Ultherapy: Stories

I'm early 50s and had full face ultherapy (jaw/chin/eyes/brows) a month ago. At this point I'm optimistic. When I compare photos I think I see some changes, especially in the eye and brow area, although it is hard to tell as the before photos are much better quality (taken in the Dr's office) and the afters I took at home, in different lighting and much less clear.

I'll try to post again at 2 months, and at 3 will go back to the Dr for a follow-up, at which time I'll have another set of office photos taken and will post those as well. From what I've read, and from what my Dr has said, changes can continue for up to 6 months to a year. I hope that's true, will have to wait and see.

The procedure itself was painful, but not nearly as bad as I expected given what I had read. I took vicodin and it was totally manageable (I had fraxel several years ago and it was so much easier than that). I had some residual soreness esp around my brow and jaw (anywhere there is less fat is more intense) but that was very minor. I think this must vary by practitioner and Pt's pain threshhold. We are all different in this way.

I had no redness or swelling immediately following, but did have a tiny bit of bruising on one temple. Not very noticeable and hidden by my hair.

I did NOT see any change immediately following in tautness, firmness, improvement of skin tone etc. I should also add that my initial consult was with Dr. Key, but the Ulthera itself was administered by a tech. From what I understand, technique is the key factor in outcome, and the experience and skill of the person performing the procedure is the issue, whether MD, RN, or tech. I asked how long and how many times the practitioner had been doing THIS particular procedure and with what kind of outcome (like they will tell you the outcome is negative right, I know). There are also sites where you can check on your Dr's record: education/ complaints/ sanctions/ etc. These are well worth checking too.

I also had Pelleve done around my eyes and brows, and after I got home I realized that while I had paid to have Ulthera done there too, the nurse had neglected to do it! When I called they checked the record and saw I was right. This meant another trip in, and a different practitioner. Not very professional and could have been a costly omission had I not caught it. Other than that though, my experience was positive. Staff was knowledgable and pleasant. Dr. Key himself is a little... odd, but thorough and pleasant, and seems to know what he's talking about.

My overall assessment at this point is that if the improvements I'm seeing at this point continue for the next few months, the procedure will be worth it. If there is no further change, or very little, I would say for the price - no.

TBC..