What is Ultherapy and How Can It Improve My Skin?

Dr. Ivan Puah, Medical Director of Amaris B. Clinic, explains why Ultherapy is an effective and fuss-free option.

I’ve noticed sagging skin around my neck, eyebrows and jawline but I’m afraid of surgery. Is there an alternative?

Why not try Ultherapy? This procedure claims to rely on your body’s own collagen building process, and is said to help lift skin on the neck, under the chin and on the eyebrow. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How does Ultherapy work?

The treatment uses high intense focused ultrasound (HIFU) to penetrate your skin at a depth of 5 millimetres. The ultrasound energy is said to heat the targeted tissue, believed to trigger the body’s regenerative response and jumpstart a natural process known as neocollagenesis, where the body produces fresh collagen. This is said to gently and gradually lift skin and make it supple again. There are no creams, fillers or toxins involved in the procedure.

‍Will the treatment take very long? Is there an estimate on the time required for a single session?

The length of the treatment depends on the area being treated and also on your individual treatment plan, but the face and neck procedures typically take between 60 and 90 minutes.

I don’t have a high pain threshold. Does the Ultherapy procedure hurt? What does a typical session feel like and what side effects can I expect?

As the ultrasound energy is delivered, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited. This sensation is said to indicate that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Comfort levels will vary from person to person, but the sensation is said to last only while the ultrasound energy is being delivered.

Your skin might appear flushed, but the redness should disappear in a few hours. Some patients may experience tingling, tenderness to the touch or even slight swelling, bruising or numbness, but these side-effects are believed to be temporary. You should consult a qualified practitioner to discuss your concerns prior to undergoing the treatment.

My schedule is very tight. Does Ultherapy require any downtime? Also, how long will I have to wait to see results?

There is no downtime required. You can resume your daily activities immediately after the treatment. The treatment claims to offer results over a period of two to three months. Since the procedure stimulates collagen to give skin a boost, how long the results last depends on your body. The treatment may produce new collagen on the inside, but your natural aging process also affects your external results.