Ulthera Treatment: Are There Different Machines and Companies?

Ulthera is the only FDA approved focused ultrasound device for skin lifting. It is important to understand the differences between focused and nonfocused ultrasound, and ultrasound vs. lasers or radiofrequency (RF). Nonfocused ultrasound is used for physical therapy because it can gently warm tissues, but Ulthera focused ultrasound delivers tiny bursts of higher heat to stimulate collagen rebuilding under the skin. Focusing also allows for it to be placed at precise depths, unlike RF. Another focused ultrasound device is Liposonix, which targets fat in a deeper layer. Lasers are used more for peeling.

There are no other FDA cleared highly focused ultrasound devices designed to lift the facial skin other than Ultherapy. Physical therapists use external ultrasound for treatment of deep tissues but this is not the focused ultrasound and the heat generated with the non focused physical therapy ultrasound won't generate the new collagen and connective tissue tightening that we see with the Ultherapy unit.

Ultherapy is FDA cleared and safe. There are other companies (Korea, China) that market 'knock off' products but we do not recommend their use in the U.S.