Ulthera Face Lift – Using the Ultrasound Technology in the Cosmetic Field

Several days ago I was flying home from an interesting business trip to South Korea. In the airplane, I was browsing a magazine and I came across an interesting article about a new non-surgical FDA approved rejuvenating technique: the Ulthera face lift, also called Ultherapy. I decided that, since I have a blog about the main options in face lift without surgery, I should definitely write an article about this particular treatment and analyze its pros and cons (in case there are any, of course ).

First I will try to give an objective scientific description. So let’s see – what is Ulthera? It is a revolutionary cosmetic procedure which uses ultrasound to fight the effects of aging on the skin of the face and neck. This rejuvenating system combines the ultrasound therapy with ultrasound imaging, this way increasing the success of the treatment.

How does Ulthera work? The device used in this procedure consists of 3 main components: the control unit (the main information center with a touch screen), the handpiece (a receptacle for the transducers which deliver the ultrasound) and the transducers (used for in-depth tissue imaging and gentle thermal stimulation).

Basically, Ulthera is a noninvasive tissue lifting technology. During Ultherapy, the sound waves are penetrating deep under your skin (at about 8 mm), heating the tissue. This process tightens, tones and lifts the epidermis without affecting the skin surface. As a result, the brows will lift, opening the eyes by reducing the excess skin around them. The cheeks, the jaw line and the neck will look younger as well and the contours of your face will become firmer.

The Ulthera specialists claim that this procedure stimulates and uses the body’s natural healing powers in order to gradually improve the aspect of the skin. They also say that this treatment is gentle and reliable, having no dangerous side-effects on the patient’s health. Only after one treatment (which can last around one hour) there will be significant visible results. However, after two or three months the benefits will reach their peak. This happens because Ultherapy stimulates the production of collagen, this way maintaining and improving the results of the face lift.

Since the ultrasound imaging allows the visualization of the deep skin tissues, the specialist can calculate the amount of energy to be transmitted to the epidermis for optimal results.

Now let’s see how the procedure is conducted. First, an anesthetic cream will be applied on your face. After wiping off the cream, the technician will apply a cold gel. After that, by using the handpiece, he or she will deliver ultrasound shots on all the needed areas of the face. I’ve read several reviews written by people who tried Ulthera – they all say that the treatment is a little unpleasant, but not too painful. Immediately after the procedure you will feel that your face is tighter, even stretched. The skin can also be a little red, but these sensations will pass very soon – maximum in a couple of hours.

This is what doctors and patients say. I’ve never tried this procedure myself, so I cannot share with you my personal experience. However, I do believe that it is very effective. What I cannot guarantee is its safety on the long run. The ultrasound technology is used for many decades in several areas of the medical science. Specialists say that it has no negative effects on the human health. Still, many non-traditional researchers believe that things are not that simple and that ultrasound can affect us in subtle ways which may not be visible immediately. One way or the other, Ultherapy is a good alternative for those who want to get a non-surgical face lift without investing time and patience in the process.