Can ultherapy damage lymphatic drainage system in face or lymph nodes?

Question

I had Ultherapy done 9 months ago. Since then, every morning when I wake up my face is completely swollen, especially my lower face. The swelling goes down somewhat by mid-day unless I'm on my cycle or its 80 degrees out. I have tried sleeping on extra pillows, using water pills like furosemide, and self lymphatic massages. I am worried my lymphatic system was permanently damaged by this procedure and I will have this awful facial swelling into perpetuity. Is this possible?? Thank you.Update: It turned out that I have an autoimmune disorder called Hashimotos. This disorder frequently causes facial edema. It was just my luck that it started flaring up right after I tried Ulthera for the first time! I recommend anyone that does this procedure and has excessive swelling that won't go away after many weeks to have your thyroid checked out.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

A very effective treatment for lymphatic swelling is to take a bioflavonoid formula like Lymphedema AM and Lymphedmea QOD. I have written a book about bioflavonoids and have Board Certification from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and recommend bioflavonoids. My book is called The Health Benefits of Citrus Bioflavonoids and you can read for free (see link below). I have never seen lymphatic swelling after ultherapy but diuretics DO NOT help relieve lymphatic swelling ! Lymphedema AM can be ordered from MyVeinStore.com

Carlo Honrado, MD, FACS · Answer

It's very unlikely that Ultherapy is causing the symptoms you've described. Ultherapy uses ultrasound beams to tighten and smooth the skin. It will not damage your lymphatic drainage system.

Robert Strimling, MD · Answer

No, Ultherapy has not been known to cause lymphatic damage or long-term swelling in our experience nor in the literature per my review.  I would recommend seeing your primary care or other physician for an evaluation as to a cause.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultherapy is a technique that uses focused ultrasound treatment.  This means ultrasounds beams (which we all know from pregnancy experiences when we "visualize" the fetus in the uterus) are used to focus on a point under the skin.  The heat that is created from this ultrasound focus causes the body to respond by making collagen in that tiny heated spot over the following 3 months.  Since the plane of treatment is a fraction of an inch, one would not expect the treatment to affect the lymphatics or the lymphs nodes,  those structures lie much deeper in the anatomy of the face and neck.In my own experience of countless Ultherapy treatments and in my reading of the literature, I have not seen a report of lymph damage from Ultherapy either.If your condition is not improving, it's best to discuss it with your doctor to see if there might be a better explanation.Reza Momeni, MD

Charles A. Wallace, MD · Answer

The answer is no, Ultherapy will not damage lymphatic drainage in the face, nor will it effect lymph nodes. Ultherapy uses ultrasound for lifting, tightening, and toning your skin. Ultherapy quickly and precisely heats the tissue below the surface to gradually stimulate the creation of new collagen.  Notice I say, "gradually", this isnot a quick fix but you will notice a more defined jaw line and a difference in 3 months, 6 months and one year.

Can ultherapy damage lymphatic drainage system in face or lymph nodes?

Answers (5)

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