I had ulthera 7 months ago now I look worse! it seems to have melted the fat on one side of my face how can this be corrected?

Question

I had ulthera performed a second time to the lower face/ upper neck 7 months ago. I now look WORSE . the procedure seems to have melted the fat on the right side of my face. now this side is looser looking than the left side which is alright!! how can this be corrected?

David Boudreault, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Watkins,You are saying that your treatment has led to loss of facial fat, which is also not scientifically possible and never seen in my practice.  In fact, Ultherapy is the only technology on the market with an FDA indication for lifting and tightening the skin in the face, neck and chest.  This means that it has gone through extensive testing to prove that it is both safe and effective for this use.  When you make a statement like this, it contradicts a lot of scientific data and professional experience, leaving the audience wondering what is really going on.It would be helpful for those trying to help if you could post before and after pictures, as well as your weight at the time of your photos. Most patients who experience fat loss in their face have either lost significant weight or gained significant age. Also, there are frequently asymmetries in your face, which can be highlighted by undergoing any cosmetic procedure.  Ultherapy can injur fat cells when applied to the fat, but even if a whole facial treatment is applied directly to the fat in your face, the maximum fat loss would be about 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) spread throughout the face.  There are ultrasound technologies that were designed for targeting fat, but these fall under the spectrum of HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound), which applies greater energy to a larger area leading to more fat loss.  One of the things I like best about Ultherapy is that you can see the layers of tissue you are treating.  The energy is focused within the skin and underlying SMAS (tissue lifted during a formal face lift).  Your provider  is able to see these layers and able to focus the treatment where it is most effective.  The main reason to avoid fat, is not due to concern for fat loss, but rather to keep the treatment where it is most effective---skin and SMAS.  Energy applied to fat will not lead to lifting or tightening.I would recommend you see a plastic surgeon who is familiar with Ultherapy, as well as filler and fat transfer.Best of luck,Dr. B

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you feel fat was lost the only want to reverse this is sculptra, fat, bellafill or other fillers.  there is no evidence that ultherapy can do this if used properly.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

Ultherapy is not permanent so give it time. It also really takes up to one year to see actual results.I would go back to your doctor to consult with him what he thinks.

Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultherapy may cause fat reduction where treated.  Fat and fillers or Scultra may help to return lost volume.Hope this helps!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

A picture would have been helpful for guidance.Ultherapy delivers highly focused US energy under B mode visualization technology. The amount of energy used dissipates below 4.5 mm depth and this term in ultrasound physics is called attenuation. Although I have not seen volume loss as you describe in my practice, it is not to say that it does not occur. However, I think that it is not likely related to this technology. I have certification in 3 ultrasound boards (RVT, RPVI and RPhS) and I can tell you this with scientific credibility.Nevertheless, you can correct the volume loss with fillers. See a specialist or go back to the Ultherapy provider with guidance. I hope you have before and after pictures to discuss this outcome with him/her.Read my Ultherapy ebook on the link below.Dr Karamanoukian

I had ulthera 7 months ago now I look worse! it seems to have melted the fat on one side of my face how can this be corrected?

Answers (5)

Answer: Ultherapy fat reduction

Answer: Ultherapy fat reduction

Answer: Volume loss after Ultherapy ?

Answer: Volume loss after Ultherapy ?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I had ulthera 7 months ago now I look worse! it seems to have melted the fat on one side of my face how can this be corrected?

Answers (5)

Answer: Ultherapy fat reduction

Answer: Ultherapy fat reduction

Answer: Volume loss after Ultherapy ?

Answer: Volume loss after Ultherapy ?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.