Why are there horror stories with Ultherapy?

There are defined protocols for Ultherapy depending upon the part of the body being treated.  I feel strongly that if the transducer is placed on one area for too many applications, perhaps there can be some untoward side effects - but I have not experienced this because I follow the protocol listed on the patient screen to the exact amount of lines and placement recommended. I have achieved excellent results and feel it is the best non-invasive skin lifting and tightening device on the market. I have performed this treatment on my patients, friends, family, and my wife - I certainly would not do so if I felt it would give them permanent damage  - I wish you the best of luck your research. 

Overtreatment by inexperienced nurses, aestheticians and doctors can and likely does occur, as do complications from the same providers.  Overtreatment can cause changes like excessive fat loss.  An ethical medical office should review potential side effects with patients before Ultherapy treatment'  Side effects have been extremely unusual in our office.  The most common side effect is under treatment- requiring an additional Ultherapy treatment(s) to see the best results.  Bruising, swelling and temporary skin irritation can occur.   And some people simply should not be treated- like those who are better candidates for a facelift, and those who have unrealistic expectations!  Ultherapy is best for those who have early gravity effects of aging, not significant jowls and neck skin laxity.  Since 2012, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC has been the Albany, NY and  Capital District area office of choice for Ultherapy.  We are the only area office top rated and listed on the Ultherapy.com website an "Ultra Provider".    "Ultra Provider" designation by Merz, the manufacturer means my Ultherapy certified staff and I have more expertise and experience providing Ultherapy treatments than any other office in our region. In fact, Christina at my office is the only area Ultherapy technician to receive advance training at Ultherapy corporation headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.  What does this mean for you?  Ultherapy is an effective  tool for non-surgical facial and neck (and for treating other areas "off label") skin tightening. In the right hands it can do wonders to rejuvenate your appearance.  Improperly used  by poorly trained doctors, nurses or other staff  located within or outside a medical office, the results can be poor and complications can occur.  Since Merz/Ultherapy (the manufacturer) does not provide guidance on how to choose a provider or who is allowed to do the procedure, when it comes to choosing a provider, the catchword is "buyer beware".  I imagine the overall "worth it rating" on RealSelf would be 95% for Ultherapy if poorly done treatments and patients who have unrealistic expectations of the results that could be achieved could be sorted out.  

I offer the analogy of a "hammer", a tool that can build a nice house or beautiful piece of furniture.  But in the wrong hands the "hammer" can hurt someone if you hit them over the head.... You get the picture.   Choose your Ultherapy provider with care.