Ulthera... Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon?

The Ulthera system uses ultrasound, so the advantage to any treatment provider is that we can "see" where the treatment energy is being focused.

The technology was developed with specific guidelines - which all providers follow, though with some customization to get best results - so it's really a matter of personal preference as to whom you choose to take your treatment with.

More frequently than not, physician extenders (usually Physician Assistants or Registered Nurses) are the ones providing Ultherapy and they will have had the same training as the physician.

As with any cosmetic procedure, it's the patient's choice. Many people are very comfortable with a nurse or PA because they will often actually have more experience using nonsurgical technology. Others are only comfortable with a physician operating the device.

When booking your treatment, you should be told who will be actually administering the Ultherapy treatment and if you specifically desire the physician, make that clear.

Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, their nurses, physician assistants, etc. can do Ultherapy. Is the person who is doing your Ultherapy experienced at it? Do they have the latest technology with all levels of transducers, or have they not invested in keeping their system updated to have the latest software and the new 1.5 mm transducer as well?  What treatment do they deliver? There is no set number of lines that a doctor must deliver, and some will treat with far fewer lines and others, with many more.  There is also a need to know the anatomy and customize treatment for each patient as faces are very different and focusing Ultherapy in one area can be quite different for different patients.

In the last year, our treatments have increased numbers of  lines of energy that are significantly greater than the first protocol the company suggested when the device came to market. With that we are seeing even better results.

So it is not the type of specialty, but the doctor or the doctor's assistant that is delivering the utlherapy treatment that is important.

 

The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency proceed to your nearest emergency room.

The FDA-cleared Ultherapy procedure has been established to be safe and effective in clinical studies and tens of thousands of patient treatments worldwide. In addition, every Ultherapy practitioner undergoes extensive hands-on training, so you can schedule your Ultherapy procedure with complete confidence. In selecting a practitioner, it is important to find someone who is experienced and has achieved positive results with his or her patients. It does not matter so much whether it is a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, but rather their expertise or experience.