About Ultherapy

An Uplift, not a Facelift!

The Ultherapy® procedure is the only non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound and the body’s own natural healing process to lift and tighten loose skin on the eyebrow, neck, and under the chin.

The only FDA-cleared procedure to lift skin on these hard-to-treat areas, Ultherapy uses the safe, time-tested energy of ultrasound to stimulate the deep structural support layers of the skin—including those typically addressed in a surgical facelift—without disturbing the surface of the skin.

Natural, Noticeable Results

Now there’s a way to stand firm in the face of gravity—on your terms. With Ultherapy, 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.

With Ultherapy, you can go about your day after a single, 60-90 minute in-office procedure. You may notice a short-term “boost” but the natural process of creating new, more elastic, collagen builds over time—much like the effect that exercise has on building muscle (but without the multiple workouts!).

The Beauty of Ultherapy

Results will unfold over the course of 2-3 months and some patients have reported continued improvement for up to 6 months, including lifting of the skin on the neck, under the chin and on the brow. While ultrasound does not duplicate the results of surgery, Ultherapy has proven to be an inviting alternative for those who are not yet ready for surgery.

HOW THE ULTHERAPY TREATMENT WORKS

Uplifting Ultrasound

Unlike lasers, which penetrate the skin from the outside-in, the Ultherapy^® procedure bypasses the surface of the skin, specifically targeting the deep, structural skin tissues where collagen lives. Using ultrasound technology, Ultherapy actually works from the inside-out to lift and tighten skin non-invasively.

The “See” and “Treat” Ultrasound

In some ways, Ultherapy is just like an ultrasound imaging procedure that expectant mothers may receive. A smooth handpiece is placed on your skin and an image of the tissue beneath is projected on a screen. This allows your practitioner to “see” where they will treat your skin.

But here’s the difference: with Ultherapy, that same handpiece is also used to deliver tiny deposits of focused ultrasound energy at just the right depth below the skin, to the same foundational layer typically addressed in a surgical facelift. 

What To Expect

The Lift You’re Looking For 

Your body’s response to this energy is to recondition tired skin by stimulating the growth of fresh, new collagen. The result is a tightening and gradual lifting—or shifting—of the skin back into a more youthful position and form-fitting shape. 

Natural. Non-Invasive. No Downtime.

The FDA-cleared Ultherapy^® procedure has been established to be safe and effective in clinical studies and over 200,000 patient treatments worldwide. In addition, every Ultherapy practitioner is provided with procedural training and tools, so you can schedule your Ultherapy treatment with complete confidence.

An Ultherapy procedure typically takes around 60-90 minutes, but will depend on the area to be treated and the treatment plan determined by your practitioner. There are no special after-care requirements and you can resume your normal activities immediately.

Before your procedure 

No preparation whatsoever is required before your Ultherapy procedure, although your practitioner may recommend that comfort measures such as over-the-counter or prescribed medication be taken prior to treatment.

During your procedure 

After cleansing the skin and identifying the specific areas to be treated, an ultrasound gel is applied and the smooth handpiece is placed upon your skin. The focused ultrasound energy bypasses the surface of your skin and is delivered to pre-planned depths within the tissue below to stimulate collagen growth.

Comfort levels vary from patient to patient and can depend on the area treated as well. Your practitioner will discuss options for making the experience as pleasant as possible. The sensation you experience is associated with the focused ultrasound energy as it is deposited below the surface of the skin. It is noticeable just while the energy is being delivered and patients typically leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come.

After your procedure 

You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take. Your skin may appear flushed immediately after the ultrasound treatment, but any redness should disappear within a few hours. It is not uncommon to experience slight swelling, or tingling/tenderness to the touch following the procedure, but these are mild and temporary in nature. There is the possibility for other less common post-procedural effects, such as temporary small areas of bruising or numbness, and other rare effects which your physician will review with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift loose or sagging skin on the neck, under the chin and above the eyebrow without any downtime.

What is unique about this procedure?

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment that can specifically target the deep foundation below the skin that is addressed in cosmetic surgery without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin. It is also the only procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows us to actually see the layers of tissue we target during treatment and ensure the energy is deposited precisely to where it will be most effective.

What kind of technology does Ultherapy use?

Ultherapy uses tried-and-true ultrasound technology, which has received FDA clearance for use in this new type of medical procedure to lift skin on the brow, neck, and under the chin.

What does the ultrasound therapy do?

Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen. As a result, skin will actually begin to lift and tone over time.

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 firmed, toned and elastic. As we age, collagen loses its elasticity and its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity that pull the skin downward. Ultherapy jump starts a natural repair process that produces fresh, new collagen.

Is Ultherapy surgery?

No. Unlike a face lift, Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that addresses the skin and support layers below it, but doesn’t entail cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin.

Can Ultherapy replace a face lift?

Ultherapy is an “uplift” not a “face lift.” While it is not a replacement for surgery, it is a viable option for those not ready for a face lift or those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How is Ultherapy different from lasers?

Lasers typically address issues in the superficial layers of the skin (e.g. fine lines, wrinkles, pigment changes). Ultherapy addresses the deep skin layer and the foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery that lift and lend support to the skin. Therefore, the two technologies are quite complementary!

Is Ultherapy safe?

The procedure has been cleared by the FDA after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and over 200,000 treatments have been performed safely worldwide. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.

Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?

A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone with skin that has “relaxed” to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. Sagging skin on the eyebrows, on the neck or under the chin, for instance, are often the first signs of “maturing” skin. Typically, those in their thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates.

While Ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. There are also younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How long does the Ultherapy treatment take?

A treatment typically takes 60-90 minutes and does not involve any downtime.

What problem areas does Ultherapy target? What kind of results do you get?

Ultherapy addresses mild to moderate loose or sagging skin on the face and neck. Specifically, by reconditioning and renewing the skin from within, Ultherapy will lift the brow and give a more refreshed look overall. Ultherapy is also used to lift and tighten sagging skin on the neck and under the chin, addressing the “turkey gobbler” and “double chin,” which many patients are trying to eliminate.

How long until I see results?

Patients may enjoy some initial effect but the ultimate lifting and toning will take place over 2-3 months, as tired collagen is replaced with new, more elastic collagen. As this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can appear up to 6 months following a procedure.

Will I need more than one treatment?

The majority of patients only need one treatment; however, some may benefit from more than one treatment (depending on how much laxity they have and their body’s own biological response to the ultrasound and collagen-building process). Your physician will be able to recommend the right treatment plan for your needs.

Is there any downtime?

Ultherapy is an entirely non-invasive procedure and as such, there is no downtime. You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take.

Will I feel the ultrasound during the treatment?

Yes. What you are feeling during the treatment is actually tiny amounts of focused ultrasound energy being deposited below the surface of the skin.

What does it feel like?

Patients have noted there can be some discomfort while the ultrasound energy is being delivered, but it is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated.

Is Ultherapy painful?

Comfort thresholds vary from patient to patient, but there can be some discomfort while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. This is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Patients typically leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come!

Exciting advancements have recently been implemented, including a new-and-improved treatment approach and update to the procedure’s System, Ultherapy Amplify, which is proven to increase patient comfort of the procedure without impacting efficacy. Of course, your practitioner will consult with you prior to your skin treatment to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Are there any side effects?

There may be slight redness for up to an hour or so following the treatment, and a small percentage of patients may have slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature. There is always the possibility for other less common post-procedural effects, which your practitioner will review with you.