Who can perform ultherapy? I think I may have been scammed!

Question

I have never had the ultherapy procedure but had a consultation and it was explained in detail and I received a picture of my possible results. Fast forward to now...I went to another place a lady in a medical office performed ultherapy. But did she really? I felt nothing- no heat, no sensation, no pain, no discomfort- nada! Something just didn't feel right? Then she tried to sell me a hand held machine that she claimed would keep up the results and was just as powerful as the one in the office!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultherapy is an excellent procedure. I would consider asking the office what procedure was done and the details of the procedure. The doubts that you have may be valid. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Karan Dhir, MD · Answer

Ulthera is an FDA approved ultrasound device that stimulates multiple layers of skin to increase collagen and ultimately tighten skin and volumize to lift.  It takes 6 months for the final results because the skin needs time to rejuvenate. With that said, the risks are low and many medical professionals may perform the procedure extremely artfully.  Additionally, there is most always some discomfort during the procedure similar to laser hair removal or small rubber bands being snapped against the skin.   This discomfort is controlled with proper instructions and pre-treatment medications.  Most patients tolerate it quite well; yet, admit to feeling the sensation of the ultrasound.  No hand held device can provide the results of Ulthera in my opinion.  No FDA trials have been performed on these devices to strengthen this argument.I cannot speak about your personal experience.  I recommend being treated at a board certified facial plastic surgeon's office if possible.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The Ultherapy procedure is not painful. Ultherapy is associated with some discomfort. I have had it myself and can tell you that you feel each treatment pass as a zap that goes from one end of the transducer to the other. If you did not feel any of the 'treatment lines', then the provider you had did not perform Ultherapy on you.Typically, we perform over 750 lines of therapy, and sometimes up to 1,000 lines of therapy and I can assure you that you would have felt every 'treatment line' as I described above.Having said that, I have never discontinued a planned treatment because it was perceived as too painful by the patient.read my Ultherapy ebook provided on the link below.I have performed hundreds of Ultherapy procedures since 2010.A cue that suggests that you were 'scammed' is that the provider tried to sell you a device that was "equivalent" to Ultherapy. There is no such home device. And if there was, why didn't she just sell you the device instead of doing the procedure and also try to sell you the device ! Best,Dr. Karamanoukian

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

Ultherapy utilizes micro focused ultrasound to heat the lower levels of the skin and thereby stimulate new collagen.  The result is firming, tightening and lifting over a period of weeks and months.  Because of the necessary heat there definitely is a "sensation" or discomfort that occurs.  I would be skeptical if there was absolutely no sensation associated with the treatment.  There are other devices, some with very low level radiofrequency that are used at home and make claims of tightening. Find out exactly what machine was used.  Ask for the brand name and a brochure that describes it.  Ultherapy is the only device FDA approved to lift the jowls and brow.

Manish Khanna, MD, FRCP(C) · Answer

Ultherapy is focused ultrasound that is delivered to the deeper and superficial layers of the skin to stimulate collagen which results in a non-surgical lifting and tightening effect. It is definitely a treatment that patients feel and managing their discomfort at certain times is part of the technician's role throughout the treatment. I have yet to meet a patient who said they felt nothing and I would be extremely surprised of such a patient existed. I recommend that you investigate what was actually done. It is your right to ask for information regarding your treatment parameters and what was logged by the provider of your treatment. Best of luck.

Who can perform ultherapy? I think I may have been scammed!

Answers (6)

Answer: Ultherapy should be performed by a trained professional

Answer: Ultherapy should be performed by a trained professional

Answer: Ultherapy is a treatment that should surely be felt

Answer: Ultherapy is a treatment that should surely be felt

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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.

Who can perform ultherapy? I think I may have been scammed!

Answers (6)

Answer: Ultherapy should be performed by a trained professional

Answer: Ultherapy should be performed by a trained professional

Answer: Ultherapy is a treatment that should surely be felt

Answer: Ultherapy is a treatment that should surely be felt

Browse related questions

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.