Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a gentle, non-invasive ultrasound treatment that pushes back against the effects of decreasing collagen production and sagging due to gravity and natural aging. Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared procedure that uses ultrasound to initiate new collagen and elastin production in the dermis layer of the skin. This lifts, tightens, and tones the skin on the face, neck, and décolletage. At La Jolla Laser Clinic, we are so experienced with Ultherapy, that we’ve been designated an Ultherapy Premiere Plus practice.

There are numerous benefits that clients have noticed after receiving their Ultherapy treatment in the La Jolla and San Diego areas. A few of them are as below:

• Look younger, more contoured 
• Have tighter, firmer, better-fitting skin on the neck, jawline & décolletage areas
• Non-surgical and non-invasive uplift
• No downtime, no recovery
• Takes 1 hour
• Treat brow and eye and/or lower face and neck

Our Ultherapy treatments at La Jolla Laser only take about an hour. About 45 minutes prior to your session we recommend our Ultherapy patients take 800 mg of ibuprofen to alleviate any discomfort.

In your treatment, the Ultherapy handpiece is passed lightly over your skin. As it is moved, the handpiece delivers its focused ultrasound energy down into the dermis, the second layer of the skin beneath the outer epidermis. When the ultrasound energy reaches the dermis it converts to heat. When the body senses heat in the dermis layer, it assumes a wound has occurred and it initiates a “wound-healing response.” This involves the production of new amounts of collagen and elastin sent to the treatment area to “heal” the perceived wound. Of course, there isn’t any actual wound, but the new collagen and elastin improve the tone and texture of the skin, lifting and firming the area.

The secret to Ultherapy’s remarkable results is its ultrasound energy. Unlike tightening procedures that can damage the epidermis, Ultherapy’s ultrasound energy passes right through the epidermis into the dermis. This protects the outer skin surface and is more comfortable than other procedures. Plus, there isn’t any downtime for recovery. This separates Ultherapy from various laser procedures.

The ultrasound energy reaches to the SMAS, at the same levels as those affected in surgical face lifting. At this level Ultherapy places thousands of tiny energy deposits in the skin – both at 4.5mm and then at 3.0 mm. These energy deposits create what are called TCPs – or thermal coagulation points.

These TCPs cause a two-fold reaction. One is instant tightening and the second is the initiation of a gradual, long-term collagen production process that lifts and tightens both the deep SMAS layer and the dermal layer. The final results? Tighter, more lifted jawline and neck, an uplifted cheek area, and what amounts to a gentle brow lift.

The best thing about Ultherapy at La Jolla Laser Clinic is that it is non-invasive and does not require any downtime. There are also no restrictions following the treatment, which means that you can resume normal activities immediately.

Following the procedure, it is normal to notice slight redness in the skin, which should go away within a few hours. While some report swelling, tingling, and tenderness after the session, they are usually mild and temporary.

There are also rare cases where patients may experience temporary numbness or bruising on the treated skin. It is best to discuss other rare side effects with your provider during your consultation.