Ultherapy® Skin Tightening

Although the results of Ultherapy® may begin to appear 2-3 months after the procedure, the longevity of an Ultherapy® treatment depends in large part on the biological response of a patient’s skin and the quality and quantity of the collagen produced. This explains why factors such as age or lifestyle ultimately determine the results and duration of an Ultherapy® skin treatment. For example, a patient in their 30s or early 40s may experience optimal collagen activation from Ultherapy® with results lasting a year or more. For others, the results may last only a year. Prolonging the benefits of an ultrasound skin tightening hinges upon protecting and encouraging quality collagen by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using UV protection and maintaining a daily skincare routine of effective products. Touch-up treatments will also differ based upon the aging process will varies by individual.⁶

The cost of an Ultherapy® skin treatment will vary based on location, areas treated and the expertise of the practitioner. For example, the cost for a full face and neck Ultherapy® ultrasound skin tightening at a reputable clinic in New York City may cost $5,000 or more, but only $3,000 in another location. ⁷

An experienced clinician is the best person to determine the number of Ultherapy® ultrasound skin tightening treatments needed to achieve specific goals. The general recommendation is to have this skin tightening treatment once every year or every two years. Some patients may benefit from an additional treatment six months after the first Ultherapy® non-invasive face lift. The treatment time is relatively short, taking just 45 minutes to an hour to complete and can be performed in stages (for example, treatment of the superficial depth one day and the deeper levels the next), allowing for a level of customization and flexibility for a skin treatment. ⁸

The results of an Ultherapy® skin treatment may be seen right away with final results appearing over the next three to four months as the new collagen begins to lift and support the skin. The ultrasound skin tightening results may continue to improve over the following three to six months and is a good time to compare Ultherapy® before and after pictures. ⁹

Ultherapy® is an FDA-cleared procedure to lift the neck, chin and brow and improve lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. The ultrasound skin tightening effect is achieved on all treatment areas and is especially effective in treating the thin skin around the eyes, providing lift to a sagging upper eyelid and reducing loose pockets of skin under the eye. ¹⁰

Ultherapy® and Thermage® both tighten the skin and stimulate more collagen production, although the energy they use is different. Thermage® uses radiofrequency energy and is used to treat some additional areas of the body such as the hands, arms, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, however, it does not reach as deep into the skin as an Ultherapy® ultrasound skin tightening treatment. Ultherapy® commonly takes less time to perform, but the downtime and possible side effects are the same for the two modalities. The results of an Ultherapy® skin treatment may also show up more quickly at around 2-3 months, versus the six months that is needed for optimal results after Thermage®. Regardless, each patient’s physiology and desired outcomes are unique and only an experienced clinician is able to recommend the appropriate treatment to achieve the best results with the skin treatment. ¹¹

While there are no studies showing that Ultherapy® and other HIFU treatments reduce or dissolve facial fillers, it is generally recommended that an Ultherapy® treatment be performed prior to any facial filler injections. Although Ultherapy® can be performed directly after the placement of fillers, treatment is not recommended directly over those areas and some professionals will recommend waiting 3-6 weeks to see the extent of skin tightening achieved with the Ultherapy®, which may reduce the amount of filler needed.¹² In cases where a patient with fillers desires an Ultherapy® skin treatment, it is generally recommended to wait 3-4 weeks after receiving filler injections before proceeding with Ultherapy®.

Adverse effects such as fat or volume loss have been reported, but because such reports are voluntarily submitted, it’s not possible to estimate the frequency or establish a causal relationship with the Ultherapy® procedure.¹³ To lower the risk of fat or volume loss, Ultherapy® uses ultrasound imaging so that the precise layer of the skin being treated can be seen by the practitioner throughout the treatment. Performed by a skilled clinician, this ensures that the ultrasound skin tightening delivers an optimal effect without fat atrophy. Potential fat loss is an important reason to always consult with a skilled clinician working with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon when considering an Ultherapy® skin treatment.

One of the benefits of an Ultherapy® ultrasound skin tightening treatment is the easy pre and post-procedure instructions. Although there are no specific pre- or post-procedure instructions for an¹⁴ Ultherapy® skin treatment, certain practices may be helpful. Using a daily antioxidant (such as vitamin C and/or resveratrol) serum before and after Ultherapy® may encourage optimal skin response to the ultrasound skin tightening. Also avoiding aspirin, vitamin E, fish oil, and other medications that thin the blood will lessen the possibility of bruising after the procedure. Be sure to discuss any pre-procedure recommendations with a trusted professional.

Ultherapy® has been specifically cleared by the FDA to provide ultrasound skin tightening to life the eyebrow, an area that is often difficult to treat. The focused ultrasound and imaging capabilities of Ultherapy® allow the energy to be delivered precisely to layers of the skin producing collagen, bypassing the outer layers. Existing collagen is tightened and strengthened while new collagen production is increased for greater firmness and reduced laxity of the skin. The combined effect may improve the appearance of eye bags. However, direct treatment of the area under the eye is not within the areas cleared for treatment by the FDA.¹⁵

The delivery of a deep heat in an ultrasound skin tightening procedure may produce some flushing of the skin that generally resolves after a few hours. Using a gentle cleanser and cool or warm water to cleanse after Ultherapy® will avoid exacerbating these symptoms.

A good candidate for Ultherapy® is typically someone in their 30s and older with mild to moderate skin laxity. Loose skin under the neck and under the chin, or lines and wrinkles on the chest, are signals a patient might be a candidate. While Ultherapy® is not a replacement for a surgical facelift, there are many people who want some facial lifting but are not ready for willing to undergo surgery. There also are younger people who want to stave off visible laxity and may be candidates.¹⁶ As always, it’s best to consult with a trusted professional who can properly diagnose skin conditions and make the appropriate recommendations.

*Always consult your physician before undergoing this procedure

Many people experience mild to moderate discomfort during Ultherapy® as the ultrasound energy reaches deeper layers of skin. The sensation is often described as warmth or brief tingling. This sensation typically lasts only during each pulse of energy. Your provider may offer numbing options to enhance comfort. After treatment, any tenderness is usually minimal and temporary. To help calm visible redness and soothe the skin, add SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel to your post-care routine.

Ultherapy® treatment typically has little downtime, but some people may notice temporary redness, swelling, or sensitivity in treated areas. Mild tenderness along the jawline or cheeks is common and can last a few days. Bruising is less frequent but can occur, especially around thinner skin areas.

Following Ultherapy® skin tightening, prioritize gentle, hydrating formulas that support the skin barrier. Look for calming serums like SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel to reduce redness and replenish moisture. To support skin tightening and complement the results of Ultherapy®, try a firming cream like Tripeptide-R Neck Repair Neck Firming Cream for sagging skin on the neck.