28 Jun Scholarly Article Examines Patient Satisfaction with Ultherapy
Ultherapy quickly became one of the most popular treatments to tighten skin when it was FDA approved in 2009. It is also one of the most-requested treatments at RefinedMD. An article published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology went beyond anecdotes and online reviews to see just how happy clients really are with the results from Ultherapy. This technology, which uses micro-focused ultrasound with visualization, is a non-invasive treatment for mild to moderate skin laxity and sagging. It is the same technology used in OBGYN ultrasounds, allowing the provider to see exactly what areas of the tissue they are treating for optimal results (thus the “visualization” aspect of the treatment). This type of hyper-detailed capacity is part of what makes Ultherapy so popular and, according to the results of the study, effective.
The participants in the research survey all underwent Ultherapy and committed to a minimum of six months of follow-up with researchers. These clients accessed an online link to answer anonymous survey questions. There were 13 questions in total focused on both the Ultherapy treatment and the outcome. Additionally, an Age Appraisal Visual Analog Scale allowed participants to evaluate their own pre- and post-assessment of their perceived age.
Survey Results: Ultherapy Works
In total, 52 people participated in the survey with all receiving treatment on their lower face. Additionally, 92.3 percent also underwent treatment on their submental area (under chin). This is in keeping with the typical Ultherapy treatment areas and why Ultherapy is often called an alternative to a mini facelift. Facelifts, contrary to popular belief, actually only address the skin of the lower face and neck. Treating laxity on the upper half of the face would require a brow lift, upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combination of these surgeries. However, a facelift or mini lift is often the first facial plastic surgery women and men request to turn back signs of aging, since this area is the first to show laxity and sagging.
According to participants, nearly half said the treatment either met or exceeded their expectations. Another half said they would benefit from a follow-up appointment (with clinic photos) to be able to fully assess the results. Half of participants estimated they looked 1 – 15 years younger. The majority (73 percent) said they would recommend Ultherapy to a friend. Before, progress, and after photos are always a good idea because the results from Ultherapy and many non-invasive procedures are not immediate. Ultherapy and its counterparts like Thermage FLX work via collagen induction. Collagen is the protein that keeps skin supple and youthful, but we make less of it as we age. Collagen induction therapy, like Ultherapy, works slowly and steadily, with full results from Ultherapy visible 3 – 6 months after the treatment. It can be difficult to gauge progress without photos, which is why in addition to clinic photos it is wise to take your own.
Is Ultherapy for You?
It is important to note that follow-up appointments were not for additional Ultherapy treatments, but rather to gauge the effectiveness of the initial treatment. In fact, the vast majority of people only need one Ultherapy treatment to see results. These results last up to two years on average, and at that point another Ultherapy session might be in order. Clients can use Ultherapy either instead of a facelift or to delay the desire for a facelift. Unlike a facelift, Ultherapy is totally non-invasive and requires little to no downtime. Most people get back to their daily life right after their treatment, though some pinkness is common for a few hours. You can also combine Ultherapy with other anti-aging treatments like Botox or fillers.
If you have noticed an increase in skin laxity, Ultherapy might be for you. You can use this technology anywhere, though, again, most people opt for the lower face or neck. If you are looking for long-lasting results without the risk and downtime of surgery, Ultherapy is a great choice and can be used on men and women of all skin tones and types. Ready to learn more about Ultherapy and other collagen induction therapies? Contact RefinedMD today by calling the office, or complete the online form for the quickest response.