18 Sep 8 Things Beauty Editors Don’t Tell You About Ultherapy
Ultherapy and other non-invasive skin tightening treatments have been making headlines because, well, they’re non-invasive. RefinedMD offers only the safest, most effective solutions for your skin goals and that includes Ultherapy. It uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production below the skin’s surface and has been dubbed the “facelift alternative.” Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston have gone on record saying they love Ultherapy because they want to avoid or delay more aggressive options, like facelifts. It might sound too good to be true, especially when you come across headlines that tout it as nearly a miracle for anti-aging, but here are a few things beauty editors might not tell you about Ultherapy:
- It takes time to work. This is true of any collagen induction therapy, but it can be a bit of an initial letdown when you’re getting a “facelift alternative.” On average, you might start to see some initial results one month after your treatment with full results at three months. Plan ahead if you’re turning back the clock for a big event and trust the process. Since it’s slow and steady approach, taking progress photos weekly is a must.
- It can be uncomfortable. Non-invasive does not inherently equate to totally comfortable. Everyone has a different pain threshold, but typically Ultherapy is most uncomfortable on areas with little fat, such as the jawline. It can feel like a deep surge of energy, but those blasts are short-lived. A numbing cream is applied to the treatment area 45 minutes before the Ultherapy treatment to optimize comfort and most sessions last less than one hour. However, it’s important to be prepared—otherwise, it will be a surprise if you go into an Ultherapy treatment thinking you can snooze during it.
- Redness can happen, but is rare. Ultherapy is an intense experience. You can feel that it’s going to town below the skin, which makes you think there will be some visible evidence. That’s rarely the case. Most people look just the same before and after their treatment, with no lingering pinkness. This means it’s a no-downtime treatment and you can get right back to your daily tasks after your appointment.
- Numbness can happen, but is temporary. You might notice that a treatment area is numb after Ultherapy. This can happen right after the treatment or even linger for days—but don’t worry. This isn’t a super common side effect, but it does happen and it will go away. Ultherapy does not affect the nerves, only the layers of the skin where collagen and elastin are produced. Even if it feels numb, it will not affect movement.
- It’s the same technology as getting an ultrasound. Does the term ultrasound seem familiar? Ultrasound tech is what’s used on pregnant people and also helps your provider make sure they are delivering energy to the right dermal layers.
- You can get Ultherapy anywhere. Although it’s a facelift alternative and most often used to tighten skin on the face and neck, it can also be used anywhere there is skin laxity such as the upper arms, stomach, and so on. The larger the treatment site, the longer the appointment.
- Ultherapy lasts for at least a year. One of the major benefits of Ultherapy is how long the results can last. Unlike other treatments, like Botox, it’s a one and done treatment.
- It’s not actually going to be as dramatic as a facelift. Okay, the term “facelift alternative” is a bit ambitious. Nothing can compare to surgical intervention. Ultherapy is not even as effective as a mini lift, but it can be a very effective solution for those who aren’t ready for surgery, want to delay surgery, or simply want to explore options for avoiding any downtime. Is Ultherapy more effective at skin tightening than other non-surgical solutions like microneedling and chemical peels? Definitely. But it can’t truly compare to a facelift. (And if you’re interested in a facelift, we’ve got you covered with surgical options, too!).
Is Ultherapy for you? It’s suitable for men and women of all ages and any skin tone and type. To find out more, book a consultation today. Connect with RefinedMD by calling the office or filling out the online contact form now.