Hello. I am dermatologist Jung Ji-in. As concerns about skin elasticity increase due to hot and humid weather, interest in lifting procedures is growing. Lifting procedures, once considered the exclusive domain of middle-aged individuals, have now become a topic of interest for almost all generations, starting from the mid-20s when skin aging truly begins. Today, I'd like to talk about Ulthera, a well-known representative among various lifting devices. For those who have decided to undergo Ulthera treatment, the first things you probably search for are 'Ulthera effects,' 'Ulthera side effects,' and 'Ulthera reviews.' As dermatologists, we naturally have more experience with Ulthera than our patients. So today, I will share my honest experiences from performing Ulthera for many years and undergoing the treatment myself.
What exactly is Ulthera?
Simply put, Ulthera works by delivering high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy to the SMAS layer, which is the cause of skin sagging, to lift the skin from within. The thermal coagulation points created during this process provide an immediate tightening effect and induce collagen production, allowing for gradual lifting effects. Compared to other devices, it can be more effective for fundamental lifting because it uses high-sensitivity energy to lift from deeper layers.
When do Ulthera effects appear, and how long do they last?
Ulthera effects do not appear immediately after the procedure like fillers. They tend to appear continuously from one to two months after the procedure, and sometimes even up to a year. Satisfaction is usually highest between 6 months and 1 year, and the effects can last for some time even after 1 year, making its duration of effect longer compared to other procedures. The long treatment cycle of 1 to 2 years is also one of the major advantages that those who receive Ulthera experience.
Is 'hollow cheeks' after Ulthera really safe?
The phenomenon of hollow cheeks, which is often a concern and inquired about, is known as one of the side effects that can occur after Ulthera treatment. This is highly likely to happen when Ulthera is excessively performed on areas with little fat without a specific design before the procedure. Therefore, to achieve good Ulthera results, it is advisable to avoid performing the procedure simply based on a patient's request to lift a specific area excessively. A design tailored to the individual's degree of sagging and face shape is necessary to avoid hollow cheeks. Conversely, this also means that areas with a bit more fat on the face can see even better results.
Ulthera effects tend to be most pronounced in cases where sagging and wrinkles have occurred on a face with a moderate amount of fat. While full-face lifting is possible, patients who receive treatment on the jawline, cheeks, and nasolabial folds tend to report high satisfaction.
Can Ulthera be safely performed without worrying about side effects?
Generally, effective treatment devices often involve strong energy delivery to the skin, which can lead to side effects. However, Ulthera is known to maximize lifting effects using high-intensity ultrasound with very few side effects, leading to high patient satisfaction.
The reasons for Ulthera's low side effect profile are as follows:
- Depth Control: Various depth adjustments are possible, such as 1.5mm, 3mm, and 4.5mm, allowing for customized treatment according to the skin layer.
- DeepSee™ Technology: During the procedure, the skin layers can be viewed in real-time, enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment. This allows for more precise and safer treatment than any other lifting device.
One of the main side effects of Ulthera can occur when recycled tips are used instead of genuine tips. Using non-genuine tips can deliver irregular energy to the skin, potentially causing burns or skin damage, and uneven energy delivery can reduce effectiveness. Therefore, when undergoing Ulthera treatment, you must verify the use of genuine tips.
How can Ulthera's effects be further enhanced?
Ulthera is a proven treatment, but it also has the advantage of not taking long (about 30 minutes) and allowing for a quick return to daily life as it doesn't show much after the procedure. Here's how to further increase satisfaction with Ulthera: combine it with Thermage, a radiofrequency lifting treatment.
Ulthera and Thermage differ in treatment depth, heating method, and application area, allowing them to complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. This can significantly extend both the lifting effect and duration compared to Ulthera alone.
We've now explored Ulthera, a representative lifting procedure. If you have any further questions about Ulthera, please feel free to contact us via the Yonsei Star Dermatology website bulletin board or KakaoTalk for a friendly consultation. We will continue to share many useful tips for your skin concerns, so please subscribe, like, and turn on notifications. Thank you.