“Just Had Ulthera Today - Atlanta, GA”

Decided to give Ulthera a try today, service was $500 off this month. I am 50, and desired to tighten my lower face and neck and hope to stave off plastic surgery for a few years. I am describing the procedure not the outcome, as the verdict won't be out on that for 4-6 months.

My physician took photos (before my consult) and actually had a cancellation so I went right to the procedure. I was a candidate as my lower face and jowl do not have a great deal of sagging. I would describe myself as weight-appropriate, and a person who has taken care of her skin over the years (botox, some fillers, and Retin A). He did a nerve block of lower face and neck (injections in your mouth and also your face and neck), numbing me but not to the point that I was totally without feeling. He marked my face with a wax pen(which I could feel) and he started.

The ultrasound device felt like sparklers in my skin, pinpricky, every time he shot a "dose" into my skin, and there was a little heat. It feels basically the same as getting any kind of non-ablative laser treatment (I have roseacea so have had quite a few laser treatments for that). I would NOT describe this as pain free, on a scale of 1-10, about a 4-5. You can have pain medicine and valium ahead of the procedure but I decided not to. There were 2 pass throughs, one for deep tissue, one for more surface tissue. It was over in 45 mins. He treated from cheekbones to mid-neck, no mouth area nor nose area. My face was numb and swollen from the lidocaine for 3 hours afterward, but now is fine. My cheeks were red like being out in cold wind but that is better, and there is no pain afterward. I will report back on brusing (there could be some I was told, likely yellowish not purple). Of course my skin feels tighter but it is too early to tell anything really for months. I am choosing undecided for "was it worth it?" as of course, the results are not seen yet. Hope this helps!

Updated on 21 Jan 2011:
Am updating my status, about 5 weeks post procedure. First, I will say that I did not bruise, but my cheeks were a bit swollen for at least a week-nothing anyone but me noticed. It looked like perhaps I had gained weight in my face. This is now completely gone. Had a follow up appointment today and the Doctor said what I thought he would, as I can see improvement myself. Some lifting of marionette lines mouth to chin, a slightly tighter jaw line and small improvement under chin in neck area. Photos were taken. He scheduled me for another appointment the beginning of March, I will report back then! I am pleased so far. Keepin "worth it" as a ? because I want to wait until the "full" effects are seen, and compare my before/ after photos.

Updated on 21 Mar 2011:
3 month update: very pleased! Went for my follow up appointment and viewed the befores and afters...yay! I saw a definate difference in jowl line (much crisper) marionette lines (reduced)and I now have hollows under my cheekbones, so definate lifting has occurred! I definately recommend this procedure! My physician said a bit more improvement may be seen innext few months as well.