Ultherapy depths. Is 1.5 going to do anything or should I go to someone else?

I can understand how you could feel mislead, making sure that the printed materials and dialogue in an event coordinate can be a bit of a challenge. Essentially there are two core principals which you need to know when it comes to Ultherapy. The way that heat is delivered at the different treatment depths strategically without having to drive heat down through the skin and the advancement of a triple depth treatment. Ultherapy uses superfocussed ultrasound waves targeted at treatment depths of 4.5mm, 3mm, and 1.5mm. At 4.5mm the transducer focuses two waves of ultrasonnic energy at each other at at an angle which is designed for the waves not to intersect at all until they hit the target treatment depth. When the waves reach the target treatment depth they crash into each other violently creating a significant amount of heat at the treatment depth selected. Because they don't intersect until they get down to depth no heat is transferred through the surface skin itself. Essentially the science in the noninvasive skin tightning and lifting space is built around concepts associated with wound healing. When the body is in wound response mode it generates significant amounts of collagen, making the injury deep in the underlying tissue means no visible signs of trauma on the outside and plumper smoother skin. The triple depth treatment that Ultherapy advocates gets a great result by being able to work in multiple planes in the face, neck and decolletage. As with any cosmetic procedure your best bet would be to contact a practice that delivers a significant number of Ultherapy treatments as the results can be quite user specific and undergo a thorough evaluation and consultation.Best of luck,

External focused ultrasound is delivered through Ultherapy which creates heat in the dermis and tightens the connective tissue layers and helps your own dermis produce more collagen.Depending on the location of the face, different sites have different thicknesses and the depth the energy needs to traverse to reach the target plane of tissue varies. Many times the most superficial transducer is not needed. This 1.5mm depth of energy can be used when fine creases or wrinkles exists such as the crows' feet, upper lip lines, and even the crepy skin of bad sun damage on the chest (especially for those who had used sun reflectors in the past) In addition to the 1.5 mm, there are more commonly used 3 and 4.5mm. transducers. I evaluate each patient individually in consultation to determine what they need for the best result.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's
answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended
to constitute medical advice. The information provided should
not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified
health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical
needs.

The depths are used differently in different areas depending on the situation being treated.  The eyes versus the jowls for example. I suggest going to a reputable place that does a lot of these treatments to get the best results.  Dr. Emer.

Ultherapy is done at different depths depending on the area of the face being treated.  While the procedure is performed, a screen shows the doctor of nurse where the waves of energy are going under the skin.  The 4.5mm depth can be used on the cheek or jowl for example, but the 1.5mm is used on the lower lids and for the lip lines.  The 1.5mm can also be used for finer lines on the face.    

Hi Ethome. Dr. Burgess has given a good explanation below on the different depths of treatment for Ultherapy. The 1.5mm treatment level is used for individuals who have fine lines or crepy skin that needs superficial tightening. In our practice we rarely use this treatment level alone, unless it is just for underneath the eyes or around the mouth. If you have any doubts about the information you received you should contact the doctor's office. Maybe they gave you the wrong handout? If there is still doubt you can always get a second opinion from an experienced Ultherapy physician. Best of luck to you.

I understand how this can be confusing for patients because it can be presented several different ways from providers.  In general, most providers do two depths for Ultherapy.  Ultherapy is micro focused heat that is ultrasound based and most pts are treated at the 4.5mm and the 3mm depths.  But then the newer 1.5mm depth transducer became available.  I think of this as an adjunct to the two original depths of 4.5mm and 3mm.  In my practice we do a "triple depth" because we believe that it gives the best results.  This means that we do the 4.5mm, 3mm and the 1.5mm so that you are getting treatment at 3 different levels.  In my practice we would probably not do the 1.5mm depth alone.  But Ultherapy is different from a laser. The laser is typically even a more superficial treatment that may work on fine lines, texture, skin quality, and some pigmentation.  We like to use the Smartskin fractionated CO2 laser in our office for this most superficial type of treatment. The reality is, that when we use Ultherapy, Smartskin laser and good skin care together... we can have some smashing results without surgery.  The layering effect is beautiful.

Hello and thank you for your question. Most practices that have
Ultherapy, will have other lasers/resurfacing devices that would be chosen for textural issues,
should a patient come in with the primary focus of treating fine
lines/wrinkles, crepey skin. However, if a patient comes in with concerns of
loose skin, laxity, and desiring tighter skin and a lift, then absolutely Ultherapy
is our primary recommendation (if the patient is looking for the non-surgical
route &/or if they don’t need surgery). In our practice, we are using the
triple depth approach for our patients. We find this to provide the most
efficient treatment and superior results by targeting all three layers of
tissue. By using the 1.5, in addition to the other transducers, you will get the effects in those more superficial layers. The ability to trigger collagen stimulation & contraction in all
three depths is an exciting advancement in aesthetic treatments. Our advance practice providers (PA & NP) are
extensively trained and have attended a multitude of in depth, advanced
trainings provided by Ulthera. We customize and individualize each treatment,
dependent on the needs and goals of each patient. Also,  I think as practices do utilize the 1.5 mm transducer, we may see more of this treatments being done, even as a stand alone treatment.

Hi,The 1.5mm transducer is used for skin tightening in thin skinned areas.  We love using it around the eyes!Warmly,Dr.Liu

Good question. I have used the 1.5 mm transducer for the areas around the eyes and lips. Using the 1.5 on a full face is indicated for thin-skinned patients and provides good results. Remember that the physician uses the transducer also to gauge the depth of the target tissue prior to discharge of the energy "lines". Enjoy your results. Best,Dr. Burnett

For the mid face and lower face and jowels, the transducers that are used are 3 mm and 4.5 mm. 1.5 mm transducers are used for the under eyes, around the eyes for fine wrinkles and the lip and sometimes corners of the lips.Read my Ultherapy book provided on the link below.