Hello, Thank you for your question. Yes it is normal to be swollen and bruised after Ulthera. It should subside after about a week. If not, you should return to your physician for a follow up.

Swelling after an Ulthera treatment can occur if you were given an aggressive treatment. I would not call this "normal" but would not be alarmed. This should resolve within a week. Bruising is less common but I have seen some minimal bruising in patients who have taken aspirin for a number of years. This may take a little longer to resolve but you could use Arnica gel to help it go away quicker.

Most patients do not develop bruising but very few can. This will go away on its own usually by two weeks. As there should be no blister or raw spot, makeup can be used on intact skin to hide the bruise. Swelling is expected but is so minimal for most people that it is considered a no to very low, down time procedure. If people do develop swelling than they should not sleep flat, but rather elevate their head on a few pillows and should not bend over at the waist or do exercise until the swelling subsides in a couple of days.

Generally speaking, bruising after Ultherapy is rare. However, if it occurs, it is most likely related to pressure applied to the hand-piece and will most likely resolve in the next week or two.

Swelling and bruising after Ultherapy is a common side effect. Though most patients will see this subside after a few days, it can last for up to several weeks. Topical apple cider vinegar, Arnica gel and/or oral Arnica Montana can also be used to help expedite the healing process of a bruise. If you have not seen any improvement after two weeks, call your dermatologist to schedule a follow up appointment.