Will Ultherapy make my face thinner?

Question

I've been contiplating getting Ultherapy done on my full face and neck. I'm 43 years old and have had 5 vials of sculptra done in the past year. After reading reviews on here of "face melting" & "fat loss", I'm getting a bit scared to try it. My question is, will it make my face thinner? And will it make the skin "hang" after time? My fave is pretty full right now from all sculptra (maybe a bit too full). Some reviewers are happy, but majority don't seem to be. Does it always change your face shape?

Jeffrey B. Wise, MD, FACS · Answer

In our state of the art facility, we perform this procedure daily. Ulthera sculpts the jawline beautifully and gives the neck a rejuvenated appearance. When you induce collagen production you create a fuller more youthful appearance. There isn't any real scientific evidence to back this claim of the face melting. Most patients will continue to maintain results by having an Ulthera treatment done every year or two. The areas continue to age in the same manner they did prior to having the treatment. Best of luck!

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Ultherapy has a lifting effect on deep layer tissue. The focal point of the heat that is generated is deliberately designed to bypass upper layers of the skin. The physician or nurse who operates the system keeps an eye on the treatment screen to make sure the focal energy is delivered properly. A technician who is not well trained or is not paying attention could create some unwanted effects with filler loss or fat loss. Since you used Sculptra, the risk of filler loss is not an issue since Sculptra creates more collagen. And since it's technically not a filler, the risk of making your face thinner is quite low.You should see more defined contours after a number of months. As to "hanging skin", there may be some slight consideration if you have lost substantial elasticity, in which case, other treatments may be incorporated to firm skin at the intermediate and superficial layers.As with any treatment option, your best recommendations will come from an experienced and qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

You would need an in-person consultation to determine if Ultherapy would be an appropriate treatment for you. In the right hands, Ultherapy will not cause fat loss. By tightening loose skin, it may make your face appear thinner with more youthful definition. If you have too much loose skin then it may not be the best treatment for you. Make sure you see an experienced provider.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Microfocused ultrasound should not cause fat loss if used appropriately especially if used properly. Ultherapy is a great device, but works best in combination with other treatments like Sculptra and  lasers, RF treatments or microneedling/PRP for further tightening and improvement in skin tone.  I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Will Ultherapy make my face thinner?

Answers (4)