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Cosmetic Dermatology

Ultherapy®

California Skin Institute offers the clinically proven and FDA-cleared Ultherapy® procedure to lift and tighten loose skin without surgery.1 This ultrasound treatment has experienced great popularity with our patients, as it strengthens skin from the inside out, to reduce the appearance of drooping skin and wrinkles in a speedy, non-invasive manner. After just a few treatments, with virtually no downtime, patients experience changes that create and refreshed, uplifting appearance.1

California Skin Institute and Dr. Morganroth have been innovators in facial rejuvenation with local anesthesia for years, helping countless patients achieve smoother, tighter skin. 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. However, prior to 2011, California Skin Institute did not offer non-invasive facelift alternatives due to a lack of consistent and reproducible results from earlier technologies.

What is Ultherapy® used for?

Ultherapy® is the only non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses ultrasound to target the specific foundational layer of facial tissue which, even though unseen, is a major determinant of skin health and the development of heavy wrinkles. There are many California Skin Institute patients who have benefited from Ultherapy®, but patients who are in their thirties and older are the more common candidates. This is because the ultrasound treatment focuses specifically on repairing the effects that aging has on the skin’s foundation. However, there are also younger candidates in their twenties who want to “stay ahead of the game,” and those looking to prolong the effect of previous surgeries, who can benefit from this procedure.

Some of the main goals of this treatment include achieving a more open look to the eyes, a more defined jawline, or a sleeker neck. While Ultherapy® is not a replacement for facelift 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.

If you’d like a professional opinion about whether Ultherapy® treatment is right for you, or if an alternative may be a better option, you can contact a California Skin Institute professional by finding a location near you and requesting a consultation.

How does Ultherapy® work?

Ultherapy® is an FDA-approved, non-surgical skin tightening procedure that utilizes ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen production and strengthen and tighten facial skin. Collagen is a protein naturally produced in the skin and plays a big role in skin tightness. As we age, the body produces less and less of this protein, which causes the skin to lose strength, and with it, the ability to withstand the effects of gravity. Ultherapy® specifically targets the decreasing amount of protein in the skin by using ultrasound waves to strengthen your existing collagen and stimulate the production of fresh, new collagen. The use of ultrasound also enables California Skin Institute practitioners to actually see the layers of skin being treated, allowing the energy to be delivered precisely to where it will be most productive.

A typical Ultherapy® treatment takes approximately 30-60 minutes. Though many patients undergo just one treatment, the number of treatments necessary will depend on your unique situation.

Does Ultherapy® hurt?

At California Skin Institute, our doctors try hard to eliminate the discomfort associated with Ultherapy®; however, some discomfort has been reported when the applicator wand delivers ultrasound energy bursts. These bursts penetrate into the dermis layer of the skin to heat up collagen and protein structures, which in turn strengthens these fiber networks. However, if you are still concerned about discomfort and pain, California Skin Institute is one of the only practices offering IV sedation to maximize the comfort of the treatment.

How long does Ultherapy® last?

Patients treated with Ultherapy® continue to show visible improvement for as long as a year after treatment.1 The longevity of outcomes can be further increased with annual touch-up treatments.

Are there any side effects?

Some patients experience slight redness for a few hours following the treatment. For a few weeks after treatment, mild cases of swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch have also been reported, but these are temporary in nature. Less common side effects include mild bruising and possible small areas of numbness, both of which are also temporary.

References: 1.  Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques. Sabrina Guillen Fabi. 2015

Disclaimer

Treatment results will vary, talk to a practitioner to see if this treatment or procedure is right for you.

Conditions treated by Ultherapy®


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