Can Ultherapy Cause Natural Face Volume Loss (Not from Fat Graft or Fillers, but Natural Fat)?

Question

I'm considering ulthera for lifting my jowl area, upper & lower cheeks. I have good volume but some sagging.I don't want to lose my natural cheek volume, is this a danger? Also, can it be used above the upper lip for some lip lifting? Thanks.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There is ongoing investigation if ultherapy can, in fact, thin out a thick neck as an example. The current protocols used have not shown fat atrophy to result from the energy, level or number of lines of treatment. As physicians, we are interested to see if any modification of the protocol, could induce some fat reduction, safely! I will await for scientifically-controlled medical studies to be performed and their results published before being able to comment further with any factual information.

James Chan, MD · Answer

Ulthera is a great NON surgical option for lifting the face, jowl and neck area. In general, Ulthera will enhance your natural volume. There are new techniques, including above the upper lip that are being tested and used off-label. I recommend you talk to your doctor about treating the upper lip area.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Ulthera uses microfocused ultrasound energy targeted at collagen-rich layers under the skin. this in turn stimulates colalgen rebuilding for a lifting effect. Because it is not targeted at the fat, and the focusing is precise, there should not be a significant risk of affecting facial fat.

Sunanda Chugh, MD · Answer

Ultherapy uses an ultrasound to not only deliver focused energy for treatment, but also allows uses the ultrasound to see what depth the energy is begin delivered so it is very safe for the patient.  Energy is either delivered in the dermis (above fat layer) or the SMAS layer (connective tissue layer protecting muscle which is below fat layer).  This focused energy is what stimulates collagen production and does not treat fat.  With this said, it is important to see someone who has a good amount of experience with this technology and has done a number of procedures. We have been doing this procedure for many years and have not had one patient report fat or facial volume loss.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! We have seen very nice results in tightening and lifting in the lower cheeks and jowl area, as well as the upper neck, which can help create a nice contour of the lower face. This can actually enhance the appearance of your cheek bones.We have not had any complaints of fat loss, and we are doing very thorough and comprehensive treatments. Regarding the lips, we have not had any comments of lifting of the lip area. Feel free to call us with any questions or come in for a complementary consultations. Best, Dr. Grant Stevens

Steven Gabel, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen and is not
targeting the fat, therefore you should not see volume loss.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I have been doing Ultherapy since May 2010 and have done hundreds of patients with great outcomes. It has a very high satisfaction rate among my patients.It does not cause natural volume loss as you have suggested. The energy is delivered into the skin (1.5 mm to 3 mm transducers) and into the SMAS layer (4.5 mm) and not into the fatty tissue. I have ultrasound credential from ARDMS as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) and Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) and also from CCI as a Registered Phlebology Sonographer and understand ultrasound physicis well. The energy that Ultherapy uses is focused and with their B mode ultrasound technology, physicians that understand and appreciate ultrasound can focus the area where ultrasound is delivered to prevent delivery in the subcutaneous tissue, preventing volume loss. Most of the energy attenuates (is lost) at 4.5 mm depth from the skin surface . . . Read the Ultherapy ebook that I have written on the link below.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen. As a result, skin will actually begin to lift and tone over time. Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by keeping it firmed, toned and elastic. The treatment will not reduce facial volume, only lift and tighten the skin.

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question depends on the person operating the Ultherapy machine and the depth of the treatment. To obtain only skin tightening  then the layers treated should not involve the fatty layer. The great thing about Ultherapy as opposed to all other skin tightening technology out in the market, is that Ultherapy is an ultrasound machine that lets the doctor see exactly were he is delivering the energy!!! All other treatments put global heat energy out but are not concentrated at the area targeted and may cause fat loss. In cases were there is excess fat like in the neck it is possible to direct the treatment to "burn the fat" and decrease the fat volume. When used for tightening only The deep dermal portion of the skin and the SMAS (fibrous layer over the muscles) deepest are treated only.

	 

	Please see the attached link on my facebook page on July 17 for further information.

	 

	Best of Luck!

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Excellent question. Ultherapys focused ultrasound technology delivers micro thermal burns in the treated areas. Depending on the depth of treatment that may be fat. Ultimately the design of the treatment and delivery of the same is such to minimize fat reduction and tighten the SMAS to provide a lift. At times, I have used Ultherapy to intentionally decrease fat for example under the neck. Best of luck.

Can Ultherapy Cause Natural Face Volume Loss (Not from Fat Graft or Fillers, but Natural Fat)?

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