What Does the Pain During Ulthera Feel Like?

Ultherapy overall is a well tolerated procedure.  It can be done in the office and can be done with no means of chemical pain control (e.g. nerve blocks, anxiolytics, narcotics)  That doesn't mean it is a walk in the park.  I have personally tried Ultherapy and did one half with no pain control and used nerve blocks on the other half.  I would rate my overall discomfort level as 5/10.  However, there were times when it was a 2-3/10 and other times when it was 7-9/10.  After the procedure, I had minimal discomfort and started seeing patients.  The numbing definitely made the treatment more comfortable, but I had several hours of feeling like I've been to the dentist on half my face.

For my patients, I offer talk/music/distraction therapy (i.e. no chemical intervention), nerve blocks, or if they have someone to drive them home, they can take an anxiolytic (e.g. Ativan) and/or a narcotic. 

Each individual experiences pain differently, making it difficult to generalize. Most of our patients say it feels like a very deep vibration that can be uncomfortable especially around the jaw and orbital bone. However, with Ulthera’s new technology upgrade patients are much more comfortable throughout the procedure and with proper medication patients are tolerating Ultherapy very well.

Many patients find it tolerable with  the assistance of medication that relieves some anxiety and pain. Certain areas are more intense, such as near the bony areas.Once the energy is delivered to the "line" and the transducer is moved on, the pain starts to fade. Interestingly, despite Botox being the most common cosmetic procedure, this website, RealSelf.com, shows patients rating Botox at a 65% satisfaction rate whereas they have rated Ulthera at an 85% satisfaction rate!

Immediately after the procedure, the skin feels like a sunburn and that goes away quickly although there may be some tenderness for a week or two, rarely more.