Ultherapy: Non-Surgical Lifting and Tightening 

By Dennis Faludi, M.D.

Ultherapy® is the only FDA approved device for non-surgical lifting and tightening over the face, chin, neck, and chest. This procedure is safe for all skin types, and it has become one of our most requested services for both women and men. In our practice, I customize Ultherapy treatments to provide optimal results for each individual patient. The procedure is performed in our office and there is no post-treatment downtime.

To help you understand more about Ultherapy and why it has become so popular, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about the procedure:

How does Ultherapy work? 

Ultherapy utilizes micro-focused ultrasound technology to create fresh, new collagen deep beneath the skin’s surface. The heat from the ultrasound waves bypasses the surface of the skin and disrupts the worn collagen in the treatment area, stimulating the formation of new collagen that is tighter than the original. As the new collagen builds and matures, it causes the treatment area to be lifted, firmed, and tightened. Ultherapy includes ultrasound imaging, which allows viewing of the deeper structures in real-time, and ensures that the ultrasound waves are applied precisely where they will be most effective for specific treatment areas.

Which areas can be treated? 

Ultherapy may be used to lift and tighten the skin of the brow, upper face, midface, jaw, chin, neck, upper arms and knees. Additionally, it is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the chest. Most patients will only need a single treatment session; however, individuals with more skin laxity may require a second treatment for optimal results.

Does the treatment hurt? 

Comfort thresholds vary from person to person, and we do not want our patients to feel pain and anxiety during any procedure. For all Ultherapy treatments, we use the Pro-Nox nalgesic system. Pro-Nox is a patient-controlled nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture which, when inhaled through a mouthpiece, provides immediate relaxation and pain relief. Patients control how much of the analgesic they inhale for comfort. There are no narcotic pills or injections involved, and because the gas mixture clears quickly from the body, the patient can safely drive within 20 minutes after undergoing the procedure.

How long does a treatment take?  

We allow between 45 minutes to two hours for an Ultherapy appointment, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Will I need to take time off after the treatment?

There is generally no downtime after an Ultherapy procedure; most patients resume normal activities on the same day. You may experience some redness for a few hours, followed by mild swelling that may last a few days and is typically not noticeable to other people. You may also experience slight tenderness and/or tingling in the treatment area, which resolves in hours to days.

When will I see results, and how long will they last? 

You may see slight effects immediately following the procedure, but the most visible, significant results occur over the following three to six months, as new collagen in the treatment area continues to form and tighten. At the end of a year, the newly formed collagen is mature and normal aging begins anew with fresh, one-year-old collagen.  Overall, results last for years. Additional factors, including smoking, excessive sun exposure, and general health will impact collagen aging and the results of any cosmetic rejuvenation treatment.

If you are considering Ultherapy and would like to learn more, I encourage you to visit our office for a complimentary consultation. To schedule your appointment, please call us at 703-992-7979 or visit aestheticmedctr.com. We see patients Monday through Saturday of most weeks, and we look forward to meeting you!