Is Profound the same treatment as Ultherapy?

Thank you for your question.  Profound uses radio frequency energy and is delivered via micro needles that penetrate deep into the skin and fatty layers of the facial and neck skin.  Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy and is delivered via the surface of the skin (no needles).  I often use both technologies together to provide a stronger result than what either can do alone.  Both focus on building collagen support in the deeper layers of the facial tissues.  Ultherapy offers the benefit of visualizing the layers that the energy is being delivered so one can provide a customized approach for each individual - although this often requires an experienced provider to do so.  Profound is more invasive, has a more visible downtime, but also provides more elastin creation in the skin - which restores some of the bounce in the skin.  I assess each patient to help determine which procedure would help them achieve their goals, and whether a combination treatment would be advantageous.  I would recommend that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon who has both technologies so you can compare both of these options and even discuss surgical alternatives.

Hi Bonnie,Good question!  Profound RF and Ultherapy are different non-surgical device skin lifting and tightening treatments that are both safe and effective.  Profound RF uses paired micro-needles that emit radiofrequency energy while deployed 1 to 2 mm beneath the skin for 3 to 4 seconds creating a controlled temperature of 67 degrees C.  Ultherapy uses the topical application of micro-focused ultrasound energy at different skin depths (4.5, 3.0, 1.5mm) creating heat.  Both technologies work by stimulating new collagen over time.  Both continue to improve over a 6 to 9 month period and both are thought to last about 5 years, though you will look better for the rest of your life compared to how you would have looked without having the treatment.  The downtime for Profound RF is 7 to 10 days due to bruising and swelling.  There is little to no downtime with Ultherapy.  In some patients, the two procedures may be combined for even better ultimate results. As with any facial aesthetic treatment it is essential to make sure that you choose your treating physician carefully based upon their skill, knowledge, results, experience, and most importantly their natural artistic vision.  Good luck and be well!!!Dr. P

Profound and Ultherapy are both FDA approved devices for facial rejuvenation. Their mechanism of action and anatomic targets are, however, quite different. Profound targets the skin, restoring hydration, elasticity and collagen content. I pioneered Profound's use to rejuvenate facial muscles including the forehead, eye and mouth regions.Ultherapy works deeper, in the facelift layer, stabilizing the face from below. There are three depths of action, the most superficial of which does also target the skin.I have used Profound since its release in 2015 and found that patient satisfaction is nearly 100%. I have had Ultherapy since 2011, shortly after its release, and have been very pleased with its use on the body, including breast, arms, abdomen, buttock and thighs.