Ultherapy: Stories

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!

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.

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.

Update, still very pleased. Jaw line Firmer, hollows in cheeks due to tightening of skin, I love.... even some neck improvement. overall satisfied. Will do again as needed in a few years, unless technology comes up with something better!

Round two today...two years later. Decided to go for the full face this time. I am seeing some drooping on the outer corners of my eyes, and also downturn to my mouth so am hoping to fix these areas. As for my jawline, it remains nice and "crisp" from the first procedure, but he went more into the whole neck this time and I am hoping for good improvement of the slight creepiness I am getting under my chin. Experience much like last time, although the forehead deep pass hurt like a 7-8 even with the numbing. It went quickly, and the shallower pass was not a problem at all. Will update! $3200 for full face.