Ultherapy
Sagging skin around the face, neck and chest can ruin a youthful appearance. For many years, invasive surgery was the only real solution – creams and lotions were just not strong enough to reverse these signs of aging. Fortunately, Ultherapy can lift sagging skin in both men and women.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy skin tightening lifts and tightens the skin around the neck, brows, and under the chin area, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. Ultherapy for eyes can get rid of bags, wrinkles and lines, and eye laxity or droopiness. Ultherapy neck treatments help erase lines and sagging skin in the neck. Ultherapy brow lift can lift the brow to contour forehead skin, while Ultherapy face treatment reduces lines and sagging skin all over the face.
Does Ultherapy work?
Since it uses ultrasound, it is safer than surgery and more effective than creams. Ultherapy is so safe and effective that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared it for use by providers to lift skin in these areas. In fact, Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive product to lift skin in the neck, brows and under the chin. Millions of people around the world have already benefited from Ultherapy, and clinical studies show that Ultherapy really works.
How Ultherapy Works
The ultherapy machine uses ultrasound, which is a technology that uses the power of highly focused sound waves. Doctors have been using ultrasound to create images of organs and tissues inside the body for more than 50 years; millions of people have undergone ultrasound safely. Many doctors prefer ultrasound to other types of imaging because it is non-invasive, fast, and comfortable – and it does not cause ionizing radiation like x-rays. In the decades since its use as a way to create images, doctors have discovered many more uses for ultrasound. Ultherapy for rejuvenating skin is one of the most recent and innovative uses of ultrasound technology.
Unlike other approaches, such as lasers and radiofrequency, the sound waves of focused ultrasound in Ultherapy bypass the top layer of skin to reach deep into the tissue that supports the skin. Once there, the micro-focused sound waves generate a warming thermal effect under the skin.
The thermal effect of Ultherapy stimulates the production of collagen, which is a protein that creates structure and support for the skin and other tissues. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body; it helps connective tissue stay strong and elastic. When we are young, our bodies produce enough collagen for its many uses around the body. As we grow older, though, the production of collagen slows down. Less collagen results in less support, which means skin begins to sag around the face, chin, and neck. Stimulating collagen production through the thermal effect of Ultherapy ultrasound revitalizes skin for a more youthful appearance.
Ultherapy can optimize the effects of other approaches to firming and tightening sagging skin. It can help extend the benefits of a surgical facelift, for example. Patients can also continue using other skincare products after undergoing Ultherapy.
The Ultherapy Procedure
There are no special preparations for Ultherapy – patients can work, exercise, and eat or drink as normal prior to the procedure. Patients can resume their regular activities immediately after Ultherapy too.
Prior to treatment, patients should remove makeup, lotions, or other skin care products from the intended treatment area. The Ultherapy provider may recommend that the patient pain-reducing or anti-inflammatory medications before the treatment.
The provider will clean the treatment area to remove any oil or residue that might interfere with treatment. Next, the provider applies an ultrasound gel to the treatment area. This gel reduces air between the Ultherapy device and the skin to improve the treatment results.
The provider presses the Ultherapy device against the patient’s skin and uses a viewer to adjust the ultrasound settings. Next, ultrasound waves travel through the device and into the skin. The provider aims the heat energy from the applicator to different depths of the skin, where it affects three main layers:
- Superficial wrinkles
- Skin
- Muscle
Stimulating collagen production in these layers helps the body rebuild a sturdy support system that prevents skin from sagging. Ultherapy also stimulates the body’s production of elastin, which gives skin its elasticity.
The patient may experience quick, intermittent feelings of heat and tingling during the treatment. Pain medication reduces any discomfort, which is usually minimal.
Depending on the treatment area, a single Ultherapy typically session takes up to 90 minutes. Ultherapy treatment of the chest can take 30 minutes, for example, while treatment for the face and neck area can take 60 to 90 minutes.
Many patients see Ultherapy results immediately after treatment, but notice real results after two to three months following treatment. Results begin to appear as new collagen lifts and tightens skin on the neck, chin, and brow, or tightens skin on the chest.
How long does Ultherapy last?
The results of Ultherapy® neck treatment and other Ultherapy treatments last about two years. While the treatment helps stimulate the development of new collagen, the skin continues to age. Using quality skin care products and tightening agents can help prolong the beneficial effects of Ultherapy. An experienced Ultherapy provider can help patients get the longest-lasting results possible.
Ultherapy risks
Ultherapy is associated with very few side effects. Any sensations of heat or tingling usually subside soon after the procedure. In some cases, treated skin can become red or flushed in the hours following the procedure, but these effects fade quickly. Bruising or numbness rarely occur, and these Ultherapy side effects typically disappear within a few days of the procedure.
While Ultherapy cannot duplicate the result of a surgical facelift, the non-invasive treatment is a clinically proven non-surgical treatment. This makes Ultherapy the perfect solution for those who are not ready for surgery. It can even be an option for anyone who has had cosmetic surgery and wants to extend its effects. Ultherapy is also right for those who want a safe, effective treatment for sagging skin without the downtime of cosmetic surgery.
For more information about Ultherapy, make an appointment with the Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery.