Scar left after ultherapy treatment. (photo)

Question

I got this scar on my face after doing one Ultherapy treatment. I wonder if it's possible I can get rid of it.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This scar can be improved with lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision and fillers. I recommend getting a formal consultation with a scarring expert.  you may need this surgically removed -- punch excision.  Best, Dr. Emer

Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Overtreatment by poorly trained or inexperienced nurses, aestheticians and doctors can and likely does occur, as do complications from the same providers.   The Ultherapy machine computer program has had updates since we started using it in 2012.     Overtreatment can cause changes like hair and fat loss and skin divots are possible.  Although it is impossible to tell from your photograph what happened or if this is caused by your Ultherapy treatment.   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.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and thanks for the photo – it helps. We always recommend having a consultation with a board certified dermatologist of plastic surgeon and that is needed here.  The first thing that we need to see is your before picture to determine what, if anything, was there before the procedure. Scarring from Ultherapy is extremely rare and this is an awfully big scar to be caused by this device – although anything is possible with any device. We also need to know how long it’s been there – scars change over time – and this is information we need.  We also need to go over options – from waiting to lasers to fillers.  All of these need to be reviewed and discussed with an expert in scar management.

Scar left after ultherapy treatment. (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

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

Scar left after ultherapy treatment. (photo)

Answers (3)

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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.