New York Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mark H. Schwartz is talking about Ultherapy non-surgical procedure
What is Ultherapy and How Does the Procedure Work?
Often called a “non-surgical facelift,” Ultherapy is a new technique to tighten, tone, and lift the neck, face, eye, and brow regions. It is the first and only device which is FDA approved for tissue lifting. It works by delivering ultrasound heat energy to the fibromuscular or SMAS layer, which is typically targeted during surgery. The energy delivered tightens and lifts the overlying skin without disturbing it. Also, the heat energy promotes new collagen production, which provides additional firming power and smoother skin.
As with other ultrasound procedures, a smooth applicator is placed on your skin and projects an image onto a screen that allows Dr. Schwartz to precisely see the layer that needs to be treated. This same applicator is then used to deliver low levels of focused heat to achieve a positive effect, providing your tissues with the best result. Regardless of your skin thickness, the appropriate depth and energy levels can be selected, allowing the personalized treatment to work “from the inside out” while leaving your skin undisturbed.
While most patients report feeling tightness immediately, the results are realized over a period of three to four months. A gradual tightening occurs, resulting in a natural lift of the skin over time.
Is Ultherapy Safe?
Ultrasound energy has a proven track record with over 50 years in the field of medicine (including obstetrics), and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety with this specific aesthetic application.
There can be some discomfort while the energy is being delivered, but it is temporary, and a signal that the collagen building process has begun. Many patients describe the sensation as momentary pricking or heat beneath the skin, which is the ultrasound energy being delivered to the proper tissues. Comfort levels vary from person to person. No anesthesia is necessary, though some patients prefer oral medication to reduce the discomfort. We can discuss pain management options at the time of your consultation to make sure that treatments are as comfortable as possible.
A full-face treatment takes about 50 minutes, cheeks and neck each take about 30 minutes, and the brow and eye areas take about 10 minutes each. We will not “watch the clock” during your treatment, and will take all the time needed to make this as pleasant an experience as possible.
What Can I Expect Immediately Afterwards?
The big advantage of this procedure is that there is almost no “down-time” and you are able to return to your normal activities right away. Your skin may appear a bit flushed, but any redness will disappear within a few hours. It is not uncommon to experience slight swelling following the procedure, but these are mild and temporary in nature.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
With just one treatment, the regenerative process has begun, but the full effect will build gradually over the course of three to four months. Most patients require one treatment for each area, however those patients with more severe laxity may benefit from more than one treatment to achieve the maximal benefits. The duration of the results vary, but are likely to last up to two years.
Can Ultherapy Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Ultherapy can most certainly be combined with many other procedures including BOTOX, Juvéderm, Restylane, Sculptra, and lasers. Combining these treatments helps to provide the most natural, balanced results possible and allows our faces to look better and more refreshed!
If Ultherapy Can Help My Cheeks, Neck, Eyes, and Brow, Can It Be Used On Other Parts of the Body?
Ultherapy has been FDA approved for use on the décolletage since 2014. Potential and future uses of Ultherapy include the inner arms and thighs, knees, abdomen, and lips. Stay tuned for updates!
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark H. Schwartz or to find out more about Ultherapy.
