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What is Ultherapy? How does it work?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical skin-tightening system. The treatment involves ultrasound technology delivered to the skin structure to trigger natural collagen regeneration to tighten and firm the skin on the face and neck. Ultherapy is FDA-approved, safe, and creates a remarkable improvement in skin quality.

What Does Ultherapy treat?

By stimulating collagen to rebuild itself, Ultherapy treats myriad concerns for those who prefer a non-invasive, non-surgical solution. This groundbreaking skin-enhancing treatment can improve the appearance of:

  • Sagging brows
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Sagging neck skin
  • Jowls
  • Crepey skin on neck

Candidates for Ultherapy

Ultherapy treatments are the perfect skin-renewing treatment for people who are not yet ready for a surgical facelift, want to avoid surgery as long as possible, or want to maintain the results of a facelift without a surgical revision. If you have mild to moderate skin laxity, see your brow drifting lower, or are tired of seeing saggy skin beneath your neck Ultherapy may be right for you.

The best candidates for Ultherapy are individuals experiencing early signs of aging, with laxity beneath the chin and neck area and fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. To prolong the results of a facelift, Ultherapy can help you maintain your younger, rejuvenated look.

How is Ultherapy performed?

The areas to be treated are cleansed to be free from residue or oils, and an ultrasound gel applied. The Ultherapy device is then applied to the skin, guided by an advanced ultrasound viewing feature to ensure the treatment is performed to the right depth for the area. Ultrasound energy is then delivered to the targeted regions. The sensation experienced is a series of quick, intermittent sensations of heat and tingling.

The placement of the applicator on top of the skin heats the tissue below the surface triggers a healing response, signaling your skin to create fresh collagen. This skin on your face and neck will regenerate from the inside out, with no disruption or damage to the surface of your skin. You may see a degree of toning and firming of the skin following your treatment, but the full lifting and tightening effect occurs over time as your skin produces natural collagen, which continues for up to six months. 

The treatment is performed in our clinic and can take from one hour to three hours, depending on the number of areas being treated. 

woman touching her face

Ultherapy recovery – what to expect?

Ultherapy does not involve any downtime. You may experience minor swelling and/or bruising post-procedure, but this generally resolves within a few days. The areas treated may occasionally look flushed, and can be soothed with the application of ice. Your usual activities may be resumed the day after the procedure. The optimal firming effects continue up to six months after the therapy, with results that can last up to two years.


While you may see immediate results, the firming effect is more commonly visible in two to three months—after the new collagen has developed in the treated areas. While Ultherapy results are not the same as what can be achieved with a surgical procedure, this is an effective non-invasive therapy for those who want to wait to undergo a facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or other surgery.

Ultherapy at-a-glance

  • Procedure time: 1 to 3 hours
  • Anesthesia: None, unless otherwise needed
  • Recovery time: One day
  • Can it be performed in conjunction with other treatments? No

FAQ

Are there side effects?

Some patients may experience some slight redness or swelling or tenderness but these will dissipate within a few hours.

Is Ultherapy safe?

Yes, Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology, which has been around for more than 50 years and has been used around the world for over one million treatments to date. There is no disruption to the surface of the skin.

Will I need multiple treatments?

Every patient is different, but most only require a single treatment. Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams will never recommend more than is necessary.

How does Ultherapy stimulate collagen growth?

Ultherapy sound waves produce a thermal effect beneath the skin, which stimulates the production of fresh, new collagen.

Why choose Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery for ultherapy?

Dr. Rousso is an internationally respected, triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with over three decades of expertise serving clients in Birmingham, Montgomery, and beyond. Always eager to remain ahead of the curve when it comes to cutting-edge cosmetic science, Dr. Rousso is passionate about introducing world-class technology that can help pause and even reverse the aging process. Your ultherapy treatment is carefully overseen by Dr. Rousso, who ensures unparalleled safety and personalized natural-looking results.

Dr. Austin S. Adams is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, making him an expert in facial anatomy. He is an active member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.

Dr. Rousso is the founder of the Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic, accredited by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care). This state-of-the-art sanctuary for aesthetic excellence is run by Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams's compassionate, knowledgeable staff, each of whom goes the extra mile to provide you with a successful outcome and a stress-free patient experience. Call us today to discover the benefits of ultherapy and find out if the treatment is right for you.

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