You can do everything right. You can eat healthy and exercise regularly—even drink plenty of water and go to bed early every night—but sometimes, all this just isn’t enough to get rid of stubborn areas of fat. Some parts of the body, such as the jawline or neck, can’t be targeted for fat loss or definition without the help of a plastic or cosmetic surgeon.
Although you may immediately think of surgery when you hear plastic or cosmetic surgeon, that’s not always the case. Today, many non-surgical procedures can achieve similar results.
This explainer outlines all you need to know about Ultherapy, including how the treatment works, how to prepare, what recovery entails, and more.
What is Ultherapy?
Often described as a non-surgical facelift, Ultherapy is a non-invasive, anti-aging treatment utilizing microfocused ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen and elastin production, tighten, and define skin on the face, under the chin, neck, and upper chest—an area known as your décolletage.
Using ultrasound imaging devices to bypass the skin’s top layer, surgeons can pinpoint precise layers of tissue beneath, to create a more sculpted appearance.
In 2009, Ultherapy was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for facial aesthetic improvements including non-invasive eyebrow lifts, lax submental lifts, neck lifts, and improving lines and wrinkles of the décolletage region.
Multiple studies have proven the effectiveness of Ultherapy
Multiple studies have proven the effectiveness of Ultherapy, with one finding 65.6 percent “of patients perceived improvement in the skin laxity of the lower half of their face/neck” after 90 days post-treatment. Another reported 46 percent of patients experienced improvements in their décolletage laxity and wrinkles after 90 days, and 62 percent after 180 days.
How do you prepare for the procedure?
Preparing for Ultherapy requires minimal effort. You can maintain your regular diet and exercise prior to the procedure. Remove makeup and other skin care products from the target areas before arriving at your appointment.
Discuss preparation with your surgeon in advance. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out any necessary paperwork.
What does the procedure entail?
After you’re escorted into a treatment room, a physician/nurse/medical aesthetician will clean the targeted areas—such as the eyebrows, face, under the chin, neck, or upper chest—and apply an ultrasound gel. The Ultherapy device will be placed against your skin, and adjusted to the appropriate settings to help achieve your desired results.
Once underway, you may experience heat and tingling sensations. The procedure is generally painless,, but continued ultrasound pulses become uncomfortable therefore pain medication can be administered if necessary.
Ultherapy can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. If treating the chest, it’s approximately 30 minutes. When performed on the face and neck, it typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
What is recovery like?
There is no downtime following Ultherapy, so you can immediately resume a regular diet, exercise, work, and socializing activities.
When do you see results?
Just one session achieves results noticeable several days afterward, with increased firmness and volume. Once the mild swelling subsided, you will notice lifting and tightening changes 90-180 days post treatment, the time it takes your body to form new collagen.
The final outcome may take two to three months to appear, depending on your body’s natural ability to regenerate collagen. This should last up to two years, so treatment every two years will help maintain your new appearance.
All results depend on your age and how your body responds.
Are there side effects or risks?
During the procedure you may experience heat or tingling, which should subside once completed. After treatment, your skin may appear red, swell, or become tender. Rarely, Ultherapy can cause bruising or numbness, which should go away after a few days.
Ensure you make an appointment with a qualified medical professional with a real Ultherapy machine. To double-check, call the manufacturer to find trained providers in your area.
Dr. Anthony Buglino specializes in Ultherapy and a wide range of other non-invasive procedures to help you look and feel spectacular. Schedule a free consultation to achieve a more youthful décolletage.
