FDA Approved, Ultherapy…the Non-Invasive Facelift

By Miguel Delgado, M.D.

For the patient looking for facial rejuvenation, there are many options available. A consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in facial procedures is recommended to help you sort through the many choices.

There are surgical and non-surgical procedures, depending on the patient’s goals, lifestyle, and budget. For the older patient who needs muscle and skin tightening the surgical modern facelift will give the most dramatic and lasting results. However, there are many patients that wish a more affordable and subtle improvement, without downtime for recovery.

Ultherapy is the only FDA approved treatment using ultrasonic waves, tightening and firming the skin from the inside out. The ultrasound goes deep into the layers of skin, and heats the targeted tissue which then triggers new collagen growth. The new collagen lifts and tightens sagging and loose skin.

With Ultherapy, there are no incisions, scars, anesthesia and no down time for recovery. The procedure lasts about 60 minutes. Due to the building of new collagen, the results are gradual, over a 2 to 3 month period.

Since there is not any surgery involved, the cost for treatment is much less than a standard facelift procedure. Savings for Ultherapy over traditional facelift surgery would be in operating room fees, prescription medications, lab tests, recovery, and anesthesia.

Ultherapy of Marin patients love the gradual improvement so that no one knows anything has been done. Further patients claim that their skin has a “healthy” glow, as the new collagen forms.

Dr. Delgado tells his patients that Ultherapy will not replace the modern facelift; older patients usually need more tightening of the muscles and skin than Ultherapy can provide. However, Ultherapy is an excellent treatment for the younger patient that has mild to moderate skin laxity. Results normally will last for 1 to 3 years, at which time another treatment may be done or the patient may opt at this time for a regular facelift procedure.