You may have heard about non-surgical skin tightening (also known as the non-surgical face lift.  though the technology can be used on the body as well). Until recently, the tightening was accomplished using radiofrequency (as in Thermage), infrared (as in Titan), or laser (as in Laser Genesis). Well now there's a new kid on the block: ultrasound.

On September 15, 2009, Ulthera announced 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market the Ulthera System, the first-ever ultrasound device for aesthetics that combines ultrasound imaging with focused ultrasound therapy to provide non-invasive lifting of the skin. 

One of the differences between ultrasound and other methods of non-surgical skin tightening is a technology the company calls "DeepSEE", which allows doctors to visualize the tissue beneath the skin and precisely deliver ultrasound energy to a prescribed depth. As with other non-invasive skin tightening procedures, the ultrasound energy is used to create a controlled injury to the underlying tissue. This injury then triggers the body's natural healing response in treated areas, resulting in increased collagen production which provides a firming, tightening, and lifting effect over time.

The new procedure is dubbed "Ultherapy", and is approved for lifting and tightening of the forehead and brows, though the company claims it has also shown promise in the lifting and tightening of the lower face and neck. In clinical trials, the treatment resulted in little to no downtime for patients with results still noticeable at 10 months after treatment.

It is important to note that non-invasive procedures like Ulthera cannot accomplish all the same things in the same way as a traditional brow lift or face lift. However, if you are scalpel-wary, budget-conscious, or too young to need surgery quite yet, the FDA approval of Ulthera presents yet another option in a growing arsenal of less extreme anti-aging options.

For maximum effects 5-8 treatments are recommended. Contact us today at 408-356-7050, to see if ultrasonic lft is right for you.