Anaheim Plastic Surgeons

Is Numbness a Side Effect of Ultherapy?

I had ultherapy a few days ago and had a nerve block for pain. I am wondering whether the lingering numbness in my neck and jaw/cheeks is caused by the ultherapy or by the nerve block. I would like to know if this is a reported side effect of ultherapy and how long it is likely to last.

The ultrasound can hit a small sensory nerve temporarily disrupting it's function - these are relatively uncommon and have resolved over the time of a few days to weeks in the cases I've heard about. As in surgery, nerves that get pulled or injured with electrocautery usually recover over a few weeks and at times longer (months). In the same manner, sensory nerves thought to trigger the onset of migraines can as well be irritated during treatment possibly causing the potential onset of a headache. Migraine patients should bring their meds just in case to their treatment.

Christopher S. Verbin, MD

Long Beach Plastic Surgeon

Long-lasting Results for Ultherapy on Jowls?

How long do results last after a Ultherapy procedure to tighten loose skin around the jowls and neck?

While only being around now a short time, ulthera results have persisted in the brows at 18 months by report and if similar to the results obtained by deeper CO2 lasers, one postulates that these other areas will always be tighter as the aging process carries on. We will see better as our results are followed over the next few years, but I'm optimistic that the brow, face and neck will be better over the years than if not treated. And another ulthera down the road might just as well maintain those despite additional years- that's my personal plan to fend off surgery for as long as possible!

Christopher S. Verbin, MD

Long Beach Plastic Surgeon

Can Ultherapy Be Used on Your Body?

Although ulthera is FDA approved for the upper face, it has been used by a number of physicians in areas of the body that are "skin challenged". As it is able to tighten and lift the facial tissues, the same is true for body areas - including the arms, inner thighs, above the knees, abdomen and buttock. We have used it in all the above and have been pleased with the results, as have our patients. Proper consultation with patients is necessary when these areas are treated.

Christopher S. Verbin, MD

Long Beach Plastic Surgeon