Ultherapy
At Dermatology Associates, Dr. John Phillips is pleased to be the first cosmetic dermatologist in the area to offer Ultherapy™, an exciting new cosmetic procedure for lifting and tightening loose skin on the face and neck without the need for surgery, injections and no downtime.
Ultherapy™ is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck due to gravity. The procedure regenerates your body's own natural collagen, which in turn results in a firming and tightening of the skin over time. Ultherapy™ is a simple 30 to 45 minute procedure which allows Dr. Phillips to target deep layers of tissue beneath the skin just as with a surgical facelift, however, without compromising the skins surface.
Ideal candidates for this "lunchtime" procedure are patients with mild to moderately loose skin. Current treatments address forehead, mid-face, lower face, and neck. Patients will see gradual results within a 2-3 month timeframe as the body naturally rebuilds collagen in the skin.
Call our office today at 228-594-9904 to schedule a consultation to learn more about the procedure.
| Before | After |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
What is Ultherapy™?
Ultherapy™ is a new type of nonsurgical procedure that uses medical ultrasound for cosmetic improvement of the skin. Ultherapy works deep below the surface—without harming the outer layer of skin—for firming, tightening and lifting. Improvements include a sleeker, more defined jawline and tighter skin on the neck under the chin. Sagging skin on the cheeks can be tightened and lifted, which in turn can improve folds from the nose to mouth, folds from the mouth to jaw, and drooping corners of the mouth. Tightening of skin on the forehead can reduce the sagging skin on the eyelids and promote a more open, refreshed look in general. Overall improvements in skin texture and evenness of color -- as well as strengthening and adding more collagen “cushion” -- can be additional benefits.
How does it work?
As with other ultrasound procedures, a smooth applicator placed upon your skin projects an image onto a screen. This same applicator is then used to deliver low levels of focused heat at just the right depth below the skin to achieve a positive effect, leaving the surface of your skin undisturbed.
Your skin’s response to the energy is to stimulate the growth of new collagen. You will observe some immediate tightening and lifting that will ultimately result in a natural lift and conditioning of the skin over time.
How is this procedure different from other non-surgical skin tightening procedures?
Ultherapy is the only skin rejuvenation procedure that uses ultrasound to image and treat the skin. The ability to utilize an established technology -- to both see below the skin and then treat it with great precision -- helps ensure both safety and satisfying results.
How many treatments will I need?
This will be determined by your doctor, but we have had good clinical results based upon just one or two treatments. In addition, we like to schedule a follow-up visit to take photographs and track your progress.
What does it feel like?
Comfort levels vary from person to person, but you do not need anesthesia during the procedure. Many patients describe the sensation as momentary prickling or heat beneath the skin. This is the ultrasound energy being delivered into the tissue, which is how Ultherapy lifts and tightens the skin.
What areas of the face and neck are treated?
The Ulthera System is designed to treat the entire face and upper neck, or specific regions of interest. We can treat the lower face and neck, or just the forehead and temples, or both. Your practitioner can tailor a treatment plan for you at the time of your consultation.
What kind of results can I expect?
The regenerative process is initiated right away, but the full effect will build gradually over the course of two to three months or so.
In the FDA clinical trial, nine out of ten patients had a noticeable, significant lift of the brow line. This resulted in a more open look to the eyes and a more youthful appearance overall. Patients also reported firmer, tighter, better-fitting skin in other areas of the face and neck as well. A smoother texture and more even skin color are also possible side benefits.
What can I expect afterwards?
You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take. Your skin may appear a bit flushed immediately after the treatment, but any redness should disappear in a matter of hours. You may also feel mild tenderness under the treated areas, which is normal. This indicates that the healing process is underway and that new, healthier collagen is being generated.
How long do the results last?
Of course, your skin will continue its natural aging process, so you may need to schedule an annual touch-up visit to maintain your results. The Northwestern University study followed patients up to 10 months, and improvement was still noticeable.
Can anyone have the treatment?
A good candidate is someone with skin that has ‘relaxed’ to the point of sagging and feeling less firm. A lowered brow line or loose skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of “maturing” skin. We will evaluate if you are an appropriate candidate at the time of your consultation.
Is Ultherapy safe?
Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy, which has been used in medical imaging and therapeutics, such as sonograms, for over 50 years, and clinical studies have confirmed the safety of this latest application. As with any medical procedure, there are general safety considerations, which your physician will review with you.
How much does it cost?
If you’d like to make an appointment for a consultation, we can do an evaluation and give you a specific idea as to the price then. If you choose to go ahead with treatment, we will subtract the charge for the consultation from the treatment fees.