FAQ

Ultherapy® treats the deep foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery, but won’t duplicate the results of a facelift. Ultherapy® is a great alternative, however, especially for those not ready for surgery or for patients looking to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery.

Ultherapy® uses sound energy – tried-and-true ultrasound – which has unique properties that allow it to bypass the surface of the skin to treat depths not matched by any other non-invasive cosmetic device. Ultherapy® ultrasound stimulates collagen production in the skin’s foundation, resulting in a clinically significant lift of tissue over 2-3 months. Lasers rely on light energy, which cannot reach deeper skin layers at an optimal temperature, so laser treatments typically only treat superficial skin and are not FDA-cleared to lift skin. Since the two technologies often treat diverse types of skin issues, they’re very compatible.

Ultherapy® deposits focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration. The treatment jumpstarts a natural process, known as neocollagenesis, to produce fresh, new collagen. Ultherapy® doesn’t involve any creams, fillers or toxins; it just relies on your body’s own collagen-building process for natural, noticeable results.

The length of the treatment will depend on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan. A face and neck procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, while a chest treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.

With Ultherapy®, there is no downtime. After your cosmetic procedure, you can resume your normal activities immediately, without having to follow any special post-treatment measures.

As the ultrasound energy is delivered, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited to precise depths, indicating that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Comfort levels vary from person to person, but the sensation only lasts while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. However, at Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery we offer facial nerve blocks as well as other numbing modalities to minimize or completely rid of any pain/discomfort. We can even offer Ultherapy® while undergoing a surgical procedure under anesthesia in our AAAASF certified operating room in house!

After your Ultherapy® Treatment, you may see some initial effect, but the ultimate results will take place over 2-3 months, as your body naturally regenerates collagen. Since the procedure stimulates your own collagen production, how long the results last really depends on you. The treatment produces new collagen on the inside, but your natural aging process will dictate how long that translates into visible results on the outside.

Most patients only need one treatment. However, based on the degree of skin laxity, the biological response to ultrasound energy and the individual’s collagen-building process, some patients benefit from additional treatments. Because skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments can help patients keep pace with the body’s natural aging process.

The skin might appear flushed at first, but the redness should disappear within a few hours. Some patients’ experience slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch, but these are temporary in nature. Other, less common post-procedural effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin. As with any medical procedure, there is the possibility for other rare effects, which your practitioner will review with you.

The FDA-cleared Ultherapy® procedure has been used safely in over 250,000 treatments worldwide. Ultrasound energy has been used safely in the medical field for more than 50 years. In addition, the staff at Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery has received extensive training to perform the treatment accurately and safely. Hundreds of procedures have been performed already by the staff at Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery.