Ulthera has worked but I still need a facelift. What will happen when Ulthera wears off?

While Ultherapy is non-surgical, unlike Botox or fillers, the results do not "wear off". Ultherapy applies ultrasonic heat to essentially "cook" the deep layers of the dermis and fibro-fatty layers underneath. The results are much like surgery in that they have "reset the clock" but because we cannot control the aging process, sun damage and gravity, you will continue to age. Yes, you certainly can have Ultherapy again after a facelift. We often use it to touch up areas that aren't quite tight enough after surgery. 

Ulthera is a great non-surgical option to "slow down" the aging process, but it will never truly accomplish the results that a surgical facelift/neck lift can achieve. Many of my patients have had Ulthera treatments in the past, but after a few years it is time for a facelift. Ulthera doesn't "artificially tighten" skin like you mentioned above. It does actually tighten and tone the skin, its just that over time with aging the skin becomes lax again. This is an unavoidable part of the aging process. Therefore, having had Ulthera treatments in the past will not affect the results of your facelift at all. But even after you have a facelift, your face will continue to age again in the future. So many times I have my patients come back for "touch up" Ulthera treatments to keep their surgical results looking as beautiful and youthful as possible.

Ultherapy is not an exception for a facelift.  Ultherapy gives some lifting and that can help prevent the aging process, but if you need a lift, surgery is your best bet.  Having ultherapy in the past will not affect the face lift.  Best, Dr. Emer.