What's the Deal with Ultherapy Only Lasting a Year?

FDA clearance did not require proof of results at a given time in follow-up for Ultherapy facial lifting. The face does age, continually, as all our cells are programmed to die at a certain time in their life after so many cell duplication cycles. It is known with all lifting procedures, whether face lift or Ultherapy, that the face will definitely continue to age in time and having done an Ultherapy places one ahead on this aging curve. In other words, the new collagen that is formed helps hold up the skin higher but age will continue to make it drop but having had the Ultherapy, the face may look a couple of years  younger in the future for that age compared to the appearance of the face should Ultherapy not have been done. The new collagen does not disappear!

There are no formal split face studies observing the results after Ultherapy for several years but in my practice, the patients that have had good results, so seem to maintain the lifted position of the jowl, or the smoother smile fold, or the healthier convex cheekbone, for more than two years.

The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

 

Ultherapy ha been shown in studies done outside of the US - studies done to get FDA approval - to last 5-7 years or more. As you know, you are not transfixed in the age when you get the procedure. You will continue to age over time and age out of the face tightening effects of this revolutionary non invasive procedure. That means that in several years (2-4), you may need a 'touch up' procedure. Read the Ultherapy book provided on the link below to get educated about this procedure.