A surgical facelift can deliver dramatic, long-lasting lifting for the right candidate, especially when there is significant skin laxity or deep structural changes. At the same time, surgery is not the right fit for everyone. Some people cannot commit to the recovery period, some prefer to avoid anesthesia and others simply want a more gradual approach to tightening and lifting.
For those reasons and more, non-surgical options have become part of the conversation. Ultherapy lifts and tightens the skin without downtime and is an alternative for patients who want visible improvement without the inconveniences and risks that come with surgery. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa, located in La Mesa, we provide detailed information about all of our treatments so patients can make an informed decision.
What Is Ultherapy?
The technology used in Ultherapy is ultrasound energy, which reaches beneath the surface of the skin and heats it, creating a tightening and lifting effect. Ultherapy works from the outside, so there are no incisions needed. The process is fast, with little to no downtime after the treatment.
How Ultherapy Tightens and Lifts
Targeting the SMAS
The superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or SMAS, is a layer of fibrous tissue and muscle that sits beneath the skin and fat. It connects facial muscles to the dermis and provides structure and support for the face. During a surgical facelift, this layer is lifted and repositioned for deeper correction of skin sagging. Ultherapy treats this same foundational layer along with the surface for a deeper lift than other skin tightening treatments.
Collagen Stimulation
The temperature used during Ultherapy is carefully controlled, with enough heat to coagulate the existing collagen fibers and stimulate a healing response, but not enough to damage the surface of the skin. When heat is applied, the body responds by sending fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and other fibers in the skin, to the area. Collagen and elastin are produced as a result, specifically in the areas that have begun to sag and lose elasticity. Over the next weeks and months, the results of this stimulation can be seen as tighter and firmer skin with better facial contours.
Ultrasound Imaging
Real-time ultrasound imaging allows us to visualize tissue layers before delivering energy and during the treatment. We can identify the dermis, subcutaneous tissue and the SMAS to make sure our treatment is accurately placed.
What Areas Can Ultherapy Treat?
- Brow: The brow is one of the FDA-cleared treatment areas for facial Ultherapy. Energy is delivered along the brow and upper eyelid region to lift the brow and make the expression more open.
- Lower Face and Jawline: The lower face and jawline can be treated to address laxity along the cheeks and mandibular border for more defined contours.
- Under the Chin: The submental area is often a good candidate for Ultherapy, with treatments that address mild to moderate skin laxity.
- Neck: Ultherapy neck treatments focus on the anterior neck, where skin laxity often develops with age. The treatment plan accounts for the thinner skin in this region and the presence of vertical banding.
- Décolletage: The upper chest area is treated to address crepey skin and mild laxity caused by aging and sun exposure.
Why Ultherapy Is a Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative
No Incisions or Scars
A surgical facelift requires incisions around the ears and sometimes along the hairline to reposition deeper tissues and remove excess skin. With Ultherapy treatment, there are no cuts, sutures or surgical dressings involved. Energy is delivered through the surface of the skin using a handheld device, and there is no surgical scarring or need for wound care afterward.
Minimal Downtime
Facelift surgery often involves weeks of swelling, bruising and activity restrictions. In contrast, most patients return to work and daily routines the same day after an Ultherapy treatment. Any effects that do occur, like redness or tenderness, are usually mild and short-lived.
Natural-Looking Results
Surgical lifting produces immediate structural repositioning, which can be appropriate for those with more advanced laxity. However, non-surgical lifting develops gradually as the tissue responds. Patients who want more subtle changes that make them look refreshed appreciate these natural-looking results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ultherapy?
A good candidate for Ultherapy is an adult with mild to moderate tissue laxity who prefers a non-surgical option and does not want anesthesia or a lengthy recovery period. It may not be appropriate for patients with excessive skin that would require removal, active skin infections in the treatment area or certain implanted electronic devices. When you come in for a consultation, we will go over your medical history and other cosmetic treatments to make sure this option is right for you.
What Are Ultherapy Treatments Like?
Before treatment begins, we clean the skin and mark specific treatment lines based on your anatomy. You will feel brief pulses of heat or tingling as the energy is applied. We use ultrasound technology to make sure we are treating the right plane under the skin. A typical session can last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
Before and After Expectations
Before Treatment
You should arrive with skin free of makeup, lotion or sunscreen in the treatment area. We may recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory medications for several days since these can affect the body’s natural healing response. We may take some pictures to document your baseline and help us plan the treatment.
Immediate Changes
There is no dramatic lifting right after the treatment because collagen production is a gradual process. However, the skin may look and feel a little tighter because of the immediate contraction of existing collagen fibers when exposed to heat.
Final Outcome
You may notice measurable improvement within two to three months after your treatment. Collagen continues to develop up to six months after Ultherapy. The longevity of your results will depend on your age and skin quality, along with your lifestyle after the treatment. We recommend a good skincare routine, protection from the sun, no smoking and occasional maintenance sessions to keep your skin firm and lifted.
Find Out What Skin Tightening Options in La Mesa Are Right for You
If you are interested in a non-surgical option for improving the elasticity and contour of your face, Ultherapy is a convenient option that can fit into your busy lifestyle. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa, we serve La Mesa, CA, and the East County area with treatments that prioritize your natural features. We take a minimal approach and our clinic is relaxed and centered around you and your goals. You can get in touch with us at 619-303-0988 for more information, or use our online form to schedule a consultation.
