Ultherapy: Stories

I had this done yesterday. Took a vicodin 1.5 hours before and a valium about 40 minutes before. I stupidlynforgot to take 4 ibuprophens with the Vicodin. At one point I told them to stop because it was too painful. They gave me the ibuprophen, another Valium and another Vicodin. I truly don't think that helped and the thought of good results versus giving in to the pain is what kept me going. Anxious to see my results as they occur.

Any improvement since May 30, LCR?

it looks like a big difference

Mine was 640 or therabouts (I only had lower face and upper neck done) but definitely just mild puffiness for a couple of days. My DH couldn't even see it. Fingers crossed!

I agree. I think that when you have so much pain something is happening in your body. I was freaked out in the beginning because my face was so bruised and swollen, but I think I have had one of the best results that I have ever seen. Like that girl who posted that she didn't know what all the fuss was about and no pain no gain. Well I believe you will have an excellent result. And I bet you her's is not going to be so good. It also depends on how many passes they did on you. I think they did about 680 passes on me.

Teacher, I had my Ultherapy the same day as you, I believe. It was somewhat painful, but tolerable with a couple of Vicodins. I have no swelling and I have the feeling that I will therefore be one of those who experiences very little result. When people have face lifts, there is a huge amount of swelling around day 3 -4 and then is all dissipates. That is just the body protecting its damaged tissues. So hang in there. I am sure lcr8720 is right. I'm sitting here thinking, "OK so that's all there is?" which is also rather disturbing as I expected to feel sore or sensitive. Think positive thoughts and imagine yourself looking in the mirror in a couple of weeks and both looking and feeling beautiful...

Agree totally--this procedure is EXTREMELY PAINFUL!! Would only do it with injections or go back 5 times and do small portions. Took me 1.5 hours to get through 1/4th of my face because of the pain. Like getting tasered on your face. No kidding--BEWARE!!!!

Hi Icr8720, Thank you so much for posting all of that info on your treatment experience with Ulthera. I think your results already look nothing short of amazing! I am so glad you said something about the pain issue. I have a very low tolerance to pain. I found this out when I went for vascular laser to rid myself of redness related to rosacea. It worked wonders for me but felt like someone was putting out a cigarette on my face every time the pulled the trigger (so to speak). I am a 49 year old lady and am loosing weight and don't want my face to sag once the weight loss is complete so I am considering Ulthera. After seeing your results I am definitely interested. But I will follow Dr. Samlaska's advice and ask the doctor who does it to give me lidocaine. Thanks and would love to see another picture again in 2 months!! Please

Thanks for posting new pictures for us!! Its great you are liking the changes you see - happy for you!!

Excellent results Shelby! Pain management is an issue with Ulthera, and you so correctly noted it appears to be mostly a problem around bony prominence's--jaw line, forehead regions, and orbital rims and temples are the most sensitive areas. Here are the main forms of pain management most physicians are using now:
-Oral medications: Traditional pain medications such as Tylenol 3, Tramadol, etc., frequently in combination with Valium, are utilized by many. I found that it did not work particularly well for my patients.
-Local anesthesia: Injections with lidocaine, marcaine, etc., are very effective in controlling pain, and this is the technique that I use. My patients that have had treatments with oral medications and have subsequently been treated a second time using local anesthesia have unanimously favored the injections. I inject along the jaw line, one injection at the base of the nose and cheek (Infra-orbital nerve), a bead above the eyebrows, and a bead along the lower orbital rim is all that is required. Patients are very comfortable and we can complete full treatments by using this option.
-Nitrous oxide: I have heard of one physician that is using only "laughing gas" with much success. A small facial cannula is used and the patient is given a switch which allows the patient to self administer the gas as needed. I am currently looking into trying this because it seems to be a great way to provide pain management.
-No anesthesia: Believe it or not this is an option. It is dependent on your pain thresholds. I have had two treatments without any pain control. I didn't think it was that bad, but that is just me. Others think otherwise...

So glad to hear you are seeing some good results!! That is awesome! I'd love it if you would post another picture so we can see the changes too. :)

I am 53 year old.

Also, excuse me asking but how old are you? I am trying to figure out based on the reviews here, what is the best age for ultherapy. I want to have it done on my whole face but I am not sure if I should wait a few more years (until after 40) or should I do it now.

wow, great results already; I believe that you will see more improvement over next two months!

Thanks for the update. I'm glad it worked so well for you.

I can see a difference too so it appears to be working fairly quickly for you. Any new pics?