Had an Ulthera Treatment That Resulted in a Full Blown Staph Infection, Will It Heal?

Question

I had an ulthera treatment. I went under for it because I didn't want the pain. First I started having large cornshaped things on my forehead, and eventually it became full blown Staph Infection. I iced it during the days after the procedure. Will this heal? What happened? I thought Ulthera was one of those treatments that were supposed to get us back into regular life right away? I'm so upset. Will I be able to trust this therapy again, recommend it to others? Was the doctor just bad?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Mel,

	Ulthera is a relative no down time procedure.  It should not be the cause of your "infection".  It appears that you have swelling above the area that Ulthera is usually directed.  You should immediately see your treating physician for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.  If it is truly an infection you need to be on antibiotics.  We have never seen or heard of an event such as yours with Ulthera.  You should also contact the company so that their medical department can evaluate what happened. Please keep us informed of your progress.  Good luck and be well.

	Dr. P

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This is quite an unusual reaction to Ultherapy.  I don't think that anyone who uses the Ultherapy would find that to be a reproducible complication after Ulthera. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I am not aware of any reported cases of skin infection from Ultherapy. There is no break in the skin barrier with ultherapy and by and large it is considered to be a no down-time procedure although some people have some slight swelling. 

	Should a skin infection occur the doctor should examine the skin carefully to see if there are superficial openings, cracks such as preexisting eczema, or folliculitis which is a superficial bacterial infection of the hair follicles, or cysts below the skin surface that might have leaked during the treatment. Just as when someone tries to squeeze an acne "zit" and it doesn't get expressed outwardly but ruptures underneath the skin, a very inflammed red tender bump can form.

	Please see your doctor for appropriate management and follow up.

	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.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is complication that I have not seen or heard of with Ultherapy.  I agree with the previous doctors.  This treatment does not break the skin.  I would follow up with your doctor to be evaluated.

Deborah Pan, MD · Answer

I fully agree with the previous opinion. From the photo it is hard to tell whether this is an infection or swelling as an immediate side effect of treatment. Without knowledge of how the treatment was applied, I cannot form any opinion as to what this is. Certainly, you should return to your doctor for follow up and if unusual, this should be reported to the company.

	Personally I have never seen a response like this nor have had any patients with infections after Ultherapy. if you are unsure find another board certified plastic surgeon who performs Ultherapy to examine you.

Had an Ulthera Treatment That Resulted in a Full Blown Staph Infection, Will It Heal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Ulthrapy and infection

Answer: Ulthrapy and infection

Answer: Unclear side effect

Answer: Unclear side effect

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Had an Ulthera Treatment That Resulted in a Full Blown Staph Infection, Will It Heal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Ulthrapy and infection

Answer: Ulthrapy and infection

Answer: Unclear side effect

Answer: Unclear side effect

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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.