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A quick, effective non-surgical treatment encouraging skin tightening (like a mini face-lift) using Ultrasound technology. Ulthera™ tightens, pulls and lifts those problematic areas – giving the appearance of a slight face-lift – without any surgery or downtime.

Video Ulthera™ is the only skin rejuvenation procedure that uses ultrasound imaging and therapy. Its established technology makes it both safe and incredibly effective. Results include firmer, tighter, more fit-looking skin in areas of the face (saggy eyes, cheeks) and neck and an overall refreshed appearance as well.

As with sonograms, an image is projected onto a screen that both you and the medical practitioner can see. The sound waves then deliver small, controlled amounts of energy into the deep layers of skin and soft tissue while sparing the upper layers. Your skin’s response to the energy is to contract slightly right away, and then to stimulate the growth of new collagen over time. A gradual tightening occurs, ultimately resulting in a natural, beneficial lift of facial skin tissue.

The procedure has an excellent safety profile, although painful it is tolerated without need for an anaesthetic, and as sessions are only 30 minutes long the patient can return to his or her daily routine immediately. The only minor after-effects the patient’s might experience is the skin may appear a bit flushed or puffy immediately after the treatment, but any redness should disappear in a matter of hours.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical treatment for the face, neck and chest that uses ultrasound to lift and tone loose or sagging skin without any downtime.

What is unique about this procedure?

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment that can specifically target the deep foundation below the skin that is addressed in cosmetic surgery without affecting the surface of the skin. It is also the only procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows us to actually see the layers of tissue we target during treatment and ensure the energy is deposited precisely to where it will be most effective.

What kind of technology does Ultherapy use?

Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound technology, which has received FDA clearance for use in this new type of medical procedure.

What does the ultrasound therapy do?

Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate new collagen formation. As a result, skin will actually begin to lift and tone over time.

What does collagen do? How does Ultherapy stimulate the creation of collagen?

Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by keeping it firmed, toned and elastic. As we age, collagen loses its elasticity and its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity that pull the skin downward. Ultherapy jump starts a repair process that produces fresh, new collagen.

Is Ultherapy surgery?

No. Unlike a face lift or other invasive solutions, Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that addresses the skin and support layers below it, but doesn’t entail cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin.

Can Ultherapy replace a face lift?

No, it is not a replacement for surgery, when treating the face, Ultherapy is a viable option for those who need a slight lift not ready for a face lift or those looking to prolong the effects of invasive surgery.

How is Ultherapy different from lasers?

Lasers typically address issues in the superficial layers of the skin (e.g. fine lines, wrinkles, pigment changes). Ultherapy addresses the deep skin layer and the foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery that lift and lend support to the skin. Therefore, the two technologies are quite complementary!

Is Ultherapy safe?

The procedure has been cleared by the FDA after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and tens of thousands of treatments have been performed safely worldwide. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.

Who is a good candidate for the Ultherapy face and neck procedure?

A patient with skin that has started to droop. Sagging skin on the eyelids, along the jawline or under the chin, for instance, are often the first signs of “maturing” skin. Typically, those in their thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates.

While Ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. There are also younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

Who is a good candidate for the Ultherapy décolletage (chest) procedure?

Individuals with moderately deep vertical wrinkles on the chest are ideal candidates for an Ultherapy chest or décolletage treatment. The chest is often overlooked in terms of preventative care, overshadowed by the needs of the face. But because the skin on the chest is thinner than that of the face, this area is quite susceptible to damage from the sun – and “side-sleepers” can be especially prone to chest wrinkles.

How long does an Ulthera treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on the area being treated. A procedure can take between 30 minutes for a small area, up to 90 minutes for a full face and neck treatment.

What problem areas does Ultherapy target? What kind of results do you get?

Ultherapy addresses mild to moderate loose or sagging skin on the face, neck and chest. Ultherapy reconditions and renews the skin from within to give a more refreshed look overall.

Can Ultherapy be done on other part of the body?

Currently, Ultherapy is only approved for treatment in the face and neck. There are ongoing studies looking at other areas of the body and these treatments may be available in the future.

How long until I see results?

Patients may enjoy some initial effect but the ultimate lifting and toning will take place over 2-3 months, as tired collagen is replaced with new, more elastic collagen. As this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can appear up to 6 months following a procedure.

How long do results last?

Results have been seen for up to 2 years post the procedure, but as skin continues to age future touch-up treatments can help keep pace with the ageing process, which varies by individual. It is important to remember that no aesthetic procedure, including the most aggressive is permanent.

Will I need more than one treatment?

The majority of patients only need one treatment; however, some may benefit from more than one treatment (depending on how much laxity they have and their body’s own biological response to the ultrasound and collagen-building process). In studies, 80% of subjects achieved noticeable improvement after one treatment and 100% after 2 treatments.

Is there any downtime?

Ultherapy is an entirely non-invasive procedure and as such, has no downtime. You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take.

Will I feel the ultrasound during the treatment?

Yes. What you are feeling during the treatment is actually tiny amounts of focused ultrasound energy being deposited below the surface of the skin.

Is Ultherapy painful?

Some discomfort is experienced while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. The sensation is a momentary prickling and heating. Discomfort is gone immediately after treatment. Pain is a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Patients typically leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come.

Are there any side effects?

There may be slight redness for up to an hour or so following the treatment, and a small percentage of patients may have slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature. There is always the possibility for other less common post-procedural effects, which your practitioner will review with you.

Ulthera Skin Lifting treatments available at the following Laserderm branches:

Get in touch with Laserderm Medical Aesthetic Centres

Website: www.laserderm.co.za

Store Locator: www.laserderm.co.za/locations

Phone: 086 133 7672

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaserdermAesthetics

Rochelle Friedman

Aesthetic Appointment | Website

Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.

Ultherapy – Non-Surgical Skin Tightening at Laserderm Medical Aesthetic Centres