Ulthera Skin Tightening

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment developed by Ulthera, Inc. which is a subsidiary of Merz, North America. It uses ultrasound energy to stimulate the body’s own regenerative response to trigger production of new collagen and elastin causing tightening and lifting of the skin on the brow, under the chin, on the neck and even the décolletage (upper chest) area.

The result is a much more natural, tighter and a toned-up look, all without any downtime or surgery. The treatment is scientifically proven and is the only HIFU device to have US-FDA clearance, to treat the face, the jowls, the neck and the décolletage.

How does Ultherapy work?

Ultherapy utilizes the HIFU (High intensity Focused ultrasound) technology but takes it to a step higher by micro focusing those HIFU waves and creating MFU-V (Micro-Focused Ultrasound performed under Vision) using its patented DeepSee Technology.

While hundreds of devices provide HIFU for skin tightening, Ultherapy is the only device that gives us MFU-V and is cleared by US-FDA for skin tightening in the Brow, under the Chin, Neck and Décolletage or ‘the chest and cleavage’ areas.

The ultrasound waves bypass the superficial skin layers delivering focused energy to the foundational layers of skin at three different depths (4.5 mm, 3.0mm, 1.5mm) under the skin, creating thermo-coagulation points, heating them up to 60-70 degrees centigrade. This has 2 effects: Immediate tissue contraction and stimulation of new collagen growth.

It triggers a regenerative response that tricks the body into producing more collagen. This Neocollagenesis (or the new collagen formation) continues for as long as 3-4 months and a visible lift is usually seen in about 2 to 3 months after the treatment.

How does Ultherapy ‘lifts’ as well as ‘tightens’ the skin?

As we already know, Ultherapy delivers micro-focused ultrasound energy at three different depths of the skin. The new collagen synthesis at superficial levels of epidermis and dermis is what leads to a tightening effect on the skin.

The collagen synthesis on the deeper layer or the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), however, is what actually leads to a ‘lift’. This is because SMAS is the foundational layer of the skin and attaches to the underlying muscles as well as the superficial layers of skin. The collagen boost in this layer therefore tightens the muscles, leading to lifted jowls, lifted skin of eyebrows & neck area and correction of any sagging. It is this very layer that is targeted in a surgical facelift as well.

What is so unique about Ultherapy? How does it compare to other skin tightening treatments like Lasers and RF treatments?

While RF and Laser devices use a ‘hit or miss approach’ to stimulate collagen synthesis, Ultherapy works like a ‘precision guided missile’ to reach the specified depths at specific temperatures and that too guided by realtime Ultrasound imaging.

 

1. FDA APPROVAL: Ultherapy is the only non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that lifts as well as tightens the skin

2. SAFETY: Ultherapy works very differently from RF and Laser treatments. While Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy that has been safely used in the medical field for over 50 years, Lasers use light energy and RF devices use Radio-frequency waves that are a kind of electromagnetic waves.

3. NO BULK HEATING: All three types of devices ultimately work by producing heat under the skin to stimulate the collagen growth but Ultherapy does it without harming the superficial layers of the skin. While Lasers and RF devices, both cause bulk heating of tissues under the skin, ultrasound waves used in Ultherapy heat up only the target depth under the skin using it’s Micro-Focussed Ultrasound (MFU) technology. As a result, Ultherapy is a much safer form of treatment than Lasers and Radiofrequency devices and the risk of adverse effects like swelling and redness is also much less.

4. EFFECTIVENESS: The Ulthera® System is the only device that reaches the optimum temperatures of 60-70°C at depth, without heating the skin's surface. We call this the optimum temperature because new-collagen formation occurs best when old collagen is exposed to 60-70°C causing it to denature and contract. Lasers and RadioFrequency cannot penetrate deeper skin layers at optimal temperature without damaging the skin surface and hence are therefore not as effective as Ultherapy.

5. PERFORMED UNDER VISION: Ultherapy is the only skin tightening procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue targeted during the treatment to ensure the energy is deposited to where it will be most beneficial allowing the doctors to avoid the complications and reduce downtime.

6. DECOLLETAGE: As of now, Ultherapy is also the only non-invasive procedure specifically indicated by the FDA to tighten and lift the skin in Décolletage area.

How does Ultherapy compare with other ultrasound/ HIFU devices?

There are many cheaper Ultherapy imitations in the market but they do not have at least the two key features of Ultherapy.

1. The first is the DeepSee technology that is patented by Ulthera Systems and helps the doctor to perform the procedure under ultrasonic vision.Without this in-built technology, the other ultrasonic devices are practically delivering energy blindlyat inconsistent depths. If ultrasound energy is delivered too intensely and too close to the skin surface, it can result in burns in the treated area. If energy is delivered sporadically or at a greater depth than recommended, it might result in no result at all or a less-than-desirable outcome.

2. The second is the US-FDA approval which the cheaper imitations lack. FDA approval gives us a stamp of safety and efficacy. We, at Anticlock Medispa trust our clients with the most trusted devices in the world.

Is it the same ultrasound as used in diagnostics?

Ultherapy uses two different types of ultrasound waves (MFU & V) – one for visualization (V) and another for the treatment (MFU).

• The first uses parallel lines of ultrasound, which is the same as the one used in ultrasound-scans in diagnostics. These ultrasound waves run parallel and bounce back from skin layers and allow the doctor to visualize the target skin tissues, and place the shot at the correct depth avoiding the blood vessels and bone.

• The second one, that is used for treatment are micro focused at different target depths. These don’t bounce back but meet at the target point to create heat and thermocoagulation of that point, stimulating the growth of new, healthy collagen and elastin.

What does collagen do? How does Ultherapy stimulate collagen synthesis?

Collagen is a natural protein in our skin responsible for keeping skin looking firm, toned and youthful. Children have abundant collagen in their skin but by the time we are 25 years old, its production begins to decline. As a rule of thumb, we lose 1% collagen every year thereafter and this leads to loss of skin tone, wrinkles and sagging as it cannot withstand the effects of gravity.

Ultherapy uses Micro-focussed Ultrasound to create thermal stimulation of the cells that produce collagen. This kickstarts the repair process by strengthening existing collagen and producing new collagen (neo-collagenesis). Thus, Ultherapy is not adding anything into your body but is stimulating your own natural processes to reverse the clock.

How many treatments or sittings of Ultherapy would I need?

• Most patients with mild to moderate skin laxity benefit from just one treatment. The effects become visible usually by two months and continue to improve for as long as 6-9 months after the treatment. Full results can therefore be seen 6-9 months after treatment. These effects usually last for as long as two years but for long term maintenance, touch-up treatments are recommended at 15-18 month intervals depending upon the amount of sagging.

• For patients with moderate to severe laxity and those who would benefit more from a surgical face-lift but do not want to undergo surgery, two treatments are required at interval of 6 months followed by yearly touch-ups for maintenance!

What all areas can be treated with Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is US-FDA cleared for treatment in Brow area, neck, under the chin and décolletage area. It is used to address mild to moderate skin laxity and to gradually and gently achieve a brow-lift, to lift and tighten the skin of the neck and under-chin area, and to smoothen the wrinkles and fine lines in the cleavage area. Ultherapy has also received the European CE mark for non-invasive dermatological sculpting and lifting of the upper face, lower face, neck and décolleté.

1. Brow Lift: As we age, our eyebrows begin to droop giving us an older and tired look. Ultherapy was FDA approved for use in the brow area in 2009 and is a popular choice for achieving a non-surgical brow lift. However, one needs to remember that although it isn’t necessarily a replacement for a surgical procedure like a brow lift, it is an ideal alternative to surgery when droopiness is not too severe to warrant a surgery.

2. Neck and Chin Lift: Ultherapy was the first and only treatment to receive FDA clearance for treating neck and submental skin laxity in the year 2009. It is also, European CE cleared for lifting and sculpting the lower face. When treatment is done in both lower face and the upper neck, this helps in getting rid of early jowls and giving a better sculpted jaw line.

3. Decolletage: This was the newest Ultherapy treatment to be cleared by the U.S. FDA in 2014 to smoothen fine lines and creases on the décolletage (décolleté). These wrinkles and fine lines on the chest can be a telltale sign of ageing and bothersome to those who love to wear low-cut dresses. Moreover, Ultherapy is also European-CE marked for treatment in this area.

Apart from the above FDA approved indications, Ultherapy is also becoming more and more popular for its “off-label” use to correct skin laxity around the belly button in the abdomen, buttocks, arms and above knees. However, treatments are adjusted based on body area and tailored in accordance with your body and goals.

Is Ultherapy a safe treatment?

Ultherapy is a safe and effective, non-invasive skin tightening treatment and more than half a million procedures have been performed worldwide. It has been cleared by US-FDA for use on the neck, eyebrow, chin, chest, and décolletage areas and also has been European-CE marked as a achieve skin tightening. These kinds of clearances come after a demonstrated safety in many clinical studies which in turn evoke the trust of doctors and patients all over the world. If you are paying a considerably higher price for this treatment than other HIFU devices, it is because of its shield of trust and safety as compared to its cheap imitations.

The proven results, Hollywood celebrity endorsements and the fact that Ultherapy uses your own body’s repair and healing process are the reasons for increasing acceptability of the treatment. Moreover, Ultrasound technology has been used in medical fields for more than half a century without any significant untoward effects.

However, one must realize that like any other medical procedure, Ultherapy has its possible risks and complications. Therefore, it should always be performed by a trained, qualified and experienced doctor who is also very well versed with the knowledge of facial anatomy.

Am I a good candidate for Ultherapy?

If you have mild to moderate skin laxity (loose skin) and you feel your skin has begun to look less firm than before, you could benefit from Ultherapy.

• Typically, men and women between 35 -60 years of age who are bothered by the following signs would be ideal candidates:

• 1. Their eyebrows have just begun to droop giving a flatter or lower eyebrow line; or eyelid skin has become loose and overhanging,

  2. Jowls have begun to appear giving them a wavy jawline,

  3. Neck skin has become a bit loose and horizontal neck lines have appeared,

  4. Skin under the chin has begun to sag giving the illusion of a double chin,

  5. And fine lines and wrinkles have appeared on the upper chest.

• Older patients (60 and above) with extreme skin laxity would be more suited for a surgical facelift. However, those don’t want to go under the knife at all and want a more refreshed look could also opt for Ultherapy. They can still get favorable results if they have a relatively better-preserved skin tone understanding very well that Ultherapy is not a replacement for surgery.

The best way, however, to find out if you’re an Ultherapy candidate is to make an appointment for a consultation with one of our doctors at Anticlock Medispa. Although everyone above the age of 30 years could benefit from Ultherapy, this treatment is most optimally suited for those with mild to moderate skin laxity. During the consult, we could make that assessment for you and discuss realistic expectations and outcomes with you.

Is Ultherapy a suitable treatment for men too?

Yes! Ultherapy works equally in both men and women and those who want to stay ‘ahead of their game’ could opt for it.

How long does an Ultherapy treatment take?

The length of the treatment will depend on the areas being treated and your individual treatment plan. While the brow and periorbital area can be treated in about 30 minutes, a full face and neck treatment typically takes 60-90 minutes. To this you’ll need to add another 30 minutes if you want the décolletage area treated as well.

Is the treatment painful?

Getting Ultherapy done is not like getting a relaxing facial done where you might even doze off. However, it is much more comfortable than RF treatments like Thermage.

While there is some amount of discomfort involved, it really varies from patient to patient. Some patients tolerate it very well while others experience significant discomfort or pain while the ‘shots’ or ‘lines’ being delivered. This pain and discomfort, however, is temporary and a sign that ‘thermo-coagulation’ has occurred – something that initiates the collagen-building process.

We have extensive experience with Ultherapy and are able to offer the maximum possible level of patient comfort during the procedure. If the pain is too much to bear for a patient, we can easily taper down the energy settings by a bit without compromising the effectiveness. To offer patient comfort we can also keep switching treatment zones.

Dr. K M Kapoor or Dr Puneet Kapoor will adjust the procedure based on each patient’s response and comfort threshold and will provide the oral medications as required for patient comfort. There is very little discomfort after the procedure and patients generally tell that discomfort, if any, was well worth it given the benefits it give.

Pain threshold can vary from patient to patient, but the mild discomfort during the energy delivery is a signal that the collagen-building process has begun. A recent software update called “Ultherapy Amplify” now offers a more comfortable procedure and with this, most patients report that the process is now quite tolerable. We take measures like setting of energy at an appropriate level and oral pain medication to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

Is it important to take the treatment at highest energy settings?

Delivering the recommended number of shots or ‘lines’ as we call them, is more important than the energy setting while doing the Ultherapy treatment. Therefore, the energy settings can easily be tailored according to a person’s pain threshold without significantly altering the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, if treatment with highest energy setting feels too uncomfortable, you could ask the doctor to scale the settings down by a bit.

How long does it take to recover after Ultherapy treatment? Do I need to take time off from work?

Normally there is no downtime after Ultherapy, and you can return to your daily activities immediately after the treatment. Skin may look little red initially, but this usually fades within few hours. Patients sometimes experience mild swelling or soreness, but these effects are also temporary. Less common side effects include small areas of bruising or numbness. Your doctor will discuss all probable side effects before starting the process. After your procedure, you can return to your normal activities straightaway, without having to follow any special post-treatment measures. At Anticlock Medispa, Chandigarh, we recommend planning this treatment at least two weeks in advance of any special occasions or events for which you are planning to look your best.

How does the Ultherapy treatment feel like?

As the ultrasound energy is provided, you will feel small amounts of energy being delivered to precise depths, indicating that the collagen-building process has been started. Comfort levels can vary from person to person, but the sensation generally lasts when the ultrasound energy is being delivered.

Ultherapy is not a painful process, but most people feel the ultrasound energy as it initiates the process to stimulate collagen in the tissue under the skin. It might be slightly uncomfortable for some people, but the level of discomfort depends on the patient also. Any discomfort during the treatment is transient and indicates that the ultrasound energy is doing what is needed to stimulate the collagen production to repair the skin.

The level of discomfort varies significantly from patient to patient, but to make it easier to tolerate generally apply anaesthetic numbing cream 20 minutes before the treatment and recommend to the patients to take paracetamol one hour before the procedure. However, many of our patients with higher pain threshold get the procedure done without any of these.

When will I see the results of Ultherapy treatment? What kind of results should I expect? How long do they last and when would I require to repeat it?

Many patients feel an initial tightening right after the procedure. This is usually because of the inflammation caused by the thermocoagulation and indicates that the repair process has been kickstarted. New collagen formation and remodelling of old collagen, however, takes 2-3 months and that is the time when you would see definitive results of tightening as well as lifting. As this process continues, you can expect further improvements even up to 6 months.

After 2-3 months you should see a visible lifting of the eyebrows brows and a firm and toned look of the skin above the brows. Clinical studies have reported an average lift of a 1.7 mm the brow after a single treatment, with the maximum lift of about 1.9 mm. When performed in cheek as well as in upper neck, you could see a visibly sharper jaw line with decrease in bulk of the jowl. In lower neck, you should expect the horizontal neck lines to become less marked. Overall, you should expect a less saggy skin with a better skin tone than before in the treated areas.  

The length of results varies from person to person and actually depends on the individual tissue healing, pre-procedural skin tone and ageing patterns. In most patients, they last for about 2 years and in some they might last for even up to three years. To maintain the benefit, however, we recommend a repeat treatment or touch up every 1.5 to 2 years depending upon your doctor’s assessment. Maximum effect of Ultherapy can be achieved by additionally opting for healthy lifestyle, sun protection and skin care.

How many Ultherapy treatments will I need?

Most patients need only one treatment session. However, based on the severity of skin laxity, the biological response of body to ultrasound energy and the individual’s own collagen-building process, some patients may need to have additional treatment session. As skin continues to age, future treatments after 1-2 years can help patients to keep pace with the natural aging process of skin.

Is it important to take the treatment at highest energy settings?

Delivering the recommended number of shots or ‘lines’ as we call them, is more important than the energy setting while doing the Ultherapy treatment. Therefore, the energy settings can easily be tailored according to a person’s pain threshold without significantly altering the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, if treatment with highest energy setting feels too uncomfortable, you could ask the doctor to scale the settings down by a bit. 

Are there any side effects?

There could be slight skin redness or flushing for a few hours after the treatment, and it is not unusual to experience mild swelling, stinging or soreness to touch for a few days. These side effects are typically minor and transitory. There is also a possibility to experience some post-procedural effects like temporary bruising and small areas of numbness, but these are uncommon and will typically improve over the two to three weeks after treatment.

What are the Contraindications?

If you currently have or ever had a Bell's Palsy, or are on long term anti-inflammatory medications, or are pregnant you should not go in for Ultherapy treatment. People who are diabetic can be treated with caution, however.

Does Ultherapy melt fat?

No, it does not. Sometimes persons with thinner faces feel that there is volume loss after the Ultherapy. Actually, the lifting & tightening effect of the skin after Ultherapy may make a thin face look a little narrower. If Ultherapy could melt significant amounts of fat, it would be used more commonly for spot reduction than skin tightening.

Can Ultherapy replace a facelift?

Ultherapy is an “uplift” of the skin and not a “face lift.” While it is not a substitute for facelift surgery, it is a possible option for those who are not yet ready for a face lift surgery or those looking to extend the effects of facelift cosmetic surgery. Though Ultherapy treats the deep foundational layer generally addressed in facelift surgery but won’t exactly duplicate the results of a surgical 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.

The two treatments are quite distinctive and offer different results. A surgical facelift pulls skin, muscle, and other tissues higher up the face to lift facial structures. This achieves overall tightening and can produce dramatic results. On the other hand, Ultherapy treats the deep (SMAS layer), middle and superficial layers of the skin which are responsible for skin laxity and a great deal of aging. Stimulating and firming SMAS layer will help tightening and lifting of facial skin from within.

Ultherapy is an ideal treatment option for patients who are not ready for surgery as yet but wish to have their features gently lifted back up where they once rested in younger days. A surgical facelift is more expensive, has significant risks/ side effects, and involves many weeks’ downtime after the procedure.

Ultherapy, on the other hand, is considerably more economical, has almost no risks/ side effects and minimum downtime. Further, while a facelift has more dramatic results, it works only by pulling back your skin. While Ultherapy works by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen. Also, while Ultherapy can be performed everyone to two years, surgical facelift cannot be performed repeatedly.

Can I get Ultherapy done in areas other than the face and neck?

Recent clinical studies have shown that Ultherapy can be effective in tightening sagging skin on various body areas especially on the chest, abdomen, arms and around the knees. A consultation with expert can tell you if Ultherapy would be a good approach to tighten and smoothen your trouble spots.

Currently, Ultherapy® is USFDA approved for face, neck and décolleté area treatment. However, a number of clinical studies around the world are investigating the use of Ultherapy® for treatment of other anatomical regions.

Does every patient get the same result?

The treatment areas that responds best to Ultherapy may vary from patient to patient. While some patients can get dramatic results in the periorbital area, they may show only modest results around the neck and vice versa. As some people have more collagen stimulation ability than others, it is important to inform patients of this possibility, and the very rare likelihood that they may need a second session.

How much does an Ultherapy treatment cost?

The cost of an Ultherapy treatment can vary depending upon the area/s being treated. Ultherapy treatment typically costs between $300 and $5,000 depending on the number and size of areas as well as extent ( number of lines/ shots) of treatment. You can receive a precise estimate after your consultation with the expert.

Why choose Anticlock Medispa? 

So, before seeking treatment, it’s important to do your research. 

Anticlock Medispa is a one stop place for both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Since we provide both kinds of solutions, our clients trust us to give them the best advice, based on what is most suitable for them. 

We also pride ourselves in being able to provide the best treatments that complement Ultherapy: for example, Coolsculpting, to get rid of excess fat pockets; anti-wrinkle injections with neuromodulator agents; dermal filler injections; LED light therapies; PRP facials, Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial and Hydrafacial treatment. By combining other therapies that are suitable for a particular skin type and ageing status along with Ultherapy, we create bespoke treatment plans based on best interests of our clients.  

Our director Dr K M Kapoor is one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the country and is famous for his clinical skill as well as his keen aesthetic sense. Our doctors believe in providing natural looking results and help you aim for a holistic aesthetic treatment plan that you can follow for life.

How do I know if my practitioner is using an authentic Ulthera system for my Ultherapy treatment?

When choosing Ultherapy® as part of your aesthetic plan, you must make sure that you are receiving an authentic Ultherapy® Treatment with a provider who has been trained and certified. To ensure that, you must check the list of providers on www.ultherapy.com .

If you are looking for an authorized provider in India, go to https://locator.ultherapy.com/india . The featured providers would be the ones who have the original equipment and have been trained in its use.

 

 

However, there can be instances where a certified provider also houses other HIFU machines that are not approved by USFDA and might sell you those in the name of Ultherapy®. To avoid being fooled, you must ensure that the monitor of your machine looks like this:

 

 

You must also ensure that when the transducer on your skin moves, the ultrasound image on the screen should also move. The counterfeit products sometimes use a static image or an ultrasound video on loop to fool their clients.