So Sad I Did Ultherapy

What if the machine was used off label? Do they still pay the settlement?

I'm horrified. At least I know I'm not alone.

Doctors keep pushing it because the machine is expensive, and they need to pay for it. I'm with you, it should be immediately taken off the market.

Cyndi1954 did you have any adverse effects with the Sculptra?? I’m looking at having it done as ultherapy has also destroyed my face

I would like to know this answer ladies charming7354 and cyndi1954...I don't know what to do but I do know I'll never be the same and I just have to accept it.

No, not at all. Follow the protocol and go to a reputable physician and all will be good. It take a few months for the full effect. I had three treatments and am having one more, which will be a year later. So worth the time and money as it looks natural and last longer.

Do you mind showing any before and after pics? I’m looking for a light at the end of the tunnel and successful remedy stories always brighten me up

Hi, I did have Sculptra and Secret RF (microneedling) with PRP. Very pleased. Just finished my third round. Let me know if you would like me to respond regarding my experience.

Hi EAC68 I would love to hear....my experience with ultherapy ruined my face and I'm going for my first consultation on what to do .....thank you in advance so much!

Sweetheart! I am so sorry for the experience you had. It appalls me how these doctors, and aestheticians can be allowed to do this to the public. My experience is going to be lengthy, so buckle in and grab your favorite beverage and yes, it’s 5 O’clock somewhere. Sorry, I tend to opt for cheeky. But what I really want you to do is keep positive, cause this will get fixed. It won’t be overnight but it will get fixed and that is the most important thing. To start, I am 50. I unintentionally dropped a lot of weight and boy did it show in my face. Plus, let’s throw in some serious sun damage (thank you 70’s and 80’s). I am not a smoker and social drinker. I was also a runner and yes, runner face is a real thing. Let’s just say, I looked like a well worn, hollowed out, leather shoe. Looked older than 50 that is for sure. Yes, I do have photos but am not sure if I can upload them here on this person’s review.. But I do have them from Sculptra and Secret RF (Microneedling) PRP. I am very pleased with the outcome so far. I started with the Sculptra in early December 2018 and did 3 sessions, 6 weeks apart. There was minimal bruising and the needle prick did not hurt. There is some swelling from where the Sculptra is injected. When you get injected with Sculptra, you love the way you look for the first 48 hours after getting it done, but then the swelling goes down and you are back to your original face, but do not despair, this is something that changes over time. Also, let me make this clear. Sculptra is for your temples, all the way down the rest of your face. IT IS NOT MEANT TO BE USED ON YOUR FOREHEAD! I shout that cause some people did that and are now having problems. So, if some fool says, hey let me put this in your forehead, RUN, and cancel the charges on your credit card. Sculptra is to help you produce collagen and it starts immediately. Make sure you do the massage, 5 times a day for 5 minutes for 5 days. The massage is to make sure the Sculptra does not form and get lumps in your face and yes, those who did not massage, got the lumps. Also, you may not notice the changes, trust me they are happening. Take pictures of yourself My face is getting fuller, it’s gradual, but that is what I wanted, I didn’t want that “done” look. Now, after I finished the Sculptra sessions, my Dermatologist said I was a candidate for Microneedling (which is what I went in for originally but he said Sculptra was necessary first). The machine that was used is called Secret RF, its by Cutera. https://cutera.com/secretRF. The PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is your blood separated out. The plasma is a deep yellow with a hint of red to it, not worry, its you going back into you. That’s what I like about this, it’s all me. I also did my whole face and neck on all three sessions. They say you can do 3-4 sessions, I did three, maybe this fall, I will do a a 4th. Alright, Truth! It was as uncomfortable as F&*K! Let me explain before you say no to it. They use a topical to numb your face. That will be about 45 minutes. My face was done in sections. Right temple down to jawline to center of face, then left side, neck, nose, forehead and this is the best part. The eyes. You would expect the eyes to hurt like hell but it doesn’t. Also, they wipe off the topical for when each section is done. The reason he does it that way is to get the major discomfort out of the way first. When he started it, I was like , not so bad. Not gonna lie, as he went on, it was uncomfortable but bearable. I have a high pain threshold, this tested it. My Derm was great, he always asked if I needed a break, but I am one of those, get on with it, none of this malingering. But I will say as soon as he was done with one side, the discomfort subsided immediately. It’s one of those, while the discomfort sucks, the results are worth it. Also, take Tylenol before hand. One part that I hated was the upper lip, the tears were rolling with that one. The Dr. saw it and was like, should I stop and I was defiant and yelled “Keep going!” Ignore the tears. Seriously, you would have started laughing had you seen me do that. He saved the forehead and eyes for last cause that didn’t bother me at all. One would think because its on the bone of your forehead that it would hurt, nope, not at all. When each section is done, the PRP is smeared on your face and left to dry. When it was all done, my Derm took the rest of the PRP and injected it into my face, places that needed a little more support. Now I also have eye bags and he knows that is bothersome for me. He injected the PRP into my eye bags. Now, and he stated this, that it may or may not work, nothing is proven but he does it any way and since its you getting yourself injected with you, doesn’t hurt to try. I have noticed gradual improvement, nothing major but gradual with my eye bags. Now you know where I saw immediate improvement was my upper eyelids. OMG!!!!!!! My eyes were hooded and after one treatment, major difference. Noticed it immediately. Aftermath. When you leave out you have a crusty (PRP) sunburned look. Your face is warm to the touch. After about 4 hours, redness is gone. Also, for any of those who are going to do this. They say you can wash your face 6 hours after treatment. DON’T! Keep it on overnight.Keeping the PRP on overnight aids in the healing. Now each time I did the Secret RF + PRP, each after experience was different. Everyone’s skin is different. The first time, after I washed my face an over the next 5 days, my face felt like fine sandpaper which is what my Derm told me. Also, over the next 5 days my skin had these little brown dots all over my face (those are from the machine and the micro wounds that were produced. He said its either going to feel smooth like a baby’s bum or sandpaper. When the sandpaper feeling sloughed off, my skin felt like a baby’s bum. The 2nd time, not so much, it was about 50/50. Also, my second time took longer to heal. I wound up with track marks if you will, I took pictures. I was worried about that as I never experienced it. I did see the Derm about it and he said this was normal and that it was going to fade over time, which it did. My eyes were looking even better. The third time my skin, was soft like a baby’s bum. So, I think that is just the face producing more and more collagen. To be honest, I am not sure if there is much of a difference in my neck. I can’t really tell. They took pictures and said there was a difference. There was face swelling each morning after I woke but throughout the day, it settled. That went on for a about 3 days. Also, the only bruising was when he injected the PRP. Now there are two different types of machines out there, one is a smaller pen and I saw it on you tube and they literally run it across your face, where as this one is a bigger pen (I think 64 needles in the shape of a square). That is the one that I used. One thing that I liked about my Dermatologist is that he uses the machines himself and so does his staff. He said if he is using the machine on patients, he needs to know what it does and what it feels like. He said many doctors don’t do that. It works amazingly on pock marks. Also, remember, whomever you go to see, they are going to push the machines in their office, which may not be the best for your situation, I think a lot of people don’t think of that. Make sure if they are injecting that they are experienced injectors. My Dermatologist did all of the work on me, the assistants were just that, assistants. I should probably do a review on both and show the pictures. Pictures always help so people can have an idea of what to expect. I do wish you well and am so sorry that this has happened to you, I am sorry that it happened to anyone. The FDA needs to really crack down on this. I almost did Ultherapy and almost did Thermage but after reading the reviews on here about it, it only takes once for me to not do it. But then again it needs to be a proper review, can’t be, “it sucked” and that’s it. But I have seen enough about ultherapy to make me say no to it. But know this, it will get corrected. I know I can only speak for myself but when we do these types of things its to make us feel better about our appearance. When these rogue doctors and medspa’s come on the scene and wreak the havoc that they do on people, it just tells you right there, these folks don’t give a flying F about the damage they do, they just want the money. Quite disgusting. But here’s the thing, Karma will come for those people. You never have to wish revenge on them, cause Karma is coming, they will not leave this earth untouched. Please keep me posted as to how things go. I wish you well, I really do!

Told you it was long!!!!!!!

Hi EAC68, do you by chance have photos that you can message me? I’m very interested in what you’ve had done as a corrective measure to my nightmare experience of ultherapy. I’m only 29 and my face is ruined. It’s got me so depressed.

Yes, I do. I’m not sure how I can message them to you though. I can do a review for everyone and attach the link. I’m so sorry this is happening to you.

I’d love to see, and thank you. I’ll keep an eye out for your post. And I’m sorry too :( Too many people have been affected and no one wants to take the blame

You rock woman! Thank you. I am glad you haven't had to correct anything because of ultherapy but I run as well and am definitely getting runners face. I have not run this week because of not wanting to lose more weight in my face. I had an appointment today and the Dr. was nice but just referred me to other Dr's as if I was a liability. It's really frustrating. I will read your posts a few times but I doubt I will be doing anything - maybe some sculptra - I don't know. :) Thank you for your kindness and sharing!

I am so happy you took the time to explain all of this.

Witty410 what did you find out from consult to correct damage?

yes sculptra will give you all your volume back its amazing

I've been saying the same thing as Cyndi1954 above for a few years now. Ladies and gents, please listen to that advice--prp with micro needling or prp with Dot laser C02 therapy and SCULPTRA with a reputable and very experienced SCULPTRA professional that you feel truly comfortable and confident with. Other, shorter-lasting fillers can help if additional help is needed around/under eyes, around chin and lips, etc. if in places where sculptra is NOT used. If you see someone for sculptra and they tell you it's ok in all places like right under the sunken eyes, or in lips, etc., they don't understand sculptra and you need to see someone else. Be care, be safe, take your time with the improvements, and you WILL recover.

Oh my goodness that’s so great to hear! ❤️ Crappy that you went through that but I am so glad things have worked out better for you. It gives me hope. I had my second treatment 5 days ago and have lost a significant amount of volume.

No worries. Where did you have Sculptra done?

Wang Plastic Surgery in Upland, CA. They also have an location in Pasadena, CA

Robinlynn23 I'm trying to be positive but the same thing happened to me. I know I'll never look the same but I have hope that somehow I can at least get a fat transfer to help the situation. I wonder if putting fat over my structure that has been compromised is the best approach so still trying to figure it out. You aren't alone.

I get it, I’ve been hibernating for 11 yrs from a surgery that made me look very distorted. I lost my soul.

That is so sad Friendly6971. Is there no solution?

Individuals respond differently the side effects of volume loss possibility should be emphasized more.

Also I didn’t put eye photos as I’m just too embarrassed. However the results are the same - plush before, total death 6 weeks later and now softening a little.

Oh thank you Charming. I have been exfoliating to stimulate collagen (0.25 retinol A by SkinMedica but prob any brand works) at night. Using a good VItamin C/treatment serum (NEOCUTIS) during the day. Expensive....ughhhhhh. What I think helps with the dewy thing is the cheap stuff I put on aged the serum....Mary Kay Age Minimize 3D day cream spf 30 for oily skin due to menopausal breakouts around my chin. This MK is the best. I used to sell Estée Lauder and The other stuff I use is so expensive but nothing is dewy like this MK stuff!!! Last but not least my makeup artist girlfriend gave me this: dreamskin fresh and perfect cushion by Dior to use like a light foundation put on with a brush. It does defect a bit squashing the death look of ultherapy. God it’s been a lot of craziness. Never ever ever again. I really really do think it will get better for you too. We won’t be the same but I try to tell myself that the facial fat I did have probably sold have fallen in 5 years anyway....I know that’s really trying to make myself think it’s ok but it’s all I can do. That and post the truth on here. I should have been told to “spot treat” and frankly I don’t think anyone should do the full face unless there is a weight concern.

I will definitely look into all of those items in efforts to help my skin. Thank you for all of the recommendations. Unfortunately I will have to live this way forever. I turn 30 this year and was told this was a "rejuvenating" almost "heated facial" for my skin. My face has collapsed and my eyes are becoming hollow. Meanwhile my skin is showing new wrinkles almost every day. It's so depressing. I'm going to give PRP (platelet rich plasma from you right own blood supply) injections a try since they are supposed to stimulate the healing response under your skin, especially around your eyes. And unlike ultherapy, there is really no risk from PRP. I was lied to about ultherapy and was not told about all of these adverse effects. The tech even went as far as saying, "look it's already working! Your collagen cells are already turning over and you look like a baby" as soon a soon as the procedure was finished, which is humanly and scientifically impossible. I'm so mad and damaged that I'm going to seek advice from an attorney for this so I can possibly prevent other people from getting injured from this device. About a week after the procedure the right side of my face started to droop which was terrifying. So I immediately went to the doctor and was prescribed an aggressive dose of steroids which helped the inflammation go down and take the pressure off my trigeminal nerve. If I had waited like I've seen other women do on these posts, I would most likely have paralysis or at the least a drooped right side of my face right now. My mouth and eyes are constantly dry and an opthalmologist told me after examining me that I had blood vessels ruptured in my right eye. I'm sorry to unload all of this on you. It does feel good to warn others on here about this abomination of a procedure that is marketed as a "no big deal" facial

Charming this BLEW ME AWAY! I feel so angry that this happened to you. I told my daughter immediately. I can not believe they recommended Ultherapy to a 29 year old woman????!!!!! That’s immoral. I hope you do sue. If you google lawsuits due to Ultherapy there are a lot. The comment about how your collagen was already improving toward the end of the procedure was absurd. Thank goodness you went immediately to the doctor for the steroids. As a mother I feel sick to my stomach for you. I am so sorry for your pain. I think PRP is a great idea. My girlfriend did it and had good results. I wish I had done it instead. There aren’t risks if you go to a clean licensed place. I don’t even know what to say otherwise. Just that I am so very sorry. Your in my thoughts - if you ever have questions pls reach out.

Thank you so much SGG4. I’m thinking of you as well and hopefully in time we will heal and find peace of heart and mind

For breakouts because of menopause I would talk to your doctor about taking spironolactone. It lowers the male hormone that causes acne in older women as the estrogen decreases. I use it and it is a miracle drug. It is not even necessary to take daily.

You can message me if you are interested in hearing more. I have been using it for a few years now.

Thanks - everybody has been so great here