Ultherapy® treatments

A guide to understanding Ultherapy treatment

Ultrasound treatment with Ultherapy is performed in the consultation room, as it is a non-invasive technique. At the start of the session, the skin is cleansed and the treatment areas are assessed. A conductive gel, similar to that used in ultrasound scans, is applied to the skin to ensure comfort during the approximately 8,000 ultrasound pulses delivered by the device.

The handpiece is then gently passed over the skin without applying pressure. Microfocused ultrasound energy penetrates the skin surface and reaches the programmed depth (up to a maximum of 4.5 millimetres). The heat released acts selectively on the targeted points, producing immediate tissue contraction and stimulating the body’s natural collagen production.

Microfocused ultrasound treatment is generally well tolerated. In some cases, patients may experience mild discomfort, which can be prevented or alleviated by applying a thin layer of topical anaesthetic beforehand.

At the end of the session, mild redness or slight swelling may appear. These are transient and mild effects that usually resolve within a few hours or days. Patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately. No specific recovery measures, rest or time off work are required.

Ultrasound treatment typically consists of one to three sessions, depending on the degree of skin laxity. Sessions are usually spaced approximately three weeks apart and last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the areas treated.

Results of microfocused ultrasound treatment

Although an immediate “refreshed” appearance and increased tissue tightness may be noticed at the end of the session—particularly along the jawline and the tail of the eyebrow—the true results of focused ultrasound treatment begin to appear around three weeks after the procedure. Improvement continues progressively, reaching its peak at around the second or third month, when the skin achieves its definitive level of firmness. This gradual improvement is due to the regeneration of collagen and elastin, the key proteins responsible for skin firmness and structural support.

Results may last one year or longer, depending on the patient’s baseline condition, individual ageing process and general skin care habits, such as photoprotection, overall health, smoking status and lifestyle factors.

From that point onwards, if the patient wishes, the treatment can be repeated or combined with complementary procedures, such as skin tightening systems or collagen stimulator injections, to maintain or enhance the results.

“In general, the best outcomes are achieved by combining different therapeutic options and initiating treatment at an early stage”

Indications for microfocused ultrasound treatment

Microfocused ultrasound treatment is primarily indicated for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity, especially those who also wish to lift the eyebrows or improve drooping eyelids, as it delivers excellent results for periocular wrinkles (crow’s feet).

It has also become a key treatment for redefining the jawline, thanks to its tightening effect on the lower third of the face, the lower mandibular area and the submental region beneath the chin. By tightening the tissues of the neck, microfocused ultrasound can help reduce the appearance of submental fullness (double chin) and improve wrinkles on the neck and décolletage.

This facial treatment does not replace surgical lifting procedures, but it has become a valid alternative for patients who do not wish to undergo surgery to address facial and neck skin laxity.

In addition, it is an excellent option for individuals seeking to prevent facial ageing in a non-invasive way, correct early signs of ageing without abrupt changes in appearance, or prolong the effects of aesthetic surgery.

Advantages of high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment

Some of the main advantages of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment include the following:

More information

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