Ultherapy at a Glance:
- Ultherapyis an FDA-cleared procedure that reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, décolletage (chest area), and other areas of the body.
- It is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes ultrasound technology.
- It has no downtime and requires only one to two sessions every year.
Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared and non-surgical treatment targeted to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest.
Sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles are some of the biggest problems of men and women as they age. Ultherapy is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and tighten the skin. It is first ultrasound treatment to get an approval from the Food and Drug Administration in 2009. [1]
What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is an FDA approved and non-surgical treatment targeted to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest. The procedure is an alternative to a facelift. It was first cleared by the FDA in 2009 and has been growing in popularity ever since. Utilizing ultrasound technology, it is designed to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Although it was intended to only treat areas of the face, Ultherapy is now also used on other parts of the body. It is now used to treat sagging parts of the stomach, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
How Does It Work?
As we age, collagen production slows down. Wrinkles and lines appear and become more evident. Ultherapy takes advantage of our body’s healing properties by heating the skin to stimulate it to create more collagen and elastin. An applicator that emits ultrasound and creates heat is repeatedly applied to penetrate the skin at different depths.
Through the use of different applicator heads, the heat reaches up to the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), the fibrous tissues surrounding facial muscles, to stimulate collagen and elastin regeneration and production. As a result, the targeted skin is tightened and the facial features are lifted. [2]
A study conducted in 2019 showed that the 85% of 50 patients found the results of Ultherapy done on the mid-face and lower face satisfactory. The results were evident at the end of one year. [3]
How Long Does Ultherapy Treatment Take?
A single session of Ultherapy usually lasts from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area to be treated. For the chest, treatment usually lasts around 30 minutes while if the targeted areas include the face and neck, it usually lasts around 60 to 90 minutes.
During the procedure, the physician or technician will clean the targeted areas for any oil or residue. Afterward, the ultrasound gel is applied. The Ultherapy applicator is then passed over the targeted area. This is done three times using three different applicator heads to reach different depths – one and a half (1.5) millimeters, three (3) millimeters, and four and a half (4.5) millimeters.
How Much Does Ultherapy Cost?
The cost of Ultherapy ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on various factors, namely treatment area, geographical location, and provider.
Larger areas, like the chest and the neck, would cost more than areas like the eyebrows. Where you live is also a huge factor in the cost of the procedure. In some countries and regions, Ultherapy is cheaper. A board-certified and experienced dermatologist will most certainly charge higher fees because of their expertise.
Aside from the aforementioned, a patient’s circumstances also come into play – gender, skin laxity, age, and muscularity will also affect the price of the procedure.
What Is the Average Cost of Ultherapy?
Relative to a facelift, Ultherapy is cheaper. On average, it costs around $2,300. As discussed earlier, the price can go up or down depending on several factors. The good news is, Ultherapy only requires one to two sessions a year and the results last for several years.
Cost of Ultherapy for Face
The price for Ultherapy for the face also differs in the part to be treated. The therapy can be done to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, eyebrows, and around the mouth. For the eyes and eyebrows areas, the treatment costs around $1,000 to $1,500. For the lower face, it averages around $2,200. Treatment for the full face and neck costs around $3,500 to $5,000.
Cost of Ultherapy for Neck
Another popular area treated using Ultherapy is the neck. The neck is one of the trouble areas for older people. As the major muscles of the neck are not supported by any bones, they become lose easily. As we age, the neck muscles weaken, thus resulting in turkey neck, a condition where the skin in the neck is sagging. On average, Ultherapy for the neck costs around $1,000 to $1,500.
Cost of Ultherapy for Chin
Some individuals, although in tiptop shape, can never seem to get rid of their double chin. Even with proper diet and exercise, some may find it hard to lose a double chin. Ultherapy is an excellent way to tighten the skin around the area to improve the appearance and minimize double chin. Treatment cost for the neck and jawline costs around $2,200 to $2,500.
Cost of Ultherapy for Eyes
Ultherapy also works to tighten the skin around the eyes. Some also use this procedure to get rid of eye bags and crow’s feet. This costs around $1,500.
Cost of Ultherapy for Eyebrows
Ultherapy was originally designed to lift the eyebrow part of a younger and more cheerful look. The price for treatment in the eyes is $1,000 to $1,500.
Cost of Ultherapy for Nasolabial Folds
Nasolabial folds are the wrinkles from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Nasolabial folds tend to appear less prominent with age. One of the many options to restore it is Ultherapy. The average cost to restore nasolabial folds through this procedure is $600.
Cost of Ultherapy for Lips
Another target area for this procedure is the lips. Not only does this treatment eliminate the wrinkles and lines around the lips, but it also results in fuller and natural-looking lips. The typical cost for this procedure for the lips is $750.
Cost of Ultherapy for Arms
As earlier mentioned, this treatment was originally designed to treat the eyebrows and other facial areas. However, it has also been discovered to be effective to tighten the skin in other parts of the body. For an Ultherapy treatment for the arms, one must be prepared to spend around $1,500 to $3,500.
Cost of Ultherapy for Stomach
This procedure is also used to tighten and firm the skin around the stomach. As the stomach is a rather large area, the cost is estimated to hit around $2,000 to $4,000.
Cost of Ultherapy for Love Handles
Ultherapy can also be done for the love handles. However, the procedure can be costly, and averages from $2,000 to $4,000.
Cost of Ultherapy for Buttocks
Ultherapy is seldom used for the buttocks. If it is done for the buttocks, it is usually coupled with other treatments for better results. On average, Ultherapy for the buttocks costs around $2,500 to $3,500.
Cost of Ultherapy for Thighs
It was recently shown that Ultherapy is also an effective way to tighten the skin on the thighs. Patients who underwent the treatment showed significant improvements within 6 months after the actual treatment. Costs are estimated to be around $2,000 to $3,500
Cost of Ultherapy for Legs
As for the legs, the average cost for the treatment is almost similar to the price for the thighs. After the procedure, it was shown that some women observed that their skin, especially the legs lightened. Costs are estimated to be around $2,500 to $3,500.
Cost of Ultherapy for Knees
As odd as it may sound, Ultherapy can also be used to tighten the skin around the knees. Although results can be typically seen just after a few days, the procedure is advised to be done in two to three sessions. Costs are estimated to be around $2,000 to $3,500.
Ultherapy Prices List (Approximate) | |
|---|---|
Item: | Price: |
Neck | $1,000 to $1,500 |
Neck Lift | |
Jowls | |
Jawline | $2,200 to $2,500 |
Doublie Chin | |
Chin | |
Face | $3,500 to $5,000 |
Full Face | |
Lower Face | |
Upper Face | |
Face Lift | |
Lines on Face | |
Under Eyes | $1,500 |
Under Eye Bags | |
Eyes | |
Eyes Lift | |
Eyelids | |
Brows | $1,000 to $1,500 |
Brow Lift | |
Eyebrow lift | |
Nasolabial folds | $600 |
Lips | $750 |
Stomach | $2,000 to $4,000 |
Abdomen | |
Buttocks | $2,500 to $3,500 |
Arms | $1,500 to $3,500 |
Thighs | $2,000 to $3,500 |
Legs | $2,500 to $3,500 |
Knees | $2,000 to $3,500 |
How Many Sessions of Ultherapy Do You Need?
Generally, only one treatment is needed every year. However, based on the patient’s skin laxity, response to the ultrasound treatment, and history, additional sessions may be needed.
How Long Does Ultherapy Take to Show Results?
The results of this procedure are noticeable within three to six months. It takes a while as the body will have to naturally respond to the ultrasound waves and create collagen and elastin. That is the very beauty of this treatment as it merely harnesses and speeds up the body’s natural healing process.
How Long Do Results Last and Is Ultherapy Permanent?
On average, the results of this treatment usually last up to a year. However, this can vary, depending on the individual’s aging process. It is therefore recommended that touch-up sessions be done to maintain the results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ultherapy?
The following are the characteristics of a good candidate for Ultherapy:
- Must be at least 30 years of age.
- Must have mild-to-moderate skin laxity.
- In good health.
- A mild to moderate sagging of the skin.
- Realistic expectations for the results of the procedure.
There is no age limit for this procedure. What physicians usually look out for is the skin condition and the overall health of the patient.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The following are some of the benefits of Ultherapy:
Cons:
The following are some of the downsides of Ultherapy:
What Are the Side Effects of Ultherapy?
Generally, there are zero to minimal side effects after a session. However, some patients reported having experienced redness, swelling, bruising, soreness, and numbness over the treated area several days after the treatment. Some note that they looked very flushed after the procedure.
Is Ultherapy Cheaper than Microneedling?
Ultherapy is more expensive than Microneedling. However, Ultherapy is more effective and the results are more long-lasting. Furthermore, it requires fewer treatments that prove to make it the cheaper treatment in the long run.
Is It Covered by Insurance & Are There Ways to Reduce Costs?
Elective cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. As it is an elective cosmetic procedure, Ultherapy is not part of most insurance coverage. However, most dermatological clinics offer flexible payment options.
It is best to consult with your trusted dermatologist and discuss payment options to reduce the cost.
Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Ultherapy?
Out of all the skin tightening and facial lifting procedures, Ultherapy is one of the cheapest procedures. Compared to facelift, Botox, and Thermage, Ultherapy is the more affordable option.
A facelift (also known as a rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure to tighten the skin. Aside from the fact that the procedure is quite expensive, it is also an invasive procedure requiring an overnight stay at the hospital.
On the other hand, the results of Botox are quite temporary. The procedure also requires a lot of sessions. Although the results of Thermage are quite similar to Ultherapy, this treatment is more expensive.
Summary
Ultherapy is a non-surgical procedure to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. It makes use of soundwaves to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. It is typically used for the face and chest. However, it is also used in other parts of the body like the arms, abdomen, hips, and thighs. Out of all the skin tightening and facial lifting procedures, Ultherapy is considerably the cheapest option.
Sources:
[1] Park, J, Lin, F. et. Al. Customized Treatment Using Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualization for Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Review of Skin-tightening Energy Technologies and a Pan-Asian Adaptation of the Expert Panel’s Gold Standard Consensus. 1 May 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8211327/
[2] Whitney, Z, Jain, M., Zito, P. Anatomy, Skin, Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) Fascia. 23 November 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519014/
[3] Shome, D, Vadera, S. et. al. Use of Micro-focused Ultrasound for Skin Tightening of Mid and Lower Face. 31 December 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7288869/.