What is Ultherapy?
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. Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA for lifting the skin on the neck, chin, and brow, and improving lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.
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 Dr. Shafaie 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.
Can Ultherapy replace a facelift?
Ultherapy treats the deep foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery, but won’t duplicate the results of a surgical facelift. Ultherapy is a great alternative, however, especially for those not ready for surgery.
Can Ultherapy treat turkey neck?
As the only non-invasive procedure FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, Ultherapy is designed to treat “turkey neck,” one of the common signs of aging skin. Ultherapy can help you achieve a fresher look without surgery or downtime.
What is décolletage, and how does Ultherapy treat it?
Décolletage is the French term used in reference to a woman’s upper chest area that is visible when wearing low-cut necklines of clothing. It’s one of the areas that show signs of aging first, along with the face and neck. And Ultherapy is the only treatment FDA-cleared to improve lines and wrinkles in that area.
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 two to three months. Some lasers rely on light energy, which cannot reach deeper skin layers. Typically, laser treatments also only treat superficial skin and are not FDA-cleared to lift skin.
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.
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 post-treatment measures.
How many treatments does it take?
The majority of patients only need one treatment; however, some may benefit from more than one treatment, depending on how much skin laxity they have and their body’s own biological response to the ultrasound and the collagen-building process. Follow-up Ultherapy treatments each year may help maintain results.
Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?
A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone with some degree of laxity, to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. Loose skin under the neck and under the chin, or lines and wrinkles on the chest, are signals a patient might be a candidate. Typically, those in their 30s and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates. While Ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical facelift, there are many people who want some facial lifting but are not ready for surgery, whether mentally, physically, or financially. There also are younger people who want to "stay ahead of the game," as well as patients wanting an aesthetic maintenance option.