Ultherapy®
What is Ultherapy® ?
Ultherapy® is the first FDA approved microfocused ultrasound device for non-surgical skin tightening and lifting of the eyebrows, jawline, and neck and treatment of wrinkles on the décolletage. Ultherapy® combines high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with real-time visualization of the patient’s anatomy. The application of the laser heats the dermis and subdermis at optimal temperatures, which produces collagen and tightens the skin. Ultherapy® features three different treatment depths, which enables the customization and precision of the treatment. Ultherapy® is one of the best non-invasive treatments for sagging skin, as it can penetrate deeper into the skin than other lasers.
Dr. Erin Kil has successfully been performing Ultherapy® in NYC since 2014. As a board-certified dermatologist, she is knowledgeable of how to achieve optimal results while avoiding adverse effects. Dr. Kil performs the full, recommended protocol to ensure that patients receive the full treatment and results.
How does Ultherapy® work?
Ultherapy® uses ultrasound technology to bypass the top layers of the skin. As a result, there is no damage to the epidermis or ablation of the skin. There is little to no downtime required and patients are not required to avoid the sun after treatment. Ultherapy® targets the dermis at three different depths and heats the collagen. The energy from the sound waves heats the dermis at targeted areas. This tightens the old collagen while stimulating the formation of new collagen by up to 42%. Ultherapy® can treat the deeper layers of the skin, which cannot be done by other laser treatments.
Ultherapy® produces natural results by increasing collagen production without adding any volume or injections of material into the skin.
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Who is a candidate for Ultherapy® treatment? Who is not a candidate for Ultherapy® treatment?
Ultherapy® can be safely used on patients of all skin types who are seeking non-invasive, non surgical skin lifting and tightening. It is the best treatment for patients who have mild to moderate skin laxity.
Ultherapy® should not be used on patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, or taking anticoagulants such as lovenox or coumadin. Additionally, Ultherapy® should not be performed on patients with extensive metal implants around the treatment areas.
Neuromodulators, such as Botox®, and filler treatments are recommended to be performed two weeks after Ultherapy® treatment. Patients who have had neuromodulator, filler, and thread lifts should wait at least one month before commencing Ultherapy® treatment.
How do I prepare for Ultherapy®?
Patients are required to have a cosmetic consult to make sure Ultherapy is a viable treatment option. They are also advised to avoid alcohol, advil, alleve, and fish oil 48 hours before the procedure to prevent any possible bruising. It is recommended that patients arrive at the office 45 minutes before the procedure for clinical photographs and topical numbing. Patients are also required to mention any areas of metal implants to avoid treatment to those areas. Finally, patients with facial hairs in the treatment area are recommended to shave those areas before treatment.
What can you expect during Ultherapy® treatment?
After topical numbing is applied for 45 minutes and removed, ultrasound gel is applied on the face. Ultherapy® is performed on the treatment areas, including the eyebrows, jawline, neck, and décolletage, at two different treatment depths. Tiny amounts of energy are deposited into the skin, which indicates the heating of old collagen and the stimulation of fibroblasts to create new collagen. Some discomfort and tingling is expected, especially on the bony areas.
Treatment lasts for 45 minutes to two and a half hours, depending on the treatment area.
After Ultherapy® is performed, Exilis Ultra 360™ is performed. Additional information about Exilis Ultra 360™ can be found here.
Is Ultherapy® painful?
Ultherapy® is a tolerable procedure as a result of the refinements in the technology and use of topical anesthesia. Some discomfort and tingling is expected, especially on the bony areas.
What are the after care instructions after Ultherapy® treatment?
Patients are advised to avoid icing the treatment areas, as it can decrease treatment efficacy. Patients can take tylenol for any residual discomfort and are advised to avoid any alcohol, advil, and alleve for 48 hours after the procedure to prevent any worsening of bruising. Patients are not required to avoid the sun after the treatment, as there is no damage done to the epidermis.
Is Ultherapy® the equivalent of a face lift?
Ultherapy® does not reproduce the results expected from a face lift. However, Ultherapy® produces increased collagen products by up to 42% and does not involve the injection of materials into the skin.
Ultherapy® does not require general anesthesia or cutting of the skin. The procedure does not result in scarring.
Is Ultherapy® a safe treatment? Does Ultherapy® heat fat?
Ultherapy® is a safe treatment, backed by 50 clinical studies and 90 peer reviewed papers and performed in over 75 countries. The treatment does not require general anesthesia or cutting of the skin.
When performed by an experienced and knowledgeable operator, Ultherapy® does not cause heating or melting of fat. However, when Ultherapy® is performed with multiple passes at the same location with the deepest treatment levels, it can heat fat. As a result, it is recommended that the Ultherapy® be done by a knowledgeable and experienced operator to avoid any adverse events.
What are the side effects of Ultherapy®?
Side effects of Ultherapy® include temporary discomfort, hives, and bruising. Hives can last up to 24 hours while bruising can occur on the lower eyelids and chin and last up to one week. There can be some mild tingling and tenderness of the jawline up to three weeks after the procedure.
Patients are recommended to arrive in the office 45 minutes before the procedure for numbing and photographs and inform the providers at New Bloom Dermatology if they have any metal implants in the treatment area. The procedure time ranges from 60 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the areas treated.
When do I see results from Ultherapy®? How long do the results last for?
Mild lifting of the skin on the eyebrows and chin are visible right after treatment. Collagen remodeling or tightening of the skin takes three to six months to be seen. The treatment lasts up to two years.
How often should Ultherapy® be performed?
Treatments are recommended every one and a half to two years.
How much is Ultherapy®?
Please contact the office for the approximate costs of Ultherapy®, as the costs vary according to treatment area. A cosmetic consult is required before treatment.
How is Ultherapy® different from the other treatments offered?
Ultherapy® is recommended for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and minimal sun damage who would like a more significant, non surgical lifting treatment every one and a half to two years. Patients with mild skin laxity and some sun damage can consider RF microneedling over three treatments to treat both conditions. Individuals with mild skin laxity who want to start with a less intense treatment may opt for Exilis Ultra 360™ and start with two treatments every six months. Patients with greater sun damage would benefit first from a resurfacing laser such as SmartXide CO2 laser. Finally, patients with severe skin laxity and submental fat would likely benefit from surgical options. As a result, a cosmetic consult is recommended to evaluate treatment options.