Ultherapy is all-the-buzz! You may have seen it featured on national
TV shows such as Rachel Ray, The Doctors and The
View, plus touted by big-name beauty editors from
Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and more.
At Newport Coast Dermatology, we offer this acclaimed non-surgical
lifting procedure, Ultherapy, which counteracts the effects of time and
gravity on your skin. The beauty of this 30- to 60-minute face-and-neck
procedure is that it uses the body’s own regenerative response to gradually
strengthen and tone your skin from deep within. The result? Tighter, firmer,
better-fitting skin!
As with other ultrasound procedures, a smooth applicator placed upon
your skin projects an image onto a screen. This same applicator is
then used to deliver low levels of focused heat at just the right depth
below the skin to achieve a positive effect, leaving the surface of
your skin undisturbed. Your skin’s response to the energy is to stimulate
the growth of new collagen. You will observe some
immediate tightening and lifting that will ultimately result in a natural
lift and conditioning of the skin over time.
How is this procedure different from other non-surgical skin tightening procedures?
Ultherapy is the only skin rejuvenation procedure that uses ultrasound to
image and treat the skin. The ability to utilize an established technology
-- to both see below the skin and then treat it with great
precision -- helps ensure both safety and satisfying results.
How many treatments will I need?
This will be determined by your doctor, but we have had good clinical results
based upon just one or two treatments. In addition, we like to schedule a
follow-up visit to take photographs and track your progress.
Does it hurt?
There may be some discomfort while the energy is being delivered,
but it is temporary, tolerable and a signal that the collagen-
building process has been initiated. Perceptions of comfort vary
from patient to patient and we take measures to make the experience
as pleasant as possible varying from topical to local anesthetic,
anti-anxiety medications, etc. Patients leave comfortable and happy
given the results in store.
Are there any side effects?
There may be slight redness for up to an hour following the
treatment, and a small percentage of patients may have slight
swelling or tenderness to touch, but these are mild and
temporary in nature.
How long does it last?
Patients treated with Ultherapy still have fresh young collagen
after a year’s time, but skin continues to age. Yearly touch-up
treatments can help keep pace with the aging process.
How much does it cost?
An Ultherapy treatment costs between $2000 and $4000 depending
on the extent of treatment. This meets the demand for something
between skin creams and surgery.
How is Ultherapy different from other cosmetic procedures?
Ultherapy is the only nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that uses ultrasound
to specifically target the foundational layer of facial tissue that doctors
address in surgery. The use of ultrasound also enables physicians to
actually see the layers of skin they are treating, allowing them to deliver
the energy precisely to where it will be most productive.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in medical imaging for
over 50 years. In addition, the procedure has been cleared by the FDA after
demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and over 100,000 treatments have
been performed worldwide without any significant adverse events.
How many treatments does it take?
The majority of patients only need one treatment, while those with a fair
amount of laxity may need more than one treatment. Annual touch-up treatments
can help slow down the rate of skin aging.
Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?
There is a broad range of people who can benefit from Ultherapy, but typically
those in their thirties and older are candidates. While this is not a
replacement for surgery, there are many people who want some lifting, in order
to look more refreshed and toned but are not ready for surgery (mentally,
financially, or logistically). And then there are younger people who want to
“stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effect of surgery.
What about treating anatomical regions other than the face?
Currently, Ultherapy is indicated as a face and neck treatment. However, the
company is conducting a number of clinical studies with physicians around the
world to investigate the use of Ultherapy for treating other anatomical regions.
What does collagen do?
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
jumpstarts a repair process that strengthens your existing collagen and
produces fresh, new collagen.
Can men have it done?
Sure; both women and men globally are receiving Ultherapy.
Where can I get it?
Ultherapy is available at dermatology, plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery,
and ocular plastic surgery practices nationwide. To find a practice offering
Ultherapy in your area, you can log on to the company’s website at
www.ulthera.com.
