What Does the Pain During Ulthera Feel Like?

By the nature of it's deeper penetration and spot heat production, ulthera treatments that hit some of the nerves in the face or bone across the forehead, cheek and jaw can produce twinges of sharp plain that can make patients jump or pull away. While one can reduce the energy delivery, and likely the effectiveness of the treatment, we prefer to give injections of local anesthesia (novocaine like) across regions of the face. Our patients are very comfortable with this approach and cruise through the treatment with ease! Tyelenol or advil is also used routinely and some people opt to take a pain pill or Xanax but will require a ride home.

This is a very commonly asked question, because Ultherapy is typically an office based procedure, performed without IV sedation.  The simple answer is that it is somewhat uncomfortable, but much more tolerable in certain areas than others.  I would equate the discomfort as that of a small electric shock with every pulse.  For that reason, we typically have our patients take a combination of Valium and a narcotic pain reliever about 30 minutes prior to starting.  Ultherapy cause the internal tissues to heat briefly to a about 60 degree Centigrade, so it is normal to feel some discomfort during the process.  Most patients feel the result made the process worthwhile.