Ultherapy

Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?

A good candidate for Ultherapy procedure is someone with skin that has “relaxed” to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of “maturing” skin. Typically, those in their thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates. While Ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. There are also younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

These photos have been supplied from Ulthera. All photographs represent one person’s experience and this may vary for each patient.

Since Ultherapy can have a skin tightening effect, it is one of the more popular procedures for skin tightening in Australia. Even though this procedure is non-surgical in nature, it can still influence the skin’s surface in minimal time, enabling the patient to achieve a more youthful look through an increase in collagen production.

Even though side-effects are rare for a procedure such as this, it is always important to inform yourself about any treatment before you obtain it. By obtaining more information first, you can also learn more about the healing process after your procedure, which can only benefit your recovery and the overall results you obtain.

It is not uncommon for this non-surgical skin tightening procedure to be combined with other treatments, this includes anti-wrinkle injections. The most suitable treatments for your desired aesthetic results will be subject to the treatment area. A visualisation of the expected results can be requested at your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. If the results cannot be obtained through non-surgical procedures, more high intensity treatments could be recommended.

Benefits of the Ultherapy procedure

• Only 1 x treatment is required
• The patient is awake during treatment
• Makeup can generally be worn immediately and you can generally return to work that day
• Results will occur over the next three months with gradual tightening
• Natural result
• Low risk

Anticipated results

1. Skin lifting

◦ Smoother brow
◦ Tighter skin around eyes
◦ Less eyelid hooding / more lid showing
◦ Lifting of cheek tissue for overall rounding effect to lower 2/3 of face
◦ Reduction in folds /lines between nose and corner of mouth
◦ Sleeker, more defined jawline
◦ Jowls reduced
◦ Cheeks less sunken, more volume
◦ Corners of mouth turned up

2. Skin Feels

◦ Firmer
◦ Tighter, “better-fitting” skin
◦ Softer, more resilient
◦ Smoother

3. Texture

◦ Reduction of crepe like texture
◦ Smaller pores

4. Skin Colour

◦ More even tone
◦ Brighter
◦ Reduction of small blood vessels and general redness

Areas

Patients commonly choose to have the cheeks and lower face treated in order to obtain lifting of the whole area. The neck and the forehead can also be treated. Ultherapy can be combined with many other procedures such as fillers and muscle relaxants. Dr Lanzer recommends Ultherapy after a face skin suture lift to enhance results and longevity.

Contraindications

Ultherapy should not be used over a filler and therefore it is important that there is good timing with other treatments. There may be some pain and tenderness during treatment. The Ultherapy should also not be used over any facial implants.

Risks

As the treatment is non-surgical no promises can be made as to the extent of lift or final result. This is because all patients react differently to such therapies. Burning or scarring has not been seen however some patients do find the treatment tender and even painful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical face treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift and tone loose or sagging skin without any downtime.

What kind of technology does Ultherapy use?

Ultherapy uses tried-and-true ultrasound technology, which has received FDA clearance for use in this new type of medical procedure.

What does the ultrasound therapy do?

Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen. As a result, skin will actually begin to lift and tone over time.

What does collagen do? How does Ultherapy stimulate the creation of collagen?

Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by keeping it firmed, toned and elastic. As we age, collagen loses its elasticity and its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity that pull the skin downward.

Is Ultherapy surgery?

• No. Unlike a face lift, Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that addresses the skin and support layers below it, but doesn’t entail cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin.

Can Ultherapy replace a face lift?

Ultherapy is an “uplift” not a “face lift.” While it is not a replacement for surgery, it is a viable option for those not ready for a face lift or those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How is Ultherapy different from lasers?

Lasers typically address issues in the superficial layers of the skin (e.g. fine lines, wrinkles, pigment changes). Ultherapy addresses the deep skin layer and the foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery that lift and lend support to the skin. Therefore, the two technologies are quite complementary!

Is Ultherapy safe?

The procedure has been demonstrated safety in clinical studies, and tens of thousands of treatments have been performed safely worldwide. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.

How long does the ultrasound treatment take?

A full face treatment takes 45-60 minutes, and a partial face or brow lift treatment can take around 30 minutes—neither with any downtime.

Is there any downtime?

Ultherapy is an entirely non-invasive procedure and as such, there is no downtime. You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take.

What problem areas does Ultherapy target? What kind of results do you get?

Ultherapy addresses mild to moderate loose or sagging skin. Specifically, by reconditioning and renewing the skin from within, Ultherapy will lift the brow, which in turn reduces excess skin on the lids, opens up the eyes, and gives a more refreshed look overall.

How long until I see results?

Patients may enjoy some initial effect but the ultimate lifting and toning will take place over 2-3 months, as tired collagen is replaced with new, more elastic collagen. As this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can appear up to 6 months following a procedure.

How long do results last?

Patients treated with Ultherapy still have fresh young collagen after a year’s time following the procedure, but skin continues to age. Future touch-up treatments can help keep pace with the aging process, which varies by individual.

Will I need more than one treatment?

The majority of patients only need one treatment; however, some may benefit from more than one treatment (depending on how much laxity they have and their body’s own biological response to the ultrasound and collagen-building process).

All photographs represent one person’s experience, and results may vary for each patient. All photographs are of actual patients of Dr. Lanzer. The visible change in these photographs has occurred as a result of the procedure/s undertaken. Best results are obtained when the procedure is combined with a balanced diet and exercise.

Some before and after photos shown are not exact, in that they vary in light, contrast, clothing, background, and distance from camera, hairstyle and make-up.

We offer a FREE, No Obligation Cosmetic Surgery Consultation and a detailed explanation of the procedure.

Dr. Lanzer can email all patients a detailed consent form which provides information related to the surgery. This information is made available to all patients before surgery, allowing enough time for the patient to ask any questions they may have.

Not everyone is familiar with ultherapy, especially considering that this type of treatment has only become available recently. However, ultherapy can be a viable treatment option for numerous patients, so doing some research into this type of treatment could help patients decide if the treatment is right for them. Prospective patients can find more information about this therapy on this page, but other information pages on facelift procedures are available on the Dr Lanzer website too. Additionally, patients can also request more information about this treatment directly via telephone, email, website form or chat message.

Even though results can be obtained from this treatment with only one session, there are certain patients that could benefit from multiple sessions. To determine the amount of treatments for a patient, or to determine if ultherapy is right for you, it is best to see a licensed dermatologist or cosmetic surgery before choosing the treatment. At the Dr Lanzer Clinic in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, you could make an appointment with Dr Lanzer, who is a licensed dermatologist as well as experienced cosmetic surgery. Based on his findings during a consultation, Dr Lanzer can propose a treatment plan that is best suited for your individual needs.