Why Am I Not Seeing Results After Two Weeks out from Ulthera and Sculptra Same Day ?

Question

I had ultherapy two weeks ago followed immediately with 2 vials of sculptra. Presently, I see no improvement. Why?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Please be patient.  No one expects results immediately from either the Ultherapy or Sculptra. Sculptra initiates your body's response to making new collagen after the injections and this takes time. Think of Sculptra as a seed, not an immediate volumizer. Usually it is done every four to six weeks for three sessions. Ultherapy provides improvement over six months after the procedure from tightening the connective tissue in the deep dermis and helping the fibroblasts make more collagen.

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

A more thorough explanation of the time element for seeing results from either Sculptra or Ultherapy would have prepared you not to expect to see changes in such a short period of time. Both produce results over time but very gradually - one of the positive benefits since you don't look different overnight!

	Sculptra actually performs best in "layers" - the initial injections form the groundwork, then additional sessions build upon that and can be very customized. Think of Sculptra as layers of new collagen.

	(Some younger patients only require one session of Sculptra but anyone who is also experiencing skin laxity generally has considerable volume loss that simply can't be reversed with one treatment).

	Ultherapy works by heating the very deep structural tissue in the skin. The skin's response to this heat is new collagen production and a shrinking effect of older loose collagen. Ultherapy response is usually fairly evident at about 3 months, so be patient. Because the effects are gradual, you'll not necessarily notice the day to day subtle changes.

	Tip: Keeping a copy of your pre-treatment photo to refer to over time helps make the wait a little easier.

Steven Goldman, MD · Answer

Both Sculptra and Ulthera produce a thickening/firming effect through similar, but distinct, mechanisms. Sculptra is an injectable filler comprised of a suspension of disolvable particles that are similar to disolvable suture material. As they dissolve, they cause inflammation that results in collagen formation that produces the filling effect. The process takes 6-8 weeks. Ideally Sculptra is injected 3 times, about 6 weeks apart, to produce maximal effect.

	Ulthera heats and perhaps mechanically injures the deep layers of the skin and the subcutaneous fat using focused ultrasound (sound waves). This likes results in inflammation that causes collagen to form, similar to a burn effect. This process takes longer than Sculptra; it takes 3 months or more to firm the skin.

	Enjoy your treatments.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultherapy has advantages as it uses imaging to deliver targeted high intensity 'focused' ultrasound.The results of skin tightening will be most apparent at 6 months.We have performed hundreds of Ultherapy procedures in our Williamsville, NY office.Read our Ultherapy book on the link below.

Steven M. Lynch, MD · Answer

Hi,

	  You are very early in the post treatment phase of ultherapy.  The collagen production takes months to be seen so be patient.

	  The same can be said for sculptra.  These injections need time to build up collagen and the process is not seen in two weeks.  These two methods of collagen buildup work on different principles.  Sculptra instigates collagen production from the surrounding deeper tissue and the ultherapy tightens the skin at two different levels.  Hence the two passes that you had during your treatment.

	  Be patient and stay close to your ps to make sure your questions are answered.

Why Am I Not Seeing Results After Two Weeks out from Ulthera and Sculptra Same Day ?

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Answer: Ultherapy and Sculptra at 2 weeks

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Answer: Ultherapy and sculptra results at two weeks post op

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Why Am I Not Seeing Results After Two Weeks out from Ulthera and Sculptra Same Day ?

Answers (9)

Answer: Ultherapy and Sculptra at 2 weeks

Answer: Ultherapy and Sculptra at 2 weeks

Answer: Ultherapy and sculptra results at two weeks post op

Answer: Ultherapy and sculptra results at two weeks post op

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.