My 56th Birthday Present - Dallas, TX

It’s been almost exactly a year since my ‘birthday present’ full face Ultherapy, and I promised to return for an update, so here it is:

I regret having the procedure done. I am worse off than before the procedure because 1) I have facial discolorations from the transducer ‘burns’ and 2) My skin turgor (tightness) around my jawline is much worse off.

Procedure before and after photos showed a marked change in facial appearance, but not for the better. The photographer asked if I’d lost weight, because of the marked change in facial volume over 90 days. My physician offered to give me ’15 minutes’ with a different transducer at no cost to me, which I declined. Facial volume and elasticity has continued to decline markedly over the past 6 months.

I spoke with my physician’s assistant recently about my dissatisfaction and her response was ‘Didn’t Dr. X tells you that the procedure does not work in 25% of patients?’ Well, he did not tell me; and in fact, he assured me I would get good results.

I wish physicians were held to a standard that provided some compensation, based on performance and risk, for procedures that did not provide expected results. How often do you think plastic surgeons would perform procedures then? Oh, well … live and learn! The Ultherapy procedure did not work for me!!

3 months have passed and just had my dr. eval , viewing pre and post photos. He recommended a return at 90 days, since results are minimal. He sees 'a stronger chin line', but I don't see any difference that justifies the cost. I'll remain positive for a better 90 day result.

Well, this is day 21. The Dr. has seen me twice since the procedure was done - to evaluate the welts/zits, and what are small superficial minor burns on the neck and cheeks. Dr. prescribed a topical steroid for the burns and massage for the welts. The welts are smaller, still sore, but much better. Dr. said my skin was sensitive and hyperpigmentation (I call them T burn marks) will resolve with use of fade cream. The T burn marks are not that bad (like results of acne flare up), but I’m somewhat disappointed because I didn’t have them going into the procedure… but, it’s one of the known risks.

When my face was swollen, skin was tighter, but since swelling totally subsided, I don’t see a difference. Hopefully in 3 months the results will make it all worthwhile. I’ll update in about another month.