Collagen loss affects different parts of your face in different ways. In your cheeks, for example, it causes volume loss above and heaviness below with softening of the jawline.This results in skin laxity that creates the appearance of jowls and a “turkey neck” of loose skin. Ultherapy® effectively tightens your skin to tighten the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissue and improve skin texture to sculpt your lower face for a more youthful appearance.
What is Ultherapy® Skin Tightening?
You have many options to correct loose skin, but determining which one is right for you can be a challenge. Some treatments, like microneedling, can trigger enough collagen production to improve mild laxity but do not work deeply enough to fix more significant sagging. They also are very painful and can results in small marks where the needles insert Others, like a facelift, have extensive recovery time and carry the risks of a surgical procedure and general anesthesia. Surgery however is the only treatment for severe laxity and skin aging in this area. Ultherapy® skin tightening works without the need for surgery for powerful results with no incisions or recovery time for mild to moderate laxity in patients in their mid 60s and younger. Coupled with our nitrous oxide system Pro-nox for pain management, patients can drive themselves home and resume normal activities immediately.
How Does Ultherapy® Work?
Ultherapy® uses focused ultrasound energy to produce its skin-tightening results. During treatment, ultrasound energy travels harmlessly through the surface layers of your skin. It produces heat in the deeper layers, causing collagen fibers to contract and creating an immediate firming effect. It also stimulates cells called fibroblasts to make more collagen, adding to your results over time. Ultherapy® is most often used to treat the jawline, chin, and neck. However, it can also tighten lines and wrinkles in the face and other areas like the decolletage.
Am I a Good Candidate for Ultherapy® Skin Tightening?
Because Ultherapy® is non-invasive, it is safe for all skin types. However, determining whether you are a good candidate depends on several factors, including the severity of your skin laxity. Ultherapy® is appropriate for mild to moderate loose skin, but people with significant sagging may benefit from a surgical procedure. Candidates for Ultherapy® should have reasonable expectations about how much skin tightening they can expect. Patients with abnormal healing or scarring tendencies (such as keloid formation) should not have Ultherapy.
If you are concerned about your comfort during Ultherapy®, even very sensitive individuals have no cause for concern. We offer many ways to keep you comfortable during your hour long procedure, including Pro-Nox (“laughing gas” or nitrous oxide).
Is There Any Downtime After Ultherapy®?
Because Ultherapy® does not harm your epidermis, you can return to your usual activities with no downtime. Your skin may look mildly red for up to a day or two, and some people experience minor bruising and slight welts. You can apply makeup immediately after treatment to cover these effects, allowing you to return to work and regular physical activities quickly.
What Results Will I See After Ultherapy®?
The heat from Ultherapy® causes collagen fibers to contract, causing immediate skin tightening. As a result, you will usually see some results right away. However, the full benefits will start to appear after several weeks and take about six months to fully develop.
Your skin will continue to look tighter and firmer for up to five years, making Ultherapy® one of the longest-lasting non-surgical forms of skin tightening. Many people schedule maintenance or preventative sessions but we recommend a minimum of one year between treatments.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about Ultherapy® skin tightening, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Krauss Dermatology. Call us at (781) 247-5593 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.