Loose skin is one of the most common complaints among patients with the visible effects of aging. While some surgical procedures can correct skin laxity, they require downtime and discomfort, and not everyone wants to or can commit to surgery. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we offer a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment called Ultherapy® that uses natural methods to visibly tighten the skin and improve skin elasticity.
What Is Ultherapy®?
Ultherapy® is the only FDA-approved professional skin care treatment that can lift the skin on the brow, face, chin, and neck while also improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the upper chest.
This treatment device uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin by increasing natural collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers. We can use it to target the same tissue addressed during a surgical facelift or neck lift, but our techniques don't involve incisions, sutures, or any surgical aspects.
Ultherapy Treatment Results
Ultherapy treatment is used on mildly to moderately loose or sagging skin on the face and neck. Results, however, vary from patient to patient, and on the condition and quality of the skin being treated.
Treatment that "lifts" the brow reduces excess skin on the eyelids, making the eyes look more open. Treatment that lifts and tightens sagging skin on the neck and under the chin eliminates or reduces a double chin or "turkey-gobbler."
Although some patients may see immediate improvement, results of Ultherapy treatment are usually apparent within 2 to 3 months, during which old collagen is replaced with new, more elastic collagen. At 6 months, full benefits are attained. Most patients need only one treatment, but those with significant issues may require more. It is possible for results to last up to a year.
What Are the Treatment Benefits?
Ultherapy® has been referred to as the non-surgical facelift because it can safely tighten and lift the skin using completely non-surgical techniques. It uses soundwave energy to heat the dermal tissues to produce real, natural-looking results.
Other treatment benefits include the following:
- Treatments are relatively quick
- There's no social downtime
- Results appear gradually
- Most patients only need one treatment
- There are no surgical methods used during treatment
- It can delay the need for an invasive skin-tightening procedure
- Treatments are completely customizable
- The entire treatment process is safe.
How Does It Work?
The Ultherapy® device is equipped with a digital imaging system so that as the technician uses the handpiece to deliver the ultrasound energy deep into the tissues of your skin, they'll also be able to see images of the deeper layers of tissue during treatment. This imaging technology allows us to deliver uniform amounts of energy into the areas where you need it most. This advanced technology is key to providing customized and precise results.
Before we begin treatment, we'll apply a specialized gel to your skin. Once we activate the device, you'll feel the energy as the handpiece deposits it into your skin's deeper layers to stimulate collagen production. You can expect a comfortable treatment and won't need anesthesia to endure your session.
Is There Downtime?
There's no social downtime after an Ultherapy® treatment. You can resume all your normal daily activities as soon as your appointment ends. As with any professional skin care treatment, it's essential that you use quality sunscreen to protect your skin from accelerated aging, drink plenty of water, and follow the aftercare that your technician provides you with.
How Long Do Treatments Take?
A partial Ultherapy® treatment can take up to 30 minutes, while more thorough treatments that address the face, neck, and chest can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. When we design your treatment plan, we can give you more details about what you can expect from your treatment so you can plan accordingly.
What Does It Treat?
We can design a customizable Ultherapy® treatment plan to address loose and sagging skin on the face and neck. We can use the device to target the eyelids and brow area, the middle and lower half of the face, and the area beneath the chin where skin laxity can create a double chin effect.
When Can I Expect Results?
Most patients notice the best results within the first eight to twelve weeks of their first treatment. The ultrasound energy will stimulate natural collagen production, and the body will replace that older collagen with newer and healthier collagen. The most visible results are visible six months post-treatment.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Most patients only need one treatment to achieve their desired results. However, patients with more advanced signs of aging and more significant skin laxity may need more than one session to adequately stimulate enough collagen and elastin to address their primary concerns. When we meet with you during your initial consultation to evaluate your skin, we can determine the best treatment plan based on your concerns, goals, and needs.
How Long Will My Results Last?
After your treatment, you'll see natural-looking results and tighter and lifted skin. These results can last for a year or longer. You can also schedule maintenance treatments when the aging process begins to affect your appearance again. We can give you more details about how often you should schedule maintenance treatments to maintain your youthful results long-term.
Is Ultherapy® a Substitute for a Surgical Facelift?
This treatment will not replicate the exact result of a surgical facelift, but it can come close. It's a good option for patients not interested in or ready to commit to a surgical facelift to address how the aging process has changed their appearance.
It can lift and tighten the skin in a way that regular skin care treatments cannot, but it won't replicate the results of a surgical procedure. It doesn't require significant recovery or discomfort like a facelift, and it will help you naturally reverse the aging process and enjoy long-lasting results.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for this treatment are patients with skin laxity on their face or neck or who have lines and wrinkles on their chest and want a non-surgical solution that can naturally improve their appearance. This treatment is effective for patients in their 30s and beyond with mild to moderate loose skin. Whether you have significant aging-related concerns or want to get one step ahead of the aging process, we can customize a treatment plan that's right for you.
Tighten Your Skin the Natural, Non-Surgical Way
You don't have to commit to a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of your skin or restore your youth. This unique treatment has helped thousands of patients reverse aging without surgery, recovery, or downtime. If you want more information about this skin-tightening treatment, we can schedule an initial consultation to help you learn more and answer all your questions.
