Having flawless, youthful skin would be a dream come true for many, but not everyone wants to go under the knife. Cosmetic surgery can be a risky and costly procedure, which also forces patients to take time off work. Luckily, advancements in skincare science and medical aesthetics have made it possible to achieve the anti-aging and skin-smoothing results that were previously only associated with invasive procedures.
Ultherapy, a non-invasive skin treatment, is one such therapy that should be considered. Hailed for its skin-tightening and facelifting effects, Ultherapy may get you the results you’re after without any downtime or complications. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this innovative service and dive deep into everything you should know before booking a session.
Ultherapy is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses the power of ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen production and renew the skin. This procedure uses ultrasound energy to lift, tighten, and smooth skin without any incisions, injections, or downtime.
In 2009 Ultherapy became FDA & Health Canada approved for non-invasive eyebrow lifts, non-invasive neck and chin lifts, and the improvement of fine lines and wrinkles on the décolleté (upper chest) area.
Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to target signs of aging and imperfections on the skin.
Ultrasound waves are sound waves with a higher frequency than what is audible to humans. Well-known for their use in sonograms, ultrasound waves can penetrate deep into the body, delivering thermal energy along their path. This thermal energy is then absorbed by the cells, causing minor reactions in the tissues.
Ultherapy uses this energy to stimulate the cells in the dermis layer of the skin. The added heat causes microscopic injuries to the tissues, triggering the body’s healing processes. For skin, this process includes the production of new collagen, a protein that gives skin its structure and firmness.
New collagen fibres are tighter and stronger than their older counterparts, which is why the skin will appear firmer and more youthful following a round of Ultherapy treatments.
Check out this video on how Ultherapy works!
Approved by the U.S. FDA & Health Canada since 2009, Ultherapy is an extremely low-risk procedure with a proven track record for safety. Furthermore, ultrasound technology has been used in the medical industry for imaging and therapeutic purposes for over 50 years. Plus, the side effects of Ultherapy are minimal and don’t result in any open wounds or downtime.
That said, there are always risks associated with any medical procedure, which is why you should speak with your doctor or dermatologist prior to treatment.
The older you are, the less collagen the body produces. This treatment mitigates the loss of collagen by encouraging the formation of this protein. Therefore, ultrasound skin tightening is well-suited for older individuals with noticeable skin laxity (or sagging) in the face, chin and neck areas.
In addition, Ultherapy can help reverse the effects of sun damage, which makes it a popular treatment for those who have experienced premature aging due to sun exposure or other pollutants.
Although this is a very safe treatment, it may not be suitable for everyone. Remember, it’s important you speak with your doctor prior to booking any cosmetic procedures.
Interested in learning more about Ultherapy and if you would be a good candidate? Contact the experts at Beacon Dermatology for more information!
Ultherapy causes the tissues deep within your skin to heat up. As a result, you will feel a warming sensation during your treatment. Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but generally, this procedure is not considered painful but can be uncomfortable. Patients report it feels like a “line of zaps” along the skin. If you do experience pain, make sure to let your technician know.
Ultherapy is praised for providing a “non-invasive facelift”. The results are proven—but do they last?
Since Ultherapy stimulates natural collagen production, the results will last as long as that collagen is intact. Therefore, these effects will be subjected to the body’s natural aging process. The time it takes for results to fade will vary based on each person and their lifestyle choices.
To prolong the effects of Ultherapy, you must keep your body healthy, which includes eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, avoiding too much direct sun, and limiting your alcohol and sugar intake. Using topical antioxidants and eating a diet rich in antioxidants can also help slow the aging process.
Ultherapy may be able to tighten loose skin, but it is not intended as a replacement for facelift surgery. The most dramatic results will always be achieved with surgical procedures. However, cosmetic surgery carries numerous risks, which is why non-invasive procedures like Ultherapy are becoming more and more popular.
Essentially, the effectiveness of the treatment will depend on your starting level of skin laxity and how your body responds to the treatment. Most recipients of Ultherapy see their desired results after just one session, while others may need more than one treatment to sufficiently tighten and lift the skin.
Results from Ultherapy are not immediate. The treatment kickstarts the body’s healing processes and collagen production; however, it will take the body weeks to complete these processes and rebuild the protein structures needed to support the skin.
Generally, most patients notice the most dramatic results about 2 to 3 months after their initial treatment. And, even after this point, the youth-boosting benefits will continue to increase for another 3-4 months. We recommend our patients have 1 Ulthera treatment per year.
One of the most obvious benefits of Ultherapy is how straightforward and low-risk the procedure is. Nearly anyone can safely receive an Ultherapy treatment in under an hour with minimal side effects and zero downtime. Not many cosmetic procedures available can offer all these benefits alongside significant results.
Most importantly, though, the anti-aging benefits are what draw patients to this treatment in the first place. Some of the many cosmetic results you can expect from Ultherapy include:
Overall, Ultherapy offers the benefits of youth-boosting skin treatments without the dangers and hassle of surgery.
There are very few risks associated with Ultherapy treatments. This cosmetic procedure does not use surgical techniques, needles, injections, or abrasive exfoliants. As a result, Ultherapy is an extremely safe and effective alternative to more invasive conventional treatments.
That said, every treatment in the industry has its risks. With Ultherapy, keep the following rare but dangerous risks in mind:
Please let your technician know if you believe you are at risk of complications with Ultherapy. Only a thorough skin and health assessment by a professional can determine whether Ultherapy is safe for you.
Unlike the risks listed above, side effects of Ultherapy are more common yet much less severe. Usually, these occur due to the body’s innate healing mechanisms and the thermal energy provided by the ultrasound device. Although they may be uncomfortable, these side effects shouldn’t keep you from resuming your normal routine.
Side effects of Ultherapy include:
Fortunately, these side effects will resolve themselves in just a few days. However, if you notice any intolerable discomfort, let your technician know.
The cost of an Ultherapy treatment will vary from clinic to clinic. Geographic location, demand and professional experience will affect the price. In addition, your treatment will be customized to meet your needs, meaning you may be quoted a different price than someone else at the same clinic.
Factors that affect the treatment price include the size of the treatment area, your starting point in terms of skin laxity, and how many treatments you’ll need. Generally, you can get a good idea of the price during a consultation.
If you have any additional questions about Ultherapy, reach out to a trusted dermatologist or Laser Technician. A technician can provide you with a thorough overview of the treatment as well as assess whether you are a good candidate for it.
Interested in trying Ultherapy in Calgary? Then get in touch with the dedicated and experienced team of experts at Beacon Dermatology! Passionate about all things skin, our professional team is proud to provide innovative treatments that are safe, effective, and all-around confidence-boosting.
Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our dermatologists and discover what Ultherapy can do for you.
