What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. Through the ultrasound imaging with Ultherapy, energy is delivered precisely to the place where it will benefit you most for natural-looking results that improve over time.
How it Works
Ultherapy harnesses the power of ultrasound to non-invasively lift and tighten skin. Ultrasound is a form of mechanical energy that is significantly different than laser and radio-frequency energy. During Ultherapy, an ultrasound is micro-focused below the skin’s surface to cause cellular friction and precise, pin-point heating. Similar to a magnifying glass focusing sunlight, heat is only generated at the focal point, leaving the skin’s surface and intervening tissue unaffected. Tissue at the focal point is heated, causing immediate collagen contraction and denaturation, and initiating aggressive collagen synthesis. Over 90-180 days, the wound-healing response stimulates long-term tissue remodeling and leads to further lifting and tightening, with results that can last a year or more.
Results
Recovery
There is no downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately after your procedure without any post-treatment restrictions or requirements.
Your 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 mild and temporary in nature.
Other, less common post-procedural effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin. As with any medical procedure, speak with your provider about what to expect following your Ultherapy treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ultherapy safe?
Ultherapy is a proven treatment with a well-established safety profile. It is currently marketed worldwide in more than 75 countries, with over 1.5 million treatments performed globally to date. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.
What does collagen do? How does UltherApy stimulate the creation of collagen?
Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by keeping it firm and toned. As we age, collagen breaks down, and the result is a loss of skin strength and elasticity. Ultherapy uses microfocused ultrasound to generate a thermal effect under the skin. The thermal effect essentially jump-starts your body’s own process that produces fresh, new collagen.
How is Ultherapy different from other cosmetic Procedures?
Ultherapy is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses time-tested ultrasound technology to stimulate the formation of new collagen deep below the skin’s surface. The production of new collagen takes time, so results can become more apparent over two to three months, even up to six months. The procedure takes about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area treated, and there is no downtime afterward. It is also the only non-invasive procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to actually see the layers of tissue targeted during the treatment and ensure the energy is deposited precisely to where it will be most beneficial.
How long does it last?
Since the procedure stimulates a person’s own collagen production, how long the results last depends on the individual. While results appear over two to three months, they can last up to a year or more. The treatment produces new collagen on the inside, but the individual’s natural aging process will dictate how long that translates into visible results on the outside. Future touch-up treatments can help provide more control over the aging process, which varies by individual.
What does the Ultherapy treatment feel like?
As the ultrasound energy is delivered, you may feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited to precise depths, stimulating the collagen-building process. Comfort levels vary from person to person, but the sensation only lasts while the ultrasound energy is being delivered.
Are there any side effects?
There may be slight redness that typically resolves within a few hours following the treatment. Some patients may have slight swelling, tingling, or tenderness to the touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature.