Ultherapy: Weigh the Pros and Cons of Non-Surgical Skin Tightening

Not too long ago, if you had told someone that there was a non-surgical skin tightening option available, he or she might not have believed you. Thanks to advances in technology and science, today you can get a more youthful-looking appearance without going under the knife. Ultherapy is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that uses ultrasound energy to encourage the production of collagen. Renewed collagen helps to reduce sag and restore a smoother, firmer appearance to the skin.

Although Ultherapy has helped many people get a more youthful look, it’s not for everyone. Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks to see if it’s an appropriate treatment option for you.

Pro: Treatment is Quick

Surgery is a fairly lengthy time commitment. You need to allow time for a consultation with a plastic surgeon, time to prepare for the procedure, and time (often weeks) for recovery. Surgery itself also usually takes a fair amount of time, anywhere from a few hours to all day, depending on the complexity of the procedure or how many you are having.

Ultherapy, on the other hand, is a pretty quick process. You’ll most likely have a consultation with a plastic surgeon initially. During that consultation, you and the surgeon will discuss what you hope to get from the procedure and whether or not it’s right for you. If you decide to go ahead with the treatment, Ultherapy typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

The actual length depends on the size of the area you’re treating. Ultherapy is approved for skin tightening in the eyebrow area, around the neck, and on the chin. It can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the chest.

Pro: Minimal Discomfort

Since Ultherapy doesn’t require incisions, it’s generally a much more comfortable procedure than surgery. Some people do note that they feel a tingling or burning sensation whenever the device delivers the ultrasonic energy. If you are worried about discomfort, you can ask your surgeon for a topical anesthetic before treatment. This will numb the treatment area.

Pro: No Downtime

Surgery can leave you out of commission for at least a week and, in some cases, for longer. Even after you can resume normal activities, you might have to delay strenuous activities for a few more weeks. No downtime is needed after Ultherapy. You’ll be able to go back to work immediately after your treatment. Even better, you won’t have to wait days or weeks to resume exercise again.

You may have some bruising or swelling in the treated area for a few days afterward. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and you can usually expect it to fade away by the third day.

Pro: Results Are Long-Lasting

The results from Ultherapy are long lasting when performed on the right patient, usually someone with minimal skin laxity and early signs of aging. The majority of patients get the full results they want from just a single treatment session. In some cases, people decide to repeat Ultherapy on an annual basis to help maintain results.

Con: Take Time to See Final Results

As we said, Ultherapy’s not perfect. One of the drawbacks of the treatment is that it can take a bit of time before your results are visible. In some cases, it can take up to four months before final results appear.

Although the process can take a bit of time, it’s worth pointing out that many patients notice some improvement in their signs of aging right after treatment. Results usually appear slowly, so it’s as if you’re waking up every day with younger and younger looking skin.

Con: Not Effective on Significant Sagging

One last Ultherapy disadvantage: It might not help people with a significant amount of skin sagging. The non-surgical skin tightening treatment is usually recommended for people with mild to moderate amounts of skin laxity or early signs of aging. If a person has a significant amount of sagging, the ultrasound energy and stimulation of collage production might not be enough to help. In some cases, facial plastic surgery really is the best or only option.

If you’re ready to learn more about Ultherapy or other non-surgical anti-aging treatments, schedule a consultation at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas, today. Dr. Paul Vitenas and the staff at the medical spa can answer any questions you have and help you choose the treatment that is best for you. To make an appointment, call 281-810-9083 today.