Does Ultherapy Really Work?

Considered a treatment for non-surgical facelift, ultherapy has gained wide popularity for its non-invasive nature as well as a minimal, if any, downtime.

While on the one hand there are many reviews and promising before-and-after pictures of this treatment, there are others who have complained about the treatment ageing their face instead. But which one is it? Let’s find out what ultherapy’s all about.

What Is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment for skin tightening that uses “micro-focused ultrasound” energy with real-time visualisation of the layers underneath the skin for precision targeting. 

It’s an FDA-cleared device – which it should be noted is different from an FDA-approval. As noted by CNET, FDA clearance means the device is “substantially equivalent to another (similar) legally marketed device” with approval or clearance from the Food and Drug Administration. For FDA approval, however, there’s a need for a “premarket approval (PMA) application” and clinical test results. 

Ultherapy clearly states that their device is in the FDA-cleared category and that too for the following: 

• Lifting the eyebrows, chin and neck 
• Improving the appearance of wrinkles and lines on the upper chest or décolletage  

Therefore, the treatment may be used to help with different signs of ageing in the face and the chest area. However, keep in mind that even though the device makes it possible to visualise the structures underneath the skin, you must find a practitioner who is experienced and knowledgeable of the facial anatomy for the best possible results. 

How Much Is Ultherapy In The UK?

In the UK, the cost of utherapy can range from £500 to £4,500, depending on the size of the area being treated. For instance, if it’s just a brow lift that you’re looking to achieve, the treatment might cost you around £400 to £500.

However, if you’re looking for a treatment for the face and neck, the cost can go up to £3,000 to £4,000 or more. Additionally, it can depend on the qualifications and experience of your practitioner and the area where the clinic is located.

Again, it’s important to note that ultherapy is not the kind of treatment you should shop for just based on the prices. You need to find someone who is experienced, and it’s also a good idea to take a look at the before and after photos of the previous patients of your practitioner.

Does Ultherapy Work?

Both scientific and anecdotal evidence suggest that ultherapy does work. Ulthera, which is another name for ultherapy, was found to significantly improve facial sagging by a study published in the PRS Global Open. 

The researchers also noted that the way this device works is that it heats up the dermis – the middle layer of the skin – and stimulates the formation of new collagen as well as the remodelling of elastin. These both can then, in turn, help reduce some of the signs of ageing.

A review of 10 studies on micro-focused ultrasound treatment also found it to be effective for sagging in the middle and lower half of the face. Published in Cureus, it was also reported to not cause any injury to the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) as it “activated deeper tissues.”

Before you decide to have a treatment, you should have a thorough consultation with your practitioner about your aesthetic goals and have realistic expectations about what you can achieve from ultherapy alone.

What Can Ultherapy Do?

Ultherapy can help rejuvenate your face and the décolletage. As far as addressing specific concerns, it is said to help with:

• Jowls
• Facial sagging/skin tightening
• Turkey neck

It should also be noted that according to Ultherapy, candidates for this treatment are usually in their 30s or older with “mild to moderate skin laxity.”

Therefore, it’s very important to keep in mind that if you have significant issues with the elasticity of your skin, a non-surgical procedure like ultherapy might not give you the desired results.

What Is The Procedure For Ultherapy?

For the ultherapy treatment, your practitioner may first begin with the application of a numbing cream so you don’t feel discomfort. It may take about 30 minutes to take effect.

Before the device is used, the practitioner will also draw a grid on the face to mark the area that will be targeted by the ultherapy system. The ultrasound gel is then placed on the face for visualisation, and then the device is used.

The entire session can take about an hour to 90 minutes. It can depend on the size of the area being treated. There is said to be no downtime, but you might experience some side effects of this treatment; as noted by Ultherapy, they might include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Tingling

Does Ultherapy Hurt?

Ultherapy can cause a degree of discomfort, warmth and tingling, which is why some practitioners decide to use local anaesthesia before the treatment. Others may also advise you to take painkillers beforehand.

Make sure that you follow the advice of your doctor. And if you experience pain during the treatment, make sure to inform your practitioner of it.

How Long Does Ultherapy Take To Work?

Ultherapy is unlikely to give you any immediate results as collagen formation can take some time. It can take 2-6 months for you to see the results of this treatment. You might start to notice a change around the 2-month mark; the results can then continue to improve over the coming months.

How Long Do Ultherapy Results Last?

You might see the results of ultherapy for around a year or so. Bear in mind that this treatment cannot stop the process of ageing, so you will still experience changes as a result of it. You may be recommended maintenance sessions by your doctor to keep seeing the results.

Can Ultherapy Age You?

While ultherapy is meant to help with signs of ageing, there are counterintuitive reports of it causing ageing instead. The cause for this concern comes from the idea that the heat from ultherapy can melt facial fat, which can then give the face a sunken, aged appearance. It’s best if you talk to your practitioner about the possibility of such a complication during the consultation session.

Is Ultherapy Worth It?

Ultherapy may give you your desired results if done by a board-certified and experienced practitioner. Even so, it’s very important to have realistic expectations beforehand.

This treatment is not the equivalent of a surgical facelift; it cannot get rid of excess skin for a more dramatic transformation. However, you need to consult your surgeon about the treatment that can best meet your aesthetic needs.

Conclusion

Ultherapy is a very popular treatment for tightening the skin, and while it might help address some mild to moderate concerns related to ageing, it’s imperative that you find a good practitioner, understand whether you’re a good candidate for this treatment as well as the risks that are associated with it. 

Reviewed and approved by Prof. Dr. Fuat Yuksel

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