Will the treatment price for Ultherapy eventually drop? Why is this treatment so expensive?

Question

Considering that the effects are not dramatic but relatively subtle, and the average treatment price is $2,500.00, it is a pretty expensive procedure and will cost about $25,000.00 for a ten year period, if done once a year. The price tag is a little too steep for me. I am 63, and still have really great, smooth and even skin, but the area around my chin is starting to go south. What type of treatment would be my best option? What kind of treatment lasts longer than a year?Thank you!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would start by saying that no device will halt the aging process and the rate at which we age may depend on several factors.  While you can repeat Ultherapy yearly, you may be better served by approaching the aging process from a multi-modal approach.  Ultherapy helps build collagen.  Fillers help volumize.  CO2 laser resurfacing helps to rejuvenate the skin.  Profound radiofrequency microneedling helps to rebuild Collagen and Elastin.  Rather than put all your hopes in one treatment modality, I find that you get much stronger outcomes when you combine the different modalities out there.As far as the cost of Ulthera, the price for transducers has not come down from the company.  In our practice, we tend to use a lot more energy than the average practice, and thus we do charge more for the service.  We can also do maintenance procedures using less energy and charge less.  Ultimately, I would recommend visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon who also specializes in the non-surgical side to get the best consultation and options for you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

2500 is a good price for ultherapy, it is usually higher but we have doctors performing the procedure.  the time it takes to perform and the consumable costs for the device make the treatment more pricy than others.  but you seem to be getting a good price, although i am assuming a doctor is not performing the procedure.  And non invasive options will always be more expensive than just surgery alone. Best, Dr. Emer.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

The price for the treatments will probably not vary much as it is expensive for us to perform.  We have to buy a transducer to attach to the machine to perform the treatment.  This is what keeps the cost of the treatments high.  I have never had anyone who did it every year.  The results aren't even seen for several months.  Some people may do a touch up at one year, but full treatment usually not done for a few years.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Ultherapy incorporates ultrasound technology (diagnostic and therapeutic modalities) as well as disposable cartridges that are the most expensive of any other cosmetic technology that is available out there. The device costs 100,000 dollars and the disposables per case exceed 1,000 dollars. In addition, there is office overhead, the time spent by a physician of approximately 2.5 hours, etc. which raises the costs/patient. This is a high end procedure but much much less expensive than invasive surgical procedures such as face and neck lifting. I disagree with you that you need to get this every year, so the cost is not 25,000 every 10 years for the patient. Maintenance treatments may be necessary every 2-4 years. Read my Ultherapy ebook on the link below.Dr Karamanoukian

Julian W. Dixon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Ultherapy is very sophisticated technology that incorporates an ultrasound machine and screen as well as transducers that are able to convert that ultrasonic energy to generate kinetic energy to the tissues being treated. It is pretty advanced as most spa based technologies are. You should be aware however that Ulthera is actually very expensive for providers to provide as well. Generally speaking it costs the provider over a dollar for every line of energy delivered.  Many patients treatment can exceed 1500 lines, this doesn't include the cost of the actual machine, or the facility in which it is being performed. Moreover in our practice all treatments are performed by a double board certified facial plastic surgeon. Depending on the area being treated it may be a nearly 3 hour procedure. All these issues factor into the cost of the procedure. Hope this helps.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

No, unfortunately there will be no drop in price for Ultherapy. You'd best be served with a standard face/neck lift if the price is of concern to you. Dr. B

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

If you had posted pictures it would have helped evaluate your appropriateness for Ultherapy as you are over the age limit recommended as ideal for this treatment. We need 4-5 transducers to do treatments and we may use some of the transducers for up to 4-5 treatments and each transducer cost us around $2200. It is an expensive treatment for us to offer and I'm not certain that it is worth the price, especially past age 55.

Will the treatment price for Ultherapy eventually drop? Why is this treatment so expensive?

Answers (7)

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