Ultherapy
Non-Surgical Facelift With Ultherapy in San Francisco, CA
A non-surgical facelift without incisions or injections is now possible with Ultherapy. As a non-invasive and quick procedure, Ultherapy provides amazing results using nothing but ultrasound energy. If you are a resident of or visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, contact the Appearance Care Center™ today to learn more about this treatment.
What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment for fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. The Ultherapy system consists of a control unit, handpiece and transducers that deliver focused ultrasound energy to stimulate the production of your skin’s own collagen.
Primary benefits of Ultherapy include:
- Natural-looking results, without surgery
- Zero downtime
- Treatments lasting one hour or less
- Safe, with over 1.5 million treatments performed worldwide
Areas that we can treat with the Ultherapy system include:
- Upper face
- Lower face
- Neck
- Chest
The Ultherapy system combines the features of ultrasound imaging with ultrasound therapy. The imaging feature allows providers to assess which areas of your skin need treatment and to carefully deliver ultrasound energy to these areas.
Ultherapy is one of few FDA-cleared procedures used in the non-surgical lifting of the eyebrow, chin and neck. It also improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the upper chest.
The safety and efficiency of Ultherapy as a non-invasive alternative to facelifts have been tested through several clinical trials. Up to 90 percent of treated patients report improvement 180 days after treatment. Improvements were reported a year post-treatment, with almost 80 percent of patients saying they noticed less sagging, fewer wrinkles and an overall improved skin texture.
How Ultherapy Works
Ultherapy lifts and sculpts the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are the main structural proteins in your skin that keep it firm and toned. Their production naturally declines with age, leading to a loss of elasticity. Sun damage and certain lifestyle factors can speed up this process and produce fine lines and wrinkles.
Our San Francisco Ultherapy delivers focused ultrasound energy from 1.5 to 4.5mm beneath the skin. The ultrasound energy converts to heat in these areas and creates a controlled injury in the skin. This jumpstarts the healing process and production of new collagen and elastin fibers.
Preparing for Treatment
As a non-invasive procedure, Ultherapy requires minimal preparation. Your provider will explain how to prepare for this procedure during your consultation. We usually instruct patients to:
- Stop taking blood-thinning medication and supplements to minimize bruising
- Wear comfortable clothing, especially if we’re treating the chest area
- Not wear makeup or remove their makeup prior to the procedure
- Take 800mg ibuprofen half an hour before treatment to reduce discomfort
The length of the procedure depends on the area we are treating and the results we are trying to achieve.
The Procedure
Your provider will first cleanse your skin to remove residues and oil. They will then apply a conductive gel to your skin and use different transducers during the Ultherapy procedure. Each transducer targets different depths of the skin.
As the transducer delivers ultrasound energy to your skin, you may feel a mild burning sensation followed by a dull ache in the treated areas. We may give you a handheld fan to help you feel comfortable. This is also why we recommend taking ibuprofen before the treatment.
If you are getting treatment for your chest area, the procedure will last about 30 minutes. The face and neck areas take at least an hour and up to 90 minutes.
Once the procedure is done, your skin may seem slightly inflamed, just like after a facial. As your skin starts to heal, you will gradually notice improvements in appearance. It takes several months for new collagen fibers to form, and it takes most patients six months to see the final results of Ultherapy.
Aftercare
Ultherapy is a safe procedure with no downtime, so there’s no special aftercare needed. You can apply makeup right after this procedure. However, it’s still best to allow your skin time to heal by using only gentle cleansers and emollients. You will notice that your skin feels tender to the touch for a couple of days. This feeling is normal and will subside within a week.
Some patients develop mild bruising days after treatment, which usually appears along the jawline and cheekbones. Others develop mild irritation of sensory nerves, although this is rare. These patients experience decreased sensation and weakness of lower facial muscles that go away within three weeks.
FAQs
Does Ultherapy Hurt?
The Ultherapy procedure may cause some level of discomfort, but we have many options for pain management. After the procedure, most patients notice tenderness and mild pain, which subsides within a week as the healing process takes place. A recent software upgrade to Ultherapy systems called “Ultherapy Amplify” has helped minimize discomfort further for our patients.
When will I see the results?
Ultherapy does not lead to immediate results. Patients typically notice the first signs of improvement three to six months after treatment. Most patients still notice improvements one year into treatment, especially with good skincare. How long you maintain the results depends on how fast your skin continues to age. Touch-up treatments can help you sustain your results for years to come.
How many treatments will I need?
The majority of our patients need only one treatment to get significant improvement. Ultimately, how many sessions you need depends on the severity of your skin laxity and on how your skin responds to this treatment.
Does Ultherapy have any side effects?
Following your Ultherapy treatment, there may be slight redness for an hour or so. Some patients have reported temporary swelling, tingling and tenderness immediately after the procedure.
Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?
Men and women with mild to moderate skin laxity can get Ultheray treatments. Ultherapy is safe for all skin types and skin tones. However, some people are not good candidates for Ultherapy. Those with severe cystic acne, open wounds, active herpes and who are pregnant may not be able to get Ultherapy. Metal stents and pacemakers may also limit where we can use Ultherapy. We will carefully look at your medical history before considering you for this procedure to ensure your safety and suggest alternatives when needed.
Are the results of Ultherapy permanent?
The results of Ultherapy can last for several years, although individual experiences may vary. While the procedure stimulates collagen production, natural aging processes continue over time.
Is Ultherapy FDA-approved?
Yes, Ultherapy is FDA-approved for lifting and tightening the skin on the neck, chin, and brow areas, as well as for improving lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.
Can Ultherapy be combined with other cosmetic treatments?
Ultherapy can often be combined with other cosmetic treatments, but it’s essential to consult with a qualified provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
What areas of the body can be treated with Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is typically used to treat areas prone to skin laxity, such as the face, neck, chin, and décolletage. However, it may also be used off-label for other body areas where skin tightening and lifting are desired.
Book an Appointment
Contact the Appearance Care Center™ for an initial consultation by sending us a message here or by dialing (415) 567-7200. We will carefully assess your skin concerns, review your medical history and discuss your goals to see if you’re a good candidate for Ultherapy in San Francisco. We may offer alternatives like Sofwave or Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy.
