Once the effects of aging start to take hold on the face, it’s pretty common for sagging skin to become noticeable. The only way to reverse the effects of slack skin is to tighten it back to a more youthful position.
Recently FDA-approved for lifting the the lower face and neck, Ultherapy (aka Ulthera) is a nonsurgical ultrasound procedure that helps to tighten, tone and lift minimally- to moderately saggy skin. The best candidates are those with some loose skin that aren’t ready for or don’t want to commit to surgery and are willing to accept more minimal correction.
Tiny amounts of focused energy are delivered to the deep layers of skin, bypassing the surface, and stimulating collagen at the dermal level for a lifting and tightening effect during the 30- to 60-minute treatment, which most doctors perform with pain medication. The device features an imaging screen so your doctor can see how much energy is passing through the skin and where it will be directed. “The new Amplify Ultherapy utilizes a low energy level and greater density of ultrasound lines to reduce discomfort without compromising results,” says New York plastic surgeon Lee Ann Klausner, MD.
Your skin may be red or feel swollen (particularly in the first few days following treatment). Two to three months post-treatment you should notice tighter skin. The effects will continue but need to be maintained. Dr. Klausner says Ultherapy is following in the footsteps of repeat filler injections. “In some cases, patients can improve results with a second treatment.”
The bottom line: The results won’t replace those of surgery. “It provides noticeable results for those who have naturally heavy jowling or submental fat,” says St. Augustine, FL, plastic surgeon Deirdre Leake, MD.
Would you try Ulthera?
