Designed to lift, tighten and tone sagging skin on the face and around the eyes as well as on the neck and chest, Ultherapy is a skin-tightening treatment that uses high-intensity ultrasound energy to deliver heat deep into the skin. According to plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, “This heat helps existing collagen contract and prompts the body to naturally produce more, which results in a visible lift and improvement in skin laxity, crepey appearance, fine lines and wrinkles without affecting the surface of the skin.”

Dr. Chiu explains, “This non-invasive treatment is ideal for younger patients who desire facial rejuvenation but aren’t quite ready for a facelift, and those who want to put off or avoid surgery.” Each Ultherapy treatment takes less than an hour for the full face, about a half-four the cheeks or neck, and approximately 10 minutes for brow area or around the eyes. Patients report feeling slight discomfort that can include the sensation of heat or prickling during treatment. Although anesthesia is not necessary for patients who undergo Ultherapy, some opt to take oral medication beforehand to optimize their comfort.

“One Ultherapy treatment often delivers the skin-tightening improvement that patients are looking for, but some may require two session spaced six weeks apart for optimal results,” says Dr. Chiu. “Combining Ultherapy with other non-surgical treatments like injectables and laser resurfacing helps provide comprehensive rejuvenation without incisions.”

Benefit #1: Ultherapy is non-invasive
Any surgery comes along with some degree of risk. “Ultherapy can provide significant improvement in sagging skin without the potential side effects of anesthesia or unforeseen complications associated with post-procedure healing,” Dr. Chiu shares.

Benefit #2: Ultherapy is customizable
“A wonderful feature of the Ultherapy treatment is that its ultrasound imaging allows the doctor visualize the lower layers of the skin. This means the heat can be directed to the precise locations that are in most need of improvement,” explains Dr. Chiu.

Benefit #3: No downtime
Although the skin may appear red or flushed immediately after Ultherapy, patients can get back to their usual schedule immediately without activity restrictions. Slight swelling, tingling or tenderness may persist in the treated areas for about one week after the procedure, but most patients say these side effects are mild—if they occur at all.

Benefit #4: Natural-looking results
“Since Ultherapy results gradually become apparent within the first month after treatment, there’s no dramatic ‘reveal’ that tells the world you had something done,” Dr. Chiu explains adding, “Final outcomes are generally visible three to six months after Ultherapy.”

Benefit #5: Long-lasting improvement
The skin-tightening results achieved with Ultherapy are due to rejuvenating collagen deep within the skin. According to Dr. Chiu, “This treatment basically pauses the aging process in treated areas, and most patients’ improvement lasts for about two years.”

As with other rejuvenating treatments and procedures, it’s important to understand that Ultherapy is technique-dependent, which is why it’s essential to choose a doctor who has experience using the technology. Dr. Chiu has also found that proper at-home skincare before and after Ultherapy can enhance results. “At the very least, using a vitamin C antioxidant serum in the morning and a retinoid at night both before and after Ultherapy can help optimize the skin’s collagen production and yield even better outcomes.”