robyne00

You may have heard about non-surgical skin tightening (also known as the non-surgical face lift, though the technology can be used on the body as well). Until recently, the tightening was accomplished using radiofrequency (as in Thermage), infrared (as in Titan), or laser (as in Laser Genesis). Well now there's a new kid on the block: ultrasound.

Ulthera has just announced 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market the Ulthera System, the first-ever ultrasound device for aesthetics that combines ultrasound imaging with focused ultrasound therapy to provide non-invasive lifting of the skin.

One of the differences between ultrasound and other methods of non-surgical skin tightening is a technology the company calls "DeepSEE", which allows doctors to visualize the tissue beneath the skin and precisely deliver ultrasound energy to a prescribed depth. As with other non-invasive skin tightening procedures, the ultrasound energy is used to create a controlled injury to the underlying tissue. This injury then triggers the body's natural healing response in treated areas, resulting in increased collagen production which provides a firming, tightening, and lifting effect over time.

The new procedure is dubbed "Ultherapy", and is approved for lifting and tightening of the forehead and brows, though the company claims it has also shown promise in the lifting and tightening of the lower face and neck. In clinical trials, the treatment resulted in little to no downtime for patients with results still noticeable at 10 months after treatment.

It is important to note that non-invasive procedures like Ulthera cannot accomplish all the same things in the same way as a traditional brow lift or face lift. However, if you are scalpel-wary, budget-conscious, or too young to need surgery quite yet, the FDA approval of Ulthera presents yet another option in a growing arsenal of less extreme anti-aging options.

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robyne00

I would like to see some before and afters.

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I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

la_angel

Most definitely! Thermage was FDA approved but some question its effectiveness.

robyne00

la_amgel is right. thermage is an excellent example of this digressive phenomenon.

Unfortunately, FDA approval does not hold as much reassurance or regulation(s) of quality, as it once did. This is a very disappointing fact.

__________________
I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

la_angel

I wonder how the approval process goes for things like this. Do you think there is a "placebo" treatment used on patients for comparison?

robyne00

Yes, in most studies such as this placebos are used.

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I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

la_angel

I wonder how similar their "placebo" treatment was to the real thing. Did it heat up and burn the skin like Thermage? That's probably the only reason people thought it worked.

robyne00

I would have to look into the studies to find out exactly what was used as a placebo, but very often researchers attempt to stimulate the effect of the actual substance, to further create the placebo effect for the control group.

__________________
I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

emmamichaels

I had this procedure done one month ago at a large, prominent Plastic Surgery office in Dallas. Although it will take up to 90 days to see the full results, I am already very pleased. My jawline is now defined, where just 30 days ago I had horrible jowls. My saggy neck skin is almost gone. I had 2 chins and crepy skin - it is now smooth and no more double chin. The folds of neck skin are almost completely gone. If these are the results after just 30 days, then I will most certainly have this done again.
My friends were so impressed, two of them had the procedure themselves last week.
The line from the nose to the corner of the mouth is now barely visable.
I turned 53 in July and I am a very fair skinned natural redhead.
I scar horribly - keloids. I had a breast reduction over 15 years ago and still bear some dark scars from that, which is why I am against any scars to my face area. Even behind the ears, people can still see them...not to mention the scars they have to place in front of your ears.
If anyone is considering having this procedure for saggy jowls and neck - do it!
Just be sure to take something for pain first..it does hurt a bit. But well worth the pain.
Would you rather have a few seconds of pain, or a long healing process (days of pain) and drastic obvious "face lift" looking results?

robyne00

emmamichaels,

Please keep us posted regarding your progress.

I'm glad you're satisfied!

__________________
I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.