Ultherapy Non-Surgical Facelift

Ultherapy® is a revolutionary non-invasive procedure that utilizes focused ultrasound energy to stimulate the body to build more collagen to dramatically tighten and lift the jowl, reduce double chins, tighten the neck and lift the brow. It is the first and only FDA-approved device of its kind to employ ultrasound energy, making it more accurate and effective than any other skin-firming device. Ultherapy® is now FDA approved to treat fine lines and wrinkles in the decolletage.

Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by keeping it firmed and toned. As we age, collagen loses its strength and its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity that pull the skin downward. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to generate a thermal affect under the skin. The thermal effect essentially jumpstarts a repair process that strengthens existing collagen and produces fresh, new collagen.

A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone with skin that has some degree of laxity, to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of “maturing” skin. Loose skin under the neck and under the chin signals a patient might be a candidate. 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, physically or financially. There also are younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

Patients suffering from mild to moderate facial sagging may consider this cosmetic ultrasound therapy before undergoing a cosmetic surgical procedure. When applied to the targeted treatment area, the non-invasive Ultherapy® device delivers ultrasonic energy deep into the skin’s tissue to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is one of our body’s most natural and essential proteins for building and maintaining connective tissues. Collagen is responsible for new skin development, strength, elasticity and promoting a youthful, toned appearance. Ultherapy’s focused energy waves utilize the body’s own collagen regeneration process to firm loose facial skin.

An ultrasound gel is applied to the Ultherapy® device which is then rolled repeatedly over the targeted treatment area. Treatment times vary based on individual patient needs, but a full office procedure takes approximately 60-90 minutes. Ultherapy® is safe for all skin types, helping to lift and illuminate the face. Results are natural and noticeable immediately following treatment. Long lasting benefits can be appreciated for up to a year and longer.

A recent software upgrade called “Ultherapy Amplify” now affords a more comfortable procedure. While comfort thresholds vary from patient to patient, most patients now report that the procedure is quite tolerable. If and when any discomfort does occur, it happens while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. This sensation is temporary and is a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated.

We take measures to make the experience as pleasant as possible, and patients tell us they leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come.

Ultherapy® is a one-time procedure that requires no downtime and lifts and tightens the skin gradually over a period of 2-6 months as new collagen forms. The new generation of the Ultherapy® device now has improved patient comfort. You can return to your normal daily activities the day after Ultherapy® 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 the collagen-building process.

Patients treated with Ultherapy still have fresh young collagen after a year’s time following the procedure, but skin continues to age. Future touch-up treatments can help keep pace with the aging process, which varies by individual.

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.

The procedure has been cleared by the FDA after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and over 100,000 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.