Ultherapy Now Available: The Ultrasound Technology for Non-Invasive Facial and Neck Rejuvenation

Posted on: April 3rd, 2011 by California Skin Institute

California Skin Institute and Dr. Morganroth have been innovators in facial rejuvenation with local anesthesia for years.* First described by Dr. Morganroth in 2003, the local anesthesia Vertical Vector Face Lift technique has been published multiple times in surgical textbooks and journals and presented at major medical meetings.* Prior to 2011, CSI had not offered non-invasive alternatives due to a lack of consistent and reproducible results from earlier technologies.*

Now, our practice is among a few in the region to offer the clinically proven and FDA cleared Ultherapy® procedure for lifting and toning loose, lax skin—without surgery!* At California Skin Institute, patients may now experience ultrasound treatments designed to strengthen your skin from the inside out, in a completely non-invasive way.*

After just one to two treatments, with no downtime, your skin will gradually reflect a more refreshed, uplifting appearance.* FAQ’s may be found after the before-and-after images.

What is a summary of Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical ultrasound treatment for lifting and toning the skin.* One to two treatments will naturally rejuvenate and strengthen the collagen within the skin.* The goal is to achieve a more open look to the eyes, a more defined jawline, or a sleeker neck.* Ultherapy is 30-60 minute treatment without any downtime. The improvements occur gradually over several months.*

How is Ultherapy different from other cosmetic procedures?

Ultherapy is the only non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses ultrasound to specifically target the foundational layer of facial tissue that doctors address in surgery.* The use of ultrasound also enables CSI Practitioners to actually see the layers of skin being treated, allowing the energy to be delivered precisely to where it will be most productive.*

Is it safe?

Ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in medical imaging for over 50 years. In addition, the procedure has been cleared by the FDA after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and tens of thousands of treatments have been performed worldwide without any significant adverse events.*

Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?

There is a broad range of people who can benefit from Ultherapy, but typically those in their thirties and older are candidates.* While Ultherapy is not a replacement for surgery, it may be a viable option for those people who want some lifting, in order to look more refreshed and toned but are not ready for surgery yet (mentally, financially, or logistically).*  There are also younger candidates in their twenties who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effect of previous surgeries.*

What about treating anatomical regions other than the face?

Currently, Ultherapy is a face and neck treatment.* However, the company is conducting a number of clinical studies with physicians around the world to investigate the use of Ultherapy for treating other anatomical regions.*

Can men have it done?

Absolutely! Men and women globally are receiving Ultherapy.*

Does it hurt?

While comfort thresholds vary from patient to patient, it is noted that there is some discomfort while the energy is being delivered, which is temporary and a signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated.* We take measures to make the experience as pleasant as possible and patients often share with us they leave CSI comfortable and happy given the benefits of Ultherapy to come.*

How many treatments does it take?

The majority of patients only need one treatment, while those with a fair amount of laxity may need more than one treatment.* Annual touch-up treatments can assist in slowing down the rate of skin aging.*

How long does it last?

Patients treated with Ultherapy still have fresh young collagen after a year’s time following the procedure, however skin will continue to age.* Yearly touch-up treatments are available to assist in keeping pace with the aging process.*

What does collagen do?

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

Are there any side effects?

There may be slight redness for a few hours following the treatment, and it’s not uncommon to have slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch for a few weeks, but these are typically mild and are temporary in nature.* There may be other post-procedural effects such as bruising and small areas of numbness however these are less common and, again, temporary.*

Is treating the lower face and upper neck off-label since the FDA indication is specifically for a brow lift?

The treatment reviewed by the FDA was a full face and upper neck treatment; the indication given was specifically for the brow, undoubtedly because there were validated methodologies for measuring the 2 dimensional “lift” effect on the brow.* In the FDA clinical study, 9 out of 10 patients had significant lifting of the brow (great for any non-invasive energy based device) and improvements were seen elsewhere on the face and neck as well.*

How much does it cost?

An Ultherapy treatment costs between $1500 and $3500 depending on the extent of treatment.

To schedule your Ultherapy consultation appointment, call Kathy Aronson, R.N. at (650) 969-5600 ext. 224 or e-mail kathya@CAskin.com

*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.