Ultherapy®
Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment, that goes deeper to stimulate the production of your body’s own collagen and elastin, for natural-looking results without surgery or downtime. Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin, brow and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest.
How Does Ultherapy® Work?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body that plays an important role in maintaining the skin’s firmness and youthful appearance. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and our skin begins to lose its strength and suppleness.
Ultherapy® employs microfocused ultrasound technology to heat underlying dermal tissue. The body responds to the controlled thermal damage that results by initiating healing processes, including kickstarting collagen production.
What to Expect During Ultherapy®
Ultherapy® treatments are performed on-site at our state-of-the-art practice in Issaquah by Sarah, our Licensed Master Esthetician. The duration of your procedure will depend on the nature of your unique treatment. On average, it takes between 30 and 90 minutes to complete an Ultherapy® treatment.
Ultherapy® does not require general anesthesia or incisions of any kind. A topical numbing cream can be applied at the start of the treatment, though many patients tolerate the treatment without it.
An ultrasound gel will be applied to the targeted skin. Next, Sarah will place the treatment applicator against the skin, and ultrasound imaging will be used to identify the precise area(s) to target to provide maximum benefit.
Ultrasound energy will be delivered through the skin’s surface into the deeper layers of dermal tissue. This may cause a tingling or warm sensation. Sarah will carefully monitor your treatment experience to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Your Ultherapy Treatment
Pre-Ultherapy
Before undergoing an Ultherapy treatment, the process typically begins with a consultation with with your provider. During this consultation, your specific concerns and goals will be discussed, and your provider will assess whether Ultherapy is a suitable treatment for you. They will explain the procedure, discuss expectations, and address any questions or concerns you may have. It’s essential to follow any pre-treatment instructions provided, which may include avoiding certain medications or skincare products.
Ultherapy
The actual Ultherapy procedure is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production in the deep layers of the skin. Before the treatment begins, the targeted area may be cleansed, and given the option to use Pronox to ease discomfort during the procedure. Pronox , the #1 FDA-cleared analgesia. The Ultherapy device is then applied to the skin, delivering precise ultrasound energy to the desired depths. The energy stimulates collagen production, helping to lift and tighten the skin over time. The duration of the treatment depends on the area being treated but generally ranges from 30 minutes to an hour.
Post-Ultherapy
Following the Ultherapy treatment, there is typically little to no downtime, and most individuals can resume their regular activities immediately. You may experience some redness, swelling, or tingling, but these are usually temporary and resolve within a few hours to days. Applying ice or taking over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by your provider, can help manage any mild discomfort. Results are not immediate, as collagen production takes time. Over the next few months, you should notice gradual improvements in skin tightness and firmness. It’s essential to follow any post-treatment care instructions provided by your practitioner and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure optimal results.
What Is Ultherapy®?
Ultherapy® is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes advanced ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production within the deeper layers of the skin to naturally improve skin tone and quality over time.
Since Ultherapy® can initiate improvements in deeper dermal layers, it can be ideal for resolving mild-to-moderate wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity. At SHADe, we predominantly use Ultherapy® to target:
- Sagging facial skin
- Signs of aging in the neck area, including “turkey neck”
- Wrinkles and fine lines in the décolletage (upper chest) area
Candidacy for Ultherapy®
Ultherapy® can be an excellent option for patients seeking a non-surgical approach to skin rejuvenation. Patients whose aesthetic concerns include sagging skin and/or wrinkles in the brow area, neck, under the chin, and/or upper chest can often benefit from Ultherapy®. Candidates should be in good health with realistic expectations for their treatment outcome.
Ultherapy® can resolve mild-to-moderate skin laxity but is not intended for the treatment of loose, hanging skin. In such cases, a more intensive treatment will likely be recommended.
A consultation with Sarah at SHADe is the best way to determine if Ultherapy® is the optimal treatment approach for you. During your consultation, she will learn about your cosmetic goals, review your health history, and assess the area(s) of concern. Gathering this information allows her to design a care strategy that accommodates your needs while also achieving your desired results.
Contact SHADe Today to Find Out if Ultherapy® is Right for You
FAQ’s
What Can I Expect After Ultherapy®?
Patients can immediately resume their normal daily activities after Ultherapy®, as the procedure typically involves no significant recovery time or downtime. You may notice slight redness in the treated area, but this symptom typically resolves within a few hours. Short-lived and mild tingling, swelling, or tenderness can also occur post-treatment.
Following Sarah’s aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding direct sun exposure and using specific skincare products, is important. We will provide recommendations for at-home skincare practices that will optimize the healing process and enhance the results of your Ultherapy® treatment.
What Kind of Ultherapy® Results Can I Expect?
Is Ultherapy Safe?
Ultherapy is a proven treatment with a well-established safety profile. It is currently marketed worldwide in more than 75 countries, with over 1.5 million treatments performed globally to date. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.
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 firm and toned. As we age, collagen breaks down, and the result is a loss of skin strength and elasticity. Ultherapy uses microfocused ultrasound to generate a thermal effect under the skin. The thermal effect essentially jump-starts your body's own process that produces fresh, new collagen.
Can I Combine Ultherapy® with Additional Cosmetic Treatments?
Yes, Ultherapy® can be used in combination with other skin rejuvenation and facial sculpting treatments. Sarah can provide personalized recommendations for complementary cosmetic treatments that can help you extend and enhance the improvements you achieve with Ultherapy®, such as:
Facials - Facials are a great way to gently, yet deeply cleanse and exfoliate, as well as rehydrate and nourish the skin.
Peels - At SHADe, we offer a variety of chemical peels to address common skin issues like sun damage, redness, hyperpigmentation, acne, acne scarring, and signs of aging.
Dermal fillers - Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be injected to replace lost volume and augment and sculpt specific facial features, including the cheeks and lips.
Biostimulatory fillers - Collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra® and Radiesse® work to rebuild collagen over time, re-establishing a stronger, healthier skin structure.
Neuromodulators - Botox®, Dysport®, Daxxify®, and Xeomin® are injectable neuromodulators designed to target wrinkles and creases that develop as a result of repetitive facial muscle movements. Whether used to target visible signs of aging or to prevent them, these injectables are a great way to achieve and maintain a youthful look.