Ultherapy

Ultherapy® may be considered by adults with mild to moderate skin laxity who want a non-surgical lifting or firming treatment. It may be suitable for concerns involving the brow, neck, under-chin area or décolleté.

It is not a replacement for significant volume restoration, fat reduction or a surgical facelift. A consultation is required to determine whether the treatment matches your anatomy and goals.

Results develop gradually rather than immediately. Some patients notice lifting or firming during the first two to three months, with changes potentially continuing for up to six months as collagen remodelling progresses.

Results may last approximately one year or longer, although this varies between patients. Age, skin condition, degree of laxity and the natural ageing process can affect longevity.

Ultherapy® is often performed as a single treatment. Some patients may choose a future maintenance treatment, but the timing should be based on their individual response, treatment goals and practitioner’s recommendation.

You may feel heat, tingling, tenderness or brief discomfort as ultrasound energy is delivered. Discomfort varies depending on the treatment area and individual sensitivity.

Many patients resume normal activities following treatment, but temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, tingling or altered sensation may occur. It is therefore more accurate to describe the downtime as minimal rather than none.

Temporary reactions may include redness, swelling, bruising, pain, tenderness, tingling, numbness or welts.

Post-market reports associated with microfocused ultrasound treatments have also included burns, blisters, nodules, pigment changes, scarring, asymmetry, unwanted fat or volume loss, muscle weakness and prolonged changes in sensation. The severity and duration of these reactions can vary.

Contact the clinic if you experience a persistent or worsening reaction. Seek immediate medical attention for significant weakness, difficulty speaking, severe neurological symptoms or vision changes.

Ultherapy® is contraindicated over open wounds, lesions, severe or cystic acne, active electrical implants such as pacemakers or defibrillators, or metallic implants within the treatment area.

Treatment is not recommended directly over dermal fillers, mechanical implants, breast implants or existing keloids.

Tell your practitioner if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking anticoagulants, or have diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disease, herpes simplex, a bleeding disorder or another medical condition that may affect healing.

Both treatments use microfocused ultrasound energy with real-time imaging and share the same fundamental treatment mechanism.

Ultherapy Prime® is an updated Ultherapy platform with enhanced system performance, visualization and workflow features. It should not be described as a completely different treatment or as a version intended only for smaller areas.

ERT Cosmetic Clinic offers Ultherapy® at its Mississauga clinic and Ultherapy Prime® at its Richmond clinic. Your clinic location determines which platform is available.

Ultherapy® uses microfocused ultrasound energy with real-time imaging to treat selected tissue depths. Thermage® uses radiofrequency energy to heat tissue and support collagen remodelling.

The appropriate option depends on the treatment area, degree of laxity, medical history and desired outcome. Neither treatment is automatically better for every patient.

Ultherapy® is a branded microfocused ultrasound treatment that includes real-time ultrasound visualization. The practitioner can visualize tissue, confirm contact and select appropriate treatment depths before delivering energy.

Devices marketed under the general term “HIFU” can differ in their imaging capabilities, energy delivery, intended uses and regulatory status. Treatments should therefore be compared by the specific device rather than by the ultrasound category alone.