Is Ultherapy safe over the mole?

Question

I am planning to have my first Ultherapy in coming November for my wedding. My question is that if Ultherapy is safe enough over the moles (benign) as the treatment will be for my entire face and I noticed the treatment tip is too big to really avoid the moles anyway. I also had a thermage before, I was told that it would not affect my moles since it's not laser. Does this also apply to Ultherapy? Thank you for your advice!

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

As has been pointed out, moles do have the ability to change into precancerous or even cancerous growths.  There is no evidence to suggest that Ultherapy should increase the risk of a mole changing its growth characteristics nor is there any theoretical reason to believe this would be the case.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Ultherapy is an ultrasound treatment that uses different transducers with different depths. The 3 and 4.5 mm transducers bypass the depth  in the dermis in which the mole resides.  The epidermis is spared any injury and that's why there's no downtime with Ultherapy.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Yes, an Ultherapy treatment over a mole is typically very safe and should have little to no impact on the mole's appearance. I hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes ultrasound is completely safe over a mole.  I think if you are looking for tightening and skin textural changes combine the ultheapy with fraxel or do sublative with or without ultherapy.  Especially if you have a wedding coming up you want to do anything you can to look good now.  Ultherapy takes months to see the results.  Best, Dr. Emer.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

The Ultherapy should not affect the moles.  Ultherapy is sending ultrasound waves below the surface of the skin to create new collagen and help tighten the skin.  It will not do anything to your moles.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is safe to perform Ultherapy over moles on the face as the moles should not be affected at all from the procedure.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultherapy transducers target tissue 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm into the skin and therefore do not cause problems with treatment over moles. Of course, all moles should be followed by a dermatologist in yearly skin check ups.

Suzanne Kilmer, MD · Answer

We do use both Ultherapy and
Thermage over moles (nevi) but we are dermatologists and are trained to
evaluate moles for any concerns. We also take photos so we can follow for
any changes in the moles. So far we are not aware of any problems arising in moles from Ultherapy or Thermage treatments.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

That is a very astute observation and a good question. Thank
you. Ulthera like Thermage, does not use laser energy. Ulthera specifically
targets the deeper layers of the skin with ultrasound and is safe to do over
moles.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

As discussed below, Ulthera treats deep into the skin and is therefore safe to treat over a mole.  Because there are different transducers and depths of treatment though, it is important that you are being treated by a skilled provider to get the best results.  For example, different treatment patterns are used for maximal lift and tightening vs general improvement of the skin tone and texture.  Also, Ulthera can be very painful.  We often perform nerve blocks on patients to minimize pain and have now incorporated Nitrous Oxide gas during the treatment for patients who are pain sensitive and are seeking a more comfortable experience.  Because we are an Ulthera teaching center, our Ulthera specialist customizes the treatment to get the most out of the technology with the least discomfort to the patient.  Best of luck!

ULTHERAPY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Is Ultherapy safe over the mole?

Answers (12)

ULTHERAPY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU