Ultherapy™
Overview
Ultherapy is the first and only non-invasive technology to earn an FDA indication for lifting and tightening the skin of the neck, chin, and brow line. Unlike traditional laser and radiofrequency devices that heat tissue through the skin’s surface, Ultherapy (sometimes called Ulthera) delivers ultrasound energy to the deep dermis of the skin. It heats that deep layer without heating the external layer of skin. As a result, no downtime is required after Ultherapy.
The procedure promotes the body’s natural processes for healing and lifting the skin and its underlying tissues. This includes the stimulation of new collagen, which is a protein that naturally occurs in your body for tightening and toning of the skin and underlying tissues. Obviously, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen.
What about Ultherapy vs. Thermage and laser skin tightening? Ultherapy is more precise than Thermage and laser procedures for skin tightening. It allows the surgeon to see beneath the surface of the skin on a screen like the ultrasound devices used to see a fetus. The Ultherapy handheld device can then be set to the skin depth that will be most beneficial to each individual patient. Thermage, on the other hand, treats the whole area, while laser procedures heat the surface of the skin and cause post-procedure redness.
“I highly recommend Dr. Momeni to anyone that wishes to look and feel more youthful. Besides Ultherapy, Dr. Momeni also regularly does my Botox and my Juvederm injections. I have always been extremely pleased with the results, and I love the office and the office staff. Everyone is very kind and extraordinarily helpful. The office is beautifully appointed, and it's more like being in a spa than a doctor's office. Definitely consider Dr. Momeni for all of your cosmetic surgery needs. You will not be sorry!”
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For patients with only some excess fat under the chin, Kybella injections might be sufficient to achieve excellent results. The best candidates for Ultherapy are those with mild to moderate skin laxity and excess fat on the face, neck, or brow area. It is often used to tighten the jowls.
Patients with significant skin laxity may obtain better results from a surgical procedure such as a facelift and neck lift or brow lift. This is especially true for those with loosened muscles in the neck, as only surgery will correct that condition.
Ultherapy will not provide results as dramatic as surgery, but it is an excellent option for those who do not yet need surgery, for those who do not want to have surgery, and for those who cannot have surgery for one reason or another.
If you have been searching for a non-surgical skin tightening option in New Jersey or the New York metropolitan area, Ultherapy might be perfect for you.
Ultherapy™ Procedure
When you meet with us for your Ultherapy consultation, we will have an honest discussion about your desires, expectations, and concerns, as well as the limits and risks of the procedure. We will review your medical history and recommend options that can best help you achieve your goals. We will give you thorough written instructions to prepare for your surgery and will answer any questions you have.
At Summit Health, the patient experience is of primary importance to us. We customize every single procedure we do so that it is tailored to what is best for you and you alone. If we do not feel that Ultherapy will provide you with the results you want, we will recommend another procedure for you.
When you make an appointment for an Ultherapy consultation, we will discuss non-surgical solutions with you. If you think you might be interested in plastic surgery, please let us know when you call so that we can schedule a longer consultation with you to fill you in on all possible options to help you reach your goals for your appearance.
A full Ultherapy treatment on the face takes 1 to 2 hours, during which the handheld ultrasound device is passed over the area to be treated. If you only need or want partial treatment, your session could be as brief as 30 minutes.
The most commonly treated area is the lower face (jowl line and under the chin), but the neck and upper face (forehead and around the eyes) also are often treated.
Ultherapy is not painful, but the treatment can be uncomfortable, feeling a bit like a mild electrical shock. Some patients say that they experience mild, temporary discomfort during the procedure. For this reason, we encourage our Ultherapy patients to take an over-the-counter pain medication before the treatment to ensure greater comfort. We also apply a topical anesthetic on the treatment area for 30 to 60 minutes beforehand.
After Ultherapy, you will notice some immediate tightening and toning, and your body will quickly begin producing more collagen.
Most patients require only one treatment. You will see the results within 3 to 6 months. Everyone’s body response to collagen stimulation is different. In some patients, collagen production continues to be stimulated for up to a year. Most patients repeat Ultherapy every 6 months to a year. We usually see you in a follow-up visit a few months after your treatment in order to evaluate your results.
One of the greatest advantages of Ultherapy is that there is no recovery period. While you may experience some mild swelling and bruising for a day or two, there are no restrictions on activities. You can return to work or other activities immediately after your treatment.
Our Plastic Surgery Specialists
Peter Hyans, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery
Jain Joseph, MD
Plastic Surgery
Reza Momeni, MD
Plastic Surgery