Ultherapy™Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Ultherapy™?
Ultherapy™ is a nonsurgical face and neck treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift and tone loose skin without any downtime.
Is Ultherapy™ FDA-approved?
Ultherapy™ was FDA-approved in 2009 as a non-invasive lift for skin on the neck and under the chin, as well as for eyebrow lifts.
How does Ultherapy™ work?
Ultherapy™ utilizes a small device on the skin that emits an ultrasound to reach the tissue beneath your skin. Depending on the handpiece used, Dr. V controls the depth of treatment and like a sonogram she sees an image of the tissue underneath your skin on a screen. The Ultherapy™ device not only sees underneath the skin, it is also used to deliver heat energy at low levels to tighten and remodel the affected tissue without leaving any negative effects to the surface of your skin and this reaction to the low levels of ultrasound heat energy causes your skin to contract immediately. The heat energy then stimulates your collagen and as the new collagen grows it will gradually tighten the skin, resulting in a natural skin tissue lift.
How will I feel after my Ultherapy™ treatment?
You may return to normal activities immediately and any flushing or redness should resolve within a few hours. It is not uncommon to experience slight swelling in the treatment area for a few days following the procedure and some tingling and/or tenderness to the touch is also normal and temporary.
What are the results of Ultherapy™?
With just one treatment the regenerative process is initiated after the Ultherapy™ procedure but the full effect will build gradually over the course of 2-3 months. Some patients may benefit from more than one treatment and visible effects include a lifting and toning of loose skin. In FDA clinical trials, 90% of patients experienced a significant lift of the brow line reducing skin laxity on the eyelid and a more open, youthful look to the eyes overall. Patients also reported firmer skin in other areas of the face and neck and the creation of new collagen gave skin more youthfulness and vitality.
When should I consider having an Ultherapy™ procedure?
You may be a candidate for Ultherapy™ if you have a loss of skin elasticity on your neck, eyelids, brow, cheeks, jaw, neck, or other areas that can be determined during your consultation with Dr. V. There is a broad range of people who are excellent candidates for Ultherapy™ but typical candidates are men and women with mild-to-moderate skin laxity of the face and neck.
Is Ultherapy™ better than a facelift?
While Ultherapy® is not a replacement for surgery; there are many people who can benefit from lifting, toning, and tightening who are not ready for the recovery time involved with plastic surgery.
Ultherapy™ is a wonderful procedure for younger candidates who are ready to take preventative measures with their skin before the aging process takes drastic tolls on their appearance as well.
How long does the Ultherapy™ take to complete?
The Ultherapy® procedure is a simple procedure that can be performed in Dr. V’s office in approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the scope of the area being treated. The hand-held device directs focused ultrasound energy selectively into the dermal layer as well as the skin’s deep support structures without affecting intervening tissue around your eyes, cheeks, and upper neck. Follow-up visits will be scheduled post-procedure to track your improvements.
Will the Ultherapy™ procedure hurt?
Comfort thresholds vary from person-to-person and while most people report minimal discomfort, others say there can be pain while the energy is being delivered although, it is temporary and is an indication that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Treatment over bony areas tends to be more uncomfortable (forehead, jawline) and Dr. V will adjust comfort measures during your treatment as needed.
Is Ultherapy™ safe?
Ultrasound energy has been used for over 50 years in the field of medicine and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of the Ultherapy™ application.
How is Ultherapy® different from lasers?
Lasers typically involve improving superficial layers of the skin while Ultherapy™ addresses the deep skin layers and the foundational layers addressed in cosmetic surgery that lends support to the skin. Ultrasound can actually bypass the upper layers of the skin and deliver the right amount of energy at the right depths to contract and then ultimately lift the soft tissue and the use of ultrasound also allows Dr. V to see where the energy will be delivered.
Contact The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts by clicking here or calling 703-327-8300.
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