All About Ultherapy®
By: Marianna Torre, PA-C
When patients come to Deep Blue Med Spa looking for a non-surgical treatment to reduce signs of aging, they’ll commonly express “I want to look rested and younger, but not overdone or fake.” My go-to recommendation for these patients seeking a natural looking, non-invasive approach to skin tightening and wrinkle reduction is Ultherapy®.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is the only non-invasive, FDA approved procedure that lifts and tightens your neck, chin, and brow, and improves fine lines and wrinkles on the chest. Ultherapy targets the deep foundation of the face below the skin without cutting or disrupting the surface muscular system- which would be manipulated during a facial cosmetic surgery.
How does Ultherapy work?
Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate collagen. Collagen is a natural protein found in the connective tissue throughout the body, most noticeably in the face. As you age, your body naturally stops producing collagen and the existing collagen will begin to break down. This leads to facial sagging, laxity, lines, and wrinkles. Ultherapy jump starts a repair process that produces stronger, fresh new collagen, which replaces the existing tired collagen in your skin and over time will begin to lift and tone. In turn, you are left with a more “refreshed” and “rested” look.
What does Ultherapy feel like?
With Ultherapy, there can be some discomfort, mainly while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. However, since pain thresholds vary from person to person, our providers can work with patients and the Ultherapy technology to find a comfortable treatment level. This discomfort is temporary and resolves once the applicator is lifted off the treatment area. Patients can be given a muscle relaxer to reduce any potential pain.
Am I a good candidate for Ultherapy?
Ultherapy will most benefit someone who has mild to moderate skin laxity and whose skin does not appear as firm. The majority of my Ultherapy patients are 30-40 years old, who just need a little pick me up, whether you recently lost a lot of weight, finished a pregnancy, or just want to prolong the aging process as long as possible. I wouldn’t recommend this treatment to a 60+ year old patient who has more skin laxity and may not see the results they are hoping for.
How long does an Ultherapy treatment take?
A full face Ultherapy treatment takes approximately 60 minutes, and a partial face or brow lift can take as little as 30 minutes. In less than one hour and with little to no downtime, you will be well on your way to tighter, more lifted skin.
How long until I see results, and how long do results last?
The ultimate lifting and toning takes place over the course of 2-3 months, however improvements can continue to appear up to six months post procedure, and can last for up to 2 years. Most people only need one treatment to see results, but since skin does continue to age, a 6 month or yearly refresh can help maintain results.
Are there any side effects?
Post procedure, you may experience slight redness for up to an hour or so. There also may be some slight swelling, tingling, or tenderness to touch, but these symptoms are mild and temporary.
Can Ultherapy replace a face lift?
Ultherapy does not replace a surgical face lift, however it does help in toning, lifting, and tightening the neck, jowls, brow, and even the décolletage. Ultherapy is a more subtle, viable option for those not quite ready for cosmetic surgery or those who are looking to have little to no downtime.
To find out more about the benefits of Ultherapy and to see if you’re a good candidate, schedule your consultation at Deep Blue Med Spa. To see real patient before and after results, visit our Before and After Gallery.
