Can Ultherapy performed on the forehead (brow lift) affect the frontal lobe of the brain in any way?

Question

I have not been able to find anything on this subject online. I know Ultherapy is concentrated energy at a depth of about 4.5mm, but just want to be sure there is absolutely NO heating (or other possible effect) on brain tissue. Thank you!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Ultherapy performed on the forehead for a brow lift would not affect the brain.  The brain is too deep to be affected by the treatment.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

Given that you would even think of this question, I would highly suggest you have a detailed conversation with your treating doctor before deciding to have such a treatment as I suspect there may be more concerns and general anxieties which may not make you a good candidate for an elective cosmetic procedure.

Matthew Elias, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Ultherapy will never penetrate deep enough to affect brain matter.  If it were to penetrate deeper than the skin, the energy generated by the ultrasound would be absorbed by the bone (your skull) before it ever got close to heating your brain tissue.  Regards, Dr. Matt Elias

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultherapy uses high intensity focused ultrasound. Even IF energy penetrates deeper, it would be absorbed by bone as it has higher attenuation coefficient. I have 3 ultrasound credentials and I can assure you that energy will not travel to brain tissue. See the link below. H Karamanoukian MD FACS RVT RPVI RPhS

Marilyn Pelias, MD · Answer

The depth of the 4.5mm probe is less that one half a centimeter that is around a quarter of an inch.  The brain is never that close to the surface.  So be assured, the brain will not be heated by Ultherapy.

Can Ultherapy performed on the forehead (brow lift) affect the frontal lobe of the brain in any way?

Answers (6)