Some people describe the sensation as a mild prickling, while others may feel a more intense burning or stinging. Your provider may offer you some pain medication or numbing cream to make you more comfortable during the procedure. Most people tolerate Ultherapy well and do not require any anesthesia or sedation.
• What are the risks and side effects of Ultherapy? Ultherapy is a safe and effective procedure, with minimal risks and side effects. The most common side effects are redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or numbness in the treated area, which usually subside within a few days. Rarely, some people may experience temporary nerve damage, which can cause muscle weakness, drooping, or twitching in the face, but this usually resolves within a few weeks. There is also a very low risk of infection, scarring, or burns from the ultrasound energy, but these are extremely rare and can be prevented by choosing a qualified and experienced provider.

Conclusion

Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten skin on the face, neck, and chest. Ultherapy can improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, lift the brow, neck, and chin, and smooth out the chest. Ultherapy is suitable for most people who want to enhance their skin without surgery or downtime. Ultherapy has minimal side effects and no recovery time, and the results are natural-looking and long-lasting. If you are interested in Ultherapy, you should consult with a licensed provider who can evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment plan for you.