Introduction

Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound with direct visualisation to non surgically lift and tighten the face, neck and brow without surgery or down time.  Ultherapy uses ultrasound to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin deep within and beneath the skin.  Unlike lasers and radio frequency devices which penetrate the skin from the outside in, Ultherapy by- passes the surface of the skin delivering focussed ultrasound energy underneath the skin.  This inside out approach targets the SMAS layer (Superficial Muscular Aponeurosis), this same foundational layer typically treated in a surgical face lift.  This produces lifting and tightening of the skin without any need for surgery and as the surface of the skin is unaffected by the ultrasound energy there is no down time associated with this procedure.

Ulthera is the only non invasive procedure listed with the American FDA to lift skin on the brow, face and neck.

Benefits

As we age the collagen and elastin in our skin starts to weaken and break down causing the skin on the face and neck to become lax and drop.  A lowered brow line, loose skin on the jowls and neck and wrinkles on the decolette are all signs of skin laxity and can contribute to looking tired and older. After treatment with Ultherapy the skin’s response to the ultrasound energy is to stimulate the growth of fresh, new collagen and elastin.  Over the following 2 to 3 months results reveal a lifting and tightening of the skin back into a more youthful and form fitting position.  Improvements can continue  for over 6 months and have been reported to last over two years following the procedure.

Preparation

No major preparation is required.  Oral pain killers prior to the procedure make it more comfortable

A good Ultherapy candidate is someone whose skin has relaxed to the point of feeling or looking less firm.

The Procedure

Ultherapy is just like an ultrasound imaging procedure that expectant mothers may receive. A smooth handpiece is placed on your skin and an image of the tissue beneath is projected on a screen. This allows Dr Williamson to see where to treat your skin. The handpiece is also used to deliver tiny deposits of focused ultrasound energy at just the right depth below the skin. For facial procedures, this is the same foundational layer typically addressed in a surgical facelift. Your skin’s response to this energy is to recondition tired skin by stimulating the growth of fresh, new collagen. The result is a tightening and gradual lifting of the skin back into a more youthful position and form-fitting shape.

Aftercare

No specific aftercare is required. Results will unfold over the course of 2-3 months and some patients have reported continued improvement for up to 6 months.

Downtime

The patient may experience some redness for a few hours after the procedure and it is not uncommon to experience slight swelling for a few days.  Mild tingling / tenderness to the touch might persist for a few weeks after the procedure  – but this is usually mild and temporary in nature.

Risks

Less common post procedural effects are temporary but include small areas of bruising and numbness and resolve quickly.  Some patients may have greater tightening on one side.

Discomfort

Ultherapy is associated with mild to moderate discomfort at the time of the procedure but this is easily managed with oral pain killers and localised vibration. Nitrous Oxide (laughing Gas) is also available to make the procedure more comfortable.

Costs

The treatment can be administered as the following sections:
Full face which includes the brow, cheeks and sub mental
Lower face which includes cheeks and sub mental
Brow only
Neck only
These treatments start at $1000.