What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment of the skin to stimulate collagen and create a lifting effect. The first and only treatment available that uses focus ultrasound to treat skin laxity. Ultherapy is FDA approved for lifting of the brow, chin and neck. Skin laxity can be seen as early as your 30’s and one of the first noticeable signs of aging. As our collagen production slows down, skin gets noticeable thinner and the underlying structure begin to change creating jowls or a double chin and visible laxity in the neck. These changes can be frustrating making you look older than you are or feel.
Who is a good candidate?
Almost anyone is a candidate unless there is a medical contradiction for the procedure. There are some things to be aware of that will help in your decision making. If your skin is severely sun damaged, thin or loose additional treatment may be necessary. This can be combined with other procedures like TotalFX or even dermal filler to enhance results. Men are also good candidates, often preferring a subtle approach to facial rejuvenation vs. surgery.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Small burst of energy are delivered through soundwaves precisely targeting the right depth in your skins tissue. These bursts of heat trigger your bodies own natural healing response, stimulating new healthy collagen. This process is also helping to create the lifting effect in the skin. Results can be seen immediately but then subside while your skin generates collagen over the next 3 to 6 months. Patients generally see results around 90 days. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning your treatment.
What Should I Expect During the Treatment?
Treatments begin with ultrasound gel applied to the treatment area that help the handpiece to glide over the skin. The gel has a cooling effect, to help keep you comfortable. Additionally, we use a device called a Zimmer that blows cool air while the treatment is being administered for additional comfort. The treatment then begins with a series of passes, each delivering energy into the desired layer of your skin. The technician will be using a screen to see the actual layer of skin being treated. The time for each treatment varies by area, on average it takes 1 to 2 hours to be completed.
Is There Downtime?
Conveniently this procedure does not have downtime. Most patients experience some tenderness to the skin when touched, like you’ve had a work-out. A lesser number of patients experience slight bruising or swelling. With any procedure it is a good idea to plan your procedure prior to any social events.
What Are the Benefits?
Ultherapy stimulates collagen in the skin which is especially beneficial because we lose collagen as we age. Here are some of the other benefits:
- Non-Invasive, there is no surgery with this procedure. This allows for patients return to their normal lives without taking time off. The skin is also left intact so side effects are minimal to none.
- Ultherapy is FDA approved and 1,000s of treatments have been performed since it was introduced into the market.
- Results are natural and do not change the way you look. Your body just replaces collagen lost through aging without the risk of changing features. No one needs to know you’ve had something done.
- There is a method to how the treatment is performed but treatments can be customized. There are multiple ‘transducers” available with the ability to treat even the most superficial layer of the skin. Because this technology uses ultrasound, your technician can see the different skin layers. It helps guide where additional collagen stimulation may be needed.
How do I get Started?
You will need to start with a consultation before scheduling the treatment. Consultations help determine if this is the right procedure for you and provide additional information like what to expect during and after the treatments. The cost will also be provided so you will know exactly what to expect the day of your treatment. Leslie Carney, Licensed Master Aesthetician perform the treatments under the supervision of Dr. Victor Michalak. Dr. Michalak reviews all treatment plan prior to patients being treated so patients can expect a safe, effective treatment.