What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is the only non-invasive procedure FDA-approved to lift and tighten skin on the face, neck and décolleté. The ultrasound procedure stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin deep within the skin. Ultherapy non- surgically lifts and tightens skin tissue with no downtime.
How does it work?
As we age, the collagen in our skin weakens and elastin starts to break down, causing the skin to become more lax. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy that is delivered non-invasively and heats deep tissue without affecting the surface of the skin. This causes a natural, regeneration response. Unlike other types of ultrasound, there will bea sensation of heat.
Is everyone a candidate?
Unfortunately, no. Patients with severe or cystic acne should not have Ultherapy. Patients with mechanical implants, implanted electrical devices or metal stents in the face or neck are not recommended for treatment.
How is Ultherapy different from Lasers?
Lasers typically involve improving superficial layers of the skin (fine lines, wrinkles, pigment changes) working from the outside-in. Ultherapy works from the inside-out to lift and tighten skin non-invasively, addressing the deep skin layer and the foundational layer addressed in plastic surgery that lend support to the skin. With ultrasound, we bypass the upper layers of the skin and deliver the right amount of energy at the right depths to contract and then ultimately lift the soft tissue.
What happens during the treatment? F
ocused ultrasound energy is delivered to the dermal layer and to the deep foundation of the skin. The heat this creates triggers the body's natural response mechanism, which is to rejuvenate tired collagen and supplement it with fresh, new collagen.
Comfort thresholds vary from person to person. There may be a slight discomfort while the energy is being delivered, but it is brief, temporary and a signal that the collagen building process has been initiated. There are many comfort measures available to help make your experience as pleasant as possible.
You may actually return to normal activities immediately. Any flushing or redness should resolve within a few hours.
Upon treatment, the regenerative process is initiated, but the full effect will build gradually over the course of two to three months with continued improvements up to 6 months and beyond post treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
Each patient is different and individualized. Typically only one treatment is needed but depending on skin laxity, volume, skin quality, age, health and lifestyle, some patients may benefit from more than one treatment.