What is the Difference Between Ulthera and Harmony®XL (Laser 360)?

other lasers and energy sources are not yet FDA-cleared for facial lifting. Ultherapy is. The focused intense ultrasound energy goes up to 4.5 millimeters (about a 1/4 of an inch) deep in the dermis to produce collagen and tighten the skin while lifting it. It takes up to six months to see the improvement.

It would be good to know how long it has been since you had your Ultherapy treatment - and your age. But without that information, it is of note that the technologies are very different in function and purpose.

Ultherapy is an ultrasound-based energy treatment that reaches very deep levels in the skin. Is it this "deep reach" that gives Ultherapy its impact in firming and lifting. It takes time for Ultherapy to show results because it is your body's response that gives the end result and this final response level could take up to 6 months after the treatment to be realized.

Age affects how well and how quickly most any tightening treatment works for you. The older you are, the slower and less effective your body is at generating new collagen. We're on the front end of Ultherapy and it could be that older patients will be happier with more than one treatment.

Alma's 360 is a triple action system which combines intense pulsed light (to reduce red and brown coloration on the skin from pigmentation and broken capillaries; infrared heat for a mild tightening effect and fractional laser for resurfacing. So there really is no direct comparison available.

 

In regards to laser versus Ultherapy, a key point needs to be remembered. The benefit of Ultherapy is that it uses focused ultrasound energy which is delivered in a predetermined depth and this is visualized by B mode ultrasound scanning while the procedure is being done. Laser cannot do this. Read the Ultherapy book provided on the link below under ebook section. 

Ultherapy is a more effective treatment for lifting and tightening the skin on the face and neck and improving texture on the chest, but I believe the technicians experience and technique is also important.  It does take time for the results to fully manifest; on average 3-4 months.  There have been some upgrades and new indications over the last few years.  Unfortunately, there is a very small percentage of people that don't respond as well as we hope.Alma's Harmony has also been upgraded to the XL Pro.  The Harmony is a multi-platform device, and the 360 approach is a great concept in general.  This is referring to using multiple lasers in one treatment session.    Whether you're looking for major correction, or simply maintenance and prevention, the treatment can be customized to your specific goals and concerns.     This is best for superficial correction of pigmentation and texture, reducing pore size, stimulating more collagen, and tighter skin.Often times at our practice,  we combine Ultherapy with Harmony in order to optimize the patients outcome.  The Ultherapy is able to penetrate up to 4.5mm As always, it is best to start with a consultation to determine the best approach to help you reach your goals.