Ultherapy

A NON-INVASIVE OPTION IN COSMETICS

By Dylan Roche

What if the secret to looking better was…sound? Specifically, ultrasound—the sound waves used to create non-invasive images of organs and tissue inside your body. That’s the concept behind Ultherapy, a cosmetic procedure that uses ultrasound technology to tighten and lift the skin. Like diagnostic ultrasound imaging, it’s noninvasive, making it an appealing alternative for someone who does not want to undergo a surgical facelift or similar procedure but still wants to improve the appearance of their skin. Although the results won’t be the same as those achieved with invasive surgery, Ultherapy still delivers visible improvement to sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Ultherapy in tightening and lifting the skin on the face and neck, including a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2019 and a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2018. Overall, the studies suggest that Ultherapy is an effective treatment option for skin tightening and lifting, with high patient satisfaction rates and minimal adverse effects. Celebrities who swear by Ultherapy include Jennifer Aniston, Christie Brinkley, and Vanessa Williams.

A prime candidate for Ultherapy typically has skin that has begun to lose elasticity from aging, but their skin still has some degree of firmness. Ultherapy then delivers focused ultrasound energy to the deep layers of the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen, a protein naturally produced by the body that gives our skin its structure and elasticity. As the body ages, it produces less collagen, leading to the development of wrinkles. Certain environmental factors can contribute to a decline in collagen production, such as smoking, poor diet, and exposure to pollution, but aging is still the primary cause of this decline. By stimulating the production of collagen, Ultherapy helps the skin re-achieve the strength and firmness it once had.

This boosted collagen production could have other effects beyond simple cosmetic ones. Because collagen also plays a vital role in overall health—supporting healthy bones and muscles, and warding off sickness—it could help you feel younger and stronger as well.

During the treatment procedure, your health care professional will deliver ultrasound energy deep inside your skin using a handheld device, which will move over the area you want to treat in a specific pattern. The process takes about an hour, and requires no recovery period, although some people do experience mild discomfort, redness, or tingling. Because the results depend on your body’s production of collagen, it will take several weeks or even a few months before you see the full results. You may opt to have another Ultherapy treatment to improve your results, or you may wait a longer period before you need the procedure again.

It’s important to note that Ultherapy requires a health care provider who is trained in performing the procedure, so you will need to find a practitioner who is certified and licensed to use the Ultherapy integrated hardware-software technology. Get a full list of nearby practices, and learn more about what to expect with Ultherapy, at ultherapy.com.