Ulthera, or Ultherapy, is a non-surgical treatment that lifts and tightens the skin on areas like the face, neck, and under the chin, as well as reduces lines and wrinkles on the chest. Approved by the FDA, Ulthera is a popular option for those looking for a natural, lifted look without surgery or downtime. Ulthera is used in clinics worldwide, providing a safe and minimally invasive way to achieve a youthful appearance.
How Does Ulthera Work?
- Focused Ultrasound Energy: Ulthera targets specific layers beneath the skin using focused ultrasound energy.
- Tiny Heat Points: This energy from Ulthera creates small heat points under the skin, warming the tissue to around 60–70°C.
- Immediate Collagen Tightening: Ulthera uses heat to cause collagen fibers to contract and tighten, providing a slight lift right after treatment.
- Natural Healing Response: The body recognizes these heat points as tiny “injuries,” prompting a natural healing process.
- New Collagen Production: This healing response includes the production of new collagen over time, which strengthens and lifts the skin gradually. This is techniques of Ulthera.
- Long-Lasting Effects: By combining immediate tightening with ongoing collagen production, Ulthera delivers both instant and progressive skin-lifting results.
Ulthera Benefits
Ulthera is a non-surgical treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin. Here’s how it works and the benefits it offers:
- Precise Targeting for Effective Lifting: Ulthera uses advanced ultrasound technology that allows doctors to see exactly where they’re applying energy, ensuring it reaches the ideal depth of about 5mm below the skin. This targets the SMAS layer—a key area in skin lifting—providing a strong foundation for tightening and lifting.
- Immediate and Long-Term Skin Tightening: The ultrasound energy creates controlled heat points under the skin, causing collagen to tighten immediately. Thus, Ulthera gives an instant lift. Over time, as the body naturally produces new collagen, skin firmness continues to improve, resulting in a gradual, natural-looking lift.
- Focus on Key Areas for Better Results: In the Ulthera method, more energy is focused on the jawline and cheek area, where the skin is thicker. This Ulthera approach maximizes lifting in the lower face, helping reduce sagging and contouring the jawline effectively.
- Higher Patient Satisfaction: Studies are showing that patients are more satisfied with the Ulthera approach, noticing improved skin firmness, less sagging, and overall better lifting effects.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: By concentrating energy shots in the most effective areas, this method reduces the time and number of shots needed, making the Ulthera method quicker and more affordable for patients.
- Safe and Minimally Invasive: Since Ulthera targets specific layers without affecting nerves or deeper structures, it’s a safe option for lifting the skin with minimal risk of complications, offering a natural look without surgery.
Self-Care Before Ulthera
- Avoid Certain Products: For three days prior to your Ulthera treatment, refrain from using products containing retinoids, or similar vitamin A compounds, as well as harsh scrubs or exfoliating agents.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure for two weeks before the Ulthera session to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Ulthera Side Effects
Ulthera treatment is generally well-tolerated, with most individuals experiencing minimal side effects. Common reactions of Ulthera include mild redness, slight swelling, tingling, or tenderness in the treated area, which typically resolves within a few hours to a few days.
Skin Care For After Ulthera
- Skin Care Products: For the first week after Ulthera treatment, use only gentle, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic skin care products. Avoid using scrubs, toners, glycolic acid, retinoids, or bleaching creams until your skin has healed.
- Sun Protection: Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. This is crucial to maintain the results and prevent complications.
- Avoid Heat Exposure: Steer clear of hot baths, saunas, and intense physical activities for 2 days after the Ulthera treatment.
Ulthera, Ultraformer, HIFU, Thermage: What are the differences
When it comes to achieving firm and youthful skin, Ulthera is one of the most well-known options. However, there are many other devices besides Ulthera that people can consider. With numerous skin-tightening technologies like Ulthera, Ultraformer, HIFU, and Thermage available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Let’s dive into how Ulthera and these other devices differ in terms of skin-lifting capabilities and targeted treatment depth.
1. Ulthera
- How does it work?: Ulthera utilizes Focused Ultrasound technology, targeting the SMAS layer—the same layer addressed in surgical facelifts—for deep and effective skin lifting. This technology is a standout feature of Ulthera, making it a top choice for those seeking significant skin rejuvenation.
- Lifting Level: Ulthera is ideal for deep skin lifting with highly noticeable results.
- Results: The benefits of Ulthera include a more youthful appearance, firmer skin, and results that last up to 1-2 years. For those seeking long-lasting skin-tightening effects, Ulthera is a proven and reliable option.
2. Ultraformer
- How does it work?: Ultraformer employs Micro & Macro Focused Ultrasound technology, which stimulates collagen at multiple depths, from the skin surface to the SMAS layer.
- Lifting Level: It works at various depths and is perfect for lifting the face while simultaneously reducing fat.
- Results: Offers a natural look with firmer and tighter skin. Results typically last 6-12 months.
3. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
- How does it work?: HIFU uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to reach the SMAS layer, similar to Ulthera, but focuses on medium lifting.
- Lifting Level: Provides lifting from shallow to deep layers, making it versatile but less targeted compared to Ulthera.
- Results: Reduces sagging and boosts collagen production, with effects lasting around 6-12 months.
4. Thermage
- How does it work?: Thermage uses Radio Frequency (RF) energy to stimulate collagen in the skin’s deeper layers. While not as deep as Ulthera, it is effective for surface tightening.
- Lifting Level: Mainly focuses on tightening the upper and middle layers of the skin.
- Results: Helps achieve plumper and firmer skin, with effects lasting up to 1-2 years, depending on skin condition.
Ulthera stands out as a leading choice for those who prioritize deep and long-lasting lifting results. Among all these options, Ulthera consistently delivers a highly noticeable transformation, making it a trusted name in skin rejuvenation.
Ulthera vs. Other Skin-Tightening Price
When comparing skin-tightening treatments, Ulthera often stands out for its balance between cost and effectiveness.
- Thermage – Generally more expensive than Ulthera, especially due to the cost per shot (around 100-200 THB).
- Ulthera – Slightly lower in cost than Thermage, with prices around 50-100 THB per line, making Ulthera a more accessible option for those seeking high-quality skin tightening.
- Ultraformer – More affordable than Ulthera, with prices around 30-50 THB per shot, although its lifting effects may not be as deep as Ulthera.
- HIFU – Typically the most affordable option, with costs around 10-30 THB per shot, but it doesn’t offer the same level of precision as Ulthera.
Exact pricing varies by skin condition and treatment needs; consult a specialist to find the best option.
View our Ulthera pricing and special offers
If you’re interested in learning more about Ulthera, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced providers at Bangkok Hospital Samui. We can help you achieve your aesthetic or medical goals with safe and effective Ulthera treatments. Contact us today to book your appointment.
References
- Ultherapy Treatment Guidelines. https://www.rebeccafitzgeraldmd.com/los-angeles-skin-tightening/ultherapy/treatment-guidelines/
- Ultherapy | WHITE PAPER Mechanism of Action (MOA). https://www.laskinmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Ultherapy-Mechanism-of-Action-White-Paper-1002845A-1.pdf
- Fatemi, Farahnaz & Najafian, Romina & Sadri, Mohammad. (2024). New Ultherapy method: Utilizing novel surgical and anatomical concepts yields outstanding results. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 23. n/a-n/a. 10.1111/jocd.16374.
