Ultherapy® - focussed ultrasound for skin tightening
Associated terms:
Skin tightening and skin smoothing with focussed ultrasound, gentle lifting without surgery, soft lift, ultrasound lifting.
Ultherapy is a new and non-invasive procedure for tightening and smoothing the skin. Sagging areas of skin on the face (e.g. "hamster cheeks"), neck ("turkey neck") and décolleté are gently and effectively tightened. Areas of the body such as the upper arms or inner thighs can also be treated effectively with this procedure.
With Ultherapy, an ultrasound head glides gently over the skin and creates many small heat points in the deep layers of the skin. The lifting effect is achieved by this micro-focussed ultrasound, which provides controlled heat of up to 70°C. These deeper skin layers can normally only be mobilised during a surgical facelift. The temperature range achieved means that the existing collagen fibres are tightened (collagen shrinking). The new production of collagen and elastin is also stimulated, which increases the skin's elasticity. The stable collagen fibres can thus strengthen the connective tissue layer and tighten the skin. The effect is similar to a lift - but without the surgery! In contrast to a surgical facelift, Ultherapy can also improve both the skin structure and skin elasticity.
Brief overview:
Duration of treatment:
30-120 minutes (depending on the region)
Anaesthesia:
Not necessary, administration of a painkiller before treatment, anaesthetic cream or twilight sleep if necessary
Follow-up treatment:
none
Load restrictions:
none
The skin surface remains completely unharmed. The visual changes are only complete after up to 6 months. Over the years, the new collagen produced by Ultherapy is broken down again naturally.
Ultherapy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the only non-invasive lifting procedure to date. Since then, many American medical practices have successfully used this procedure.
Dr Montanari is one of the few practitioners of this innovative form of treatment in Germany. It is an excellent alternative for all patients who do not yet wish to undergo surgery but still want a fresher, younger appearance.
The treatment can be combined with both surgical and non-surgical methods. We offer the combination with hyaluronic acid and botulinum wrinkle injections as well as microneedling. In the case of jowls or fat under the skin of a double chin, we carry out injection lipolysis (fat-away injection) in parallel to treatment with Ultherapy.
This means that after fat removal, Ultherapy can stimulate skin tightening by producing new collagen.
The advantages of Ultherapy® treatment:
- Tightening of sagging skin usually visible after just a few days, the skin appears smoother and fresher
- Final lifting effects can be recognised after 3 to 6 months
- Low-pain treatment
- No operation necessary
- Treatment without any downtime
- The skin surface is not damaged - there are no scars
- Combination with other skin tightening procedures possible
- The treatment can be carried out all year round without any problems, as the skin is not overly sensitive to sunlight afterwards
Procedure of the treatment
Treatment with Ultherapy® proceeds as follows: You will be given a painkiller to take before the Ultherapy treatment. If necessary, an anaesthetic cream is also applied. Although Ultherapy is considered by many patients to be rather painless, the treatment can also be carried out under twilight sedation. The treatment begins with the marking of the area to be treated.
The treatment head is then guided over the skin according to a special pattern. At the same time, the ultrasound imaging device provides an up-to-date monitor image of the treatment area at all times. This allows the treatment points to be directed in depth with pinpoint accuracy so that Ultherapy can be used optimally and effectively.
Bundled ultrasound is focussed on tiny points arranged in a line. The skin remains completely unharmed.
The treatment itself
Depending on the extent of the treatment, Ultherapy itself takes between 15 minutes (for an eyebrow lift) and 90 minutes (for skin tightening in the entire face, chin and neck area). After treatment with Ultherapy, you can go straight back to your everyday life.
Possible side effects
Depending on your sensitivity, you may experience slight redness, swelling or tenderness in the treatment areas after the treatment. This can last for a few hours, occasionally up to 2 days.
Occasionally, if patients are prone to this, bruising may occur. These undesirable side effects are virtually eliminated with Ultherapy treatment, which is considered to be particularly safe. The tightening of the treated skin region can usually be seen after just a few days. The full lifting effect of Ultherapy is usually seen after 3 to 6 months.
What can affect the outcome of the treatment?
The regular use of corticoids and painkillers as well as chemotherapeutic agents inhibits the corresponding cell activity and thus prevents a satisfactory result after Ultherapy. Sunbathing (including solarium) and smoking also have a negative effect on the results of Ultherapy.
When should treatment not be carried out?
This form of treatment is not suitable for patients under the age of 18, pregnant and breastfeeding women and patients with serious chronic illnesses. Repeated Ultherapy treatment for optimisation is possible after 6 months. To ensure a stable result, a refresher treatment may be necessary after approx. 3 to 5 years.
What should you look out for when choosing a doctor?
When choosing a specialist, make sure that you use the term Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.
Make sure that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.
Why should you come to us?
Extensive experience, maximum hygiene and infection protection, continuous further training and the utmost care are the basis of our practice. This is also reflected in the large number of positive patient reviews and our seals & awards.
Take advantage of our almost 20 years of experience for your desired change. Dr Michaela Montanari has been a member of the board of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) since 2021.
Do you have any questions?
We will be happy to answer all your questions about the procedure, options, risks, healing and possible alternatives. Arrange your personal consultation. We will advise you individually.
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