WHAT is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is the first ever FDA approved treatment for non surgical tightening and lifting of the skin on the brow, submental region (under the chin), neck, and also the décolleté (upper chest, lower neck area).
Ultherapy is unique because it uses microfocused ultrasound technology. What’s special about that? Differing from lasers and radio frequency that only penetrate the outermost layers of the skin, ultrasound has the ability to deliver heat through all layers of the tissue; skin, fat, muscle, & something we call SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) which is a layer just above the muscle. When it comes to the neck and chin, in order to get the kind of tightening we need we really need to hit those deeper layers of muscle and SMAS. Being able to target and manipulate a muscle layer is what makes this treatment the closest treatment to surgery itself.
When performing this treatment the practitioner uses special ultrasound imaging that allows us to see the different layers of tissue we are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to the areas in which it will be most beneficial. There is very much an art to delivering a successful, well-rounded treatment!
HOW will it go down in the office?
Because of the deep penetration of heat, without pain medication this treatment would be uncomfortable – and that is why I offer the “lollipop sedation” pain medication for this. This is, you guessed it, a lollipop that contains both a pain/relaxing agent, and an anti-nausea component all in a yummy sucker, how fun, right!? Using this helps keep patients very comfortable during the treatment – so comfy that I’ve even had patients fall asleep!
The treatment is extremely customized based on the patients needs, goals, anatomy, and degree of laxity. It is an intricate treatment and can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. Some patients treat the entire face and neck, while others pick their priority area and start with that. You will work with the nurse to determine what is best for you!
After treatment, there is ZERO downtime! This makes ultherapy super popular in the celebrity world! You can receive this treatment and return to work the very next day! There is little to no bruising or swelling or recovery time needed.
WHO should get Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a great anti-aging treatment used as both a preventive and corrective procedure. This is an excellent preventative treatment for women in their 30’s & 40’s who want to put off the first signs of laxity and loose skin in the lower face and neck. This is also a great option for older women with more mature skin who are experiencing moderate laxity but do not want to undergo surgery or a facelift. “The next best thing to the knife!” Lastly, I love to recommend ultherapy to women who have had a facelift as an annual or biannual treatment to help protect their investment and maintain their surgical results.
I recommend this treatment as an annual or bi-annual treatment to stop the clock and tighten up the face and neck. Again, it’s a great way to put off surgery, avoid surgery, or maintain that surgical result. A nicely defined neckline is the fountain of youth!
As always, if you have any question don’t hesitate to contact me
