Why do doctors continue using Ultherapy with so many patients reporting negative side effects?

Question

So sooo many people are unhappy with ultherapy results. Not because of undertreatment, but because of scary, unwanted changes, like more sagging, wierd/bumpy skin texture, volume loss, even loss of symmetry. Aren't doctors worried this procedure will cost them their reputation? Why would a safe doctor continue to use such a device when there are reports of damage, even if the doctor reads these reports on the internet? If the risks outweigh the benefits, then how can this be considered safe?

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

I have been using Ultherapy successfully for many years and have treated hundreds of patients, and have never seen or even heard of a case where the fat “melted” or the treatment caused sagging or other skin problems. If you look at any clinical study (over 50) performed on thousands, not just handfuls, of patients by reputable doctors who actually perform the treatments themselves, you will find there haven't been any of the side effects allegedly experienced by those 'on the Internet.' Where sources can't be confirmed, nor can it be confirmed that it was actually Ultherapy that was performed and not another treatment. Ultherapy is not selective for fat destruction, as fat is destroyed as a function of not only temperature but time.  In addition, you have the ability to visualize what you are treating with Ultherapy, and can select to not fire in fat. Ultherapy heats collagen to contract the skin and therefore should not cause any sagging or bumps.As with anything that needs to be done well, the person performing the procedure must be highly trained and experienced. I do not know who is posting those negative reviews, or where they received their treatments. Happy patients tend not to post reviews, so there will always be a slant toward the negative on consumer boards. If you are interested in Ultherapy and want to learn more about how it can tighten your skin –without the risk of the side effects you've read about – then I'd recommend that you start consulting board-certified dermatologists in your area, look at their before-and-after photos, and talk to their former and current Ultherapy patients.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  I would recommend a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist who specializes in Ultherapy.  We have utilized Ultherapy successfully in our office for over 4 years and have not experienced any untoward effects.  The most important piece to Ultherapy is of course, the provider and also the consultation where the you, as the patient, understands the what is a realistic outcome.  Ulthera has many tools that can help the patient "see" what the outcome will look like.  With an experienced provider and a well done consultation, I would say you also would be pleased with Ultherapy.  I hope this information helps and best of luck to you!

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Although I have seen occasional reports of facial fat loss and other untoward effects with Ultherapy, I have yet to see such complications in my practice.  Contrary to what your question states, the absolute most common issue with Ultherapy over the last 7 years is matching results with expectations.  Many patients expect a facelift result from Ultherapy which will never be possible.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, if used appropriately, ultherapy should not cause these problems. Keep in mind, a combination approach would give the most improvement. I recommend Ultherapy with RF treatments, lasers, microneedling/PRP or sculptra to get increased collagen, tightening and improve skin tone.  I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

You will find that most of the doctors on Real Self who do Ultherapy have years of experience with good results and just do not see the adverse effects you describe. Every medical procedure has risks and benefits but based on my extensive experience I do not agree that the risks of Ultherapy outweigh the benefits.

Gail Nield, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Hello. I have been performing Ultherapy since it was first introduced to Canada over 9 years ago. I perform the treatments myself and to be honest, I have never seen the supposed side effects posted by some individuals on the internet.My patients are very pleased with the results which of course can be easily combined with other treatments such as Botox/Xeomin, fillers, IPLs, microneedling and topicals.As long as you are treated by a board certified dermatologist, I believe that you will have a very positive outcome if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

In many years of being one of the busiest Ultherapy practices in the area, I have yet to see a single "melting" case.  The biggest issue with Ultherapy is that some patient over-expect what's possible without surgery.  We continue to use it, offer it, and have many happy patients.  Remember that happy patients don't complain on medical board!

Robert S. Bader, MD, FAAD · Answer

EVERY procedure has reported side effects. EVERY procedure will have unhappy patients or patients whom are not completely satisfied. Period. 1. In general, the higher the satisfaction rate with a procedure, the safer and simpler it usually is to perform.2. The lower the satisfaction rate with a procedure often means that it is either more technically difficult to perform, patients must be carefully selected for the procedure, and patients must have realistic expectations of what the procedure can or can not do.So, what does that mean for the patient? What should patients do with this information?In general, one is more likely to be satisfied no matter what Doctor they choose with a high satisfaction rate procedure. Will results vary from Doctor to Doctor? Of course. For procedures with lower satisfaction rates it becomes extremely important to find a very experienced, very reputable Surgeon with high satisfaction rates for THAT procedure. If such a surgeon states that one is not a good candidate for THAT procedure, listen carefully to that advice.Regarding my own experience--I have not experienced any of the long-term complications that people talk about on this site after Ultherapy. Similarly, after performing over 30 Contour Threadlifts before it was taken off the market due to reported "problems", I had not experienced one instance of a broken thread or an "unhappy" patient. That being said, for both of these procedures 4 of 5 patients that come in for consultation are NOT good candidates. How would other Surgeons handle these patients? One thing I do know, if these patients were treated they would not have a good cosmetic outcome. Does that mean that the procedure is the problem? No. It is poor patient selection--which can be the Surgeon's fault or the patients--especially when a patient is fixated on having a specific procedure. In short, GOOD doctors have GOOD reputations for GOOD reason--they choose their patients carefully for procedures and they perform those procedures well. Which is why I always say--It is most important to choose a GOOD SURGEON and not so important to choose a procedure--let a good surgeon give his/her opinion on what procedure would be best. drbader

Why do doctors continue using Ultherapy with so many patients reporting negative side effects?

Answers (8)

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