Ulthera Vs. Long Term Retin-A Use

Ulthera uses highly focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen about 3 to 4 millimeters (about an eigth of an inch or so) under the skin, for a lifting effect. For this reason it has less of an effect on the surface layers of the skin so Retin-A (tretinoin) is useful in addition. Many patients also benefit from some sort of volume replacement with fillers or fat transfers to complement the cheekbone structure while maintaining a youthful look.

You can think of the aging process taking place at multiple levels of the facial tissue.  The most superficial is the outer skin, which bears the brunt of harsh environmental exposures such as the sun.  Retin-A is one of many treatments that can address the superficial skin by encouraging the outer skin to shed and stimulate new skin growth.  Ultherapy works by stimulating collagen formation at two deeper depths (3 mm and 4.5 mm) and depending on the thickness of the tissue, it may even stimulate tightening of facial muscles.  By combining this deeper tightening with superficial treatments such as Retin A, peels, etc., you can enhance really optimize these non-invasive approaches to maintaining a youthful look.

Retin-a (tretinoin) and ulthera are both clinically proven to incite collagen formation, but they do so at different levels:


Retin-a works at the uppermost level of the skin, exfoliating dead cells and creating collagen in the papillary dermis.  This results in a reduction of fine lines and a fresher complexion.

Ultherapy creates collagen works at the deepest level of the skin in the fat and the muscle.  This collagen acts to acts to buttress the skin, resulting in an overall lifting of the skin


In summary, both treatments create collagen (which gives our skin a tight, firm appearance, and which we lose as we grow older), but at different levels of the skin.