Safe to Have Ulthera if You Have Had Sculptra, Restylane or Juvederm?

Question

I keep hearing mixed things. I've read it is not suitable for people who have had dermal fillers, but then I also read articles from doctors saying it can be done in conjunction with Scupltra or Restylane. I had Sculptra, Juvederm and Resytlane in the last 18 months. Not much of each, but a little (I'm going to call my dermatologist to find exactly how much, where and when). So is it ok for me to have Ulthera?

Sarmela Sunder, MD · Answer

Hi,

	There are no studies looking at the effects of fillers in combination with Ultherapy. However, there have been reports that when Ulthera has been used over areas that have been treated with fillers, the fillers have been shown to dissolve. This usually occurs if the filler was injected within 2 months prior to the Ulthera treament, but there have been reports of this occurring with fillers placed as long as 6 months prior.

	With respect to Sculptra and Ultherapy, there is some belief that there may be a synergistic effect with combining the two, with a more robust collagen production. Again, there are no studies on the matter.

	At this point, I would recommend limiting the Ultherapy treatments to areas of the face where there are no fillers. Hope this helps!

	Dr.Sunder

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There may be ongoing data collection by Ulthera investigating any effect that Ultherapy may have on fillers, but results have not been published at this time.  The two questions would be:

	1. Would Ultherapy after fillers, damage the fillers and create an undesired effect?

	2. Would the energy of the Ultherapy hasten the resolution of the filler thereby decreasing the duration of their effect?

	There has been no clinical evidence of such that I've been aware from my colleagues to-date.

	Certainly, Ultherapy can be done and Sculptra, Perlane, Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse can be injected immediately after, even the same day, without being concerned about the two questions posed above.

Christopher S. Verbin, MD · Answer

It is best to try and stay away from areas with fillers as ultherapy can potentially break them down and lead to loss of volume. most common areas for fillers are around the mouth and nasolabial folds, which are not in regions treated with ulthera - so most shouldn't have any issues. In the cheeks though this might happen and patients are counseled about this.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

No studies have been done to demonstrate the safety of using fillers and ulthera. Your facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist needs to evaluate your anatomy and history to better determine your candidacy.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The effects of Ulthera when applied directly on top of fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm are not completely known but there isn't any reason to believe that adjacent areas could not be done. For example, if fillers are placed in the nasolabial lines (the furrows extending downward from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth) the cheeks could still be done with Ulthera for a nice combined effect.

Safe to Have Ulthera if You Have Had Sculptra, Restylane or Juvederm?

Answers (7)

Answer: No studies have been done yet - so we do not know for sure

Answer: No studies have been done yet - so we do not know for sure

Answer: Ulthera is OK with dermal fillers but not same areas

Answer: Ulthera is OK with dermal fillers but not same areas

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Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

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Safe to Have Ulthera if You Have Had Sculptra, Restylane or Juvederm?

Answers (7)

Answer: No studies have been done yet - so we do not know for sure

Answer: No studies have been done yet - so we do not know for sure

Answer: Ulthera is OK with dermal fillers but not same areas

Answer: Ulthera is OK with dermal fillers but not same areas

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.