Had Ultherapy on chin and neck area. 5 days after, I still have considerable swelling under my chin area.

Question

Had Ultherapy on chin and neck area to reduce small double chin look. 5 days after, I still have considerable swelling under my chin area. I was given a short course of steroids yesterday for the swelling. How long does it typically show improvement when using the steroid pack? I am on day 2 of steroid pack.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Ultherapy can improve tightening of facial sagging features, but the energy needed to tighten these tissues, may create enough heat to induce swelling in rare individuals. With all procedures, when most patients obtrain good results with normal reactions, there will be a small subset of people that will react with either no reaction or an excessive reaction.  Swelling and even bruising, although rare after Ultherapy, has been reported.  Should this occur, we know that it is temporary and usually two to three weeks later it resolves.  Head elevation, no exercise, consuming Arnica, consuming a low salt diet  helps reduce swelling.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Significant swelling is a rare risk associated with the Ultherapy treatment. Ice packs, Sleeping on 2 pillows, Arnica, etc. can all help but either way the swelling will get better on it's own even if you don't do anything. It may take a couple of weeks but it will resolve. I don't recommend steroids. Ultherapy triggers an inflammatory response in your tissues and it is this inflammatory response that is ultimately responsible for the stimulation of new collagen. You don't want to slow this process by using steroids which inhibit the immune response. Best of luck to you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling can last a few weeks after Ultherapy.  Ice packs, Arnika Forte, diuretics, and time are the best options at this point.  If you are concerned speak to your physician, I would avoid oral steroids at this time.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The question you ask is an important one in that it is a surgical dictum during training not to wrap things like the neck in a circumferential manner as it could potentially restrict blood flow through the carotid artery system to the brain (very unlikely). Potentially life threatening asphyxiation due to airway compromise is probably the most important reason not to do what you did (unlikely but possible). The most important reason is that you have to go circumferential to wrap your neck to achieve what you want to achieve and even light pressure can restrict venous OUTFLOW from the head (brain, scalp, face, neck) and this could make the swelling much worse.I have done hundreds of Ultherapy procedures and wound never recommend what you did. Prop up your head on 2 pillows at night, take bioflavonoids (Swell-X) and the swelling will subside. Give it time. This is lymphatic swelling and it may take 2-3 weeks to subside. Swell-X link below.

Had Ultherapy on chin and neck area. 5 days after, I still have considerable swelling under my chin area.

Answers (4)

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