Should Ultherapy be performed by a doctor? Or can a Physician Assistant perform it?

Question

I've read many Ultherapy disaster stories. Ultherapy seems to be touted as most effective to tighten forehead skin shy of an actual forehead lift though. Some people seem to have great results, but there are a number of people that have bad results (the look of accelerated aging shortly after and disfigurement). Obviously that's very scary. I want to avoid that outcome. Is it safe to have a Physician Assistant administer Ultherapy on a patient, or should it always be done by a doctor? Thanks.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern. Doctors and physician assistants can safely perform Ultherapy as long as they have proper training and ample experience using the device. Physician Assistants typically work under the supervision of a doctor and it’s important that both the physician and the PA specialize in cosmetic treatments. I would ask your provider a few questions before undergoing treatment, such as how many Ultherapy procedures they perform in a week or month. You can also request photos of previous patients to see the results of their work. If the physician team you choose is qualified and experienced, you should see a very good result from your procedure.

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Part of the problem with inconsistent results is that there are people selling new/refurbished transducers. Make sure that the office you go to uses authentic Merz Transducers. A good place to start is the Merz website and look for authorized providers. 
As far as who can perform Ultherapy, the key is proper training. In my office, my nurse practitioner and my medical assistant where both trained by Merz and both perform the treatments. I personally had it done by my medical assistant and my wife had it done by my nurse practitioner.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The primary factor I would look at in this case is the level of experience the provider brings to the treatment table. In some cases, PAs offer the same level of experience and knowledge as a physician. Ask your provider how long they have been performing Ultherapy treatments and how many they do weekly and monthly. You can also request before and after photos of previous patients. This is your best gauge as to whether your provider is qualified to perform your treatment.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Morpheus8 has replaced all skin tightening treatments for the most part .  Rarely do i ever see a happy patient who had ultherapy or thermage.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

ultherapy can technically be performed by anyone trained on the device. Which is why there is such an array of differing opinions / results online.  In my practice, my PA, nurse or ultherapy technician performs the procedure. The key is training. Ask whoever is performing the procedure, how many have they done, hv they had any issues, can u show us some results , what training hv you had.   We get in-depth training once or twice a year, along with regular feedback from patient follow ups. That for me is the best predictor of good outcomes with this device.

Should Ultherapy be performed by a doctor? Or can a Physician Assistant perform it?

Answers (5)

Answer: It doesn't matter who does ultherapy since most patients aren't happy. You need Morpheus8.

Answer: It doesn't matter who does ultherapy since most patients aren't happy. You need Morpheus8.

Answer: Ultherapy treatment

Answer: Ultherapy treatment

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Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

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

Should Ultherapy be performed by a doctor? Or can a Physician Assistant perform it?

Answers (5)

Answer: It doesn't matter who does ultherapy since most patients aren't happy. You need Morpheus8.

Answer: It doesn't matter who does ultherapy since most patients aren't happy. You need Morpheus8.

Answer: Ultherapy treatment

Answer: Ultherapy treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

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