We used to perform many Thermage treatments. The difference is Thermage uses bulk heating with radiofrequency and penetrates to a depth of  2.5 mm. Unlike ultherapy this does not penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin known as the smas (muscle layer) which is 4.5 mm deep which ultherapy can penetrate. Ultherapy uses energy in the form of focused ultrasound in a fractionated pattern (like fine water droplets coming out of a shower) as opposed to bulk heating of Thermage (which would be like a bucket of water being dumped). This bulk heating is painful to the patient. We find the clinical results of Ultherapy superior to Thermage.

By using focused Ultrasound a treatment can go to deeper tissue levels to produce not only additional collagen building, but also tightening and lifting these deep structures. Ultherapy® can treat at a depth of 4.5 mm, unlike previous technology which was limited to about 2.5 mm. Also the ultrasound imaging permits the patient and clinician to view the deeper structures to ensure energy is deposited precisely where it will be most effective.

A treatment can usually be done in 45 to 90 minutes, depending on which areas are addressed.

Comfort threshold vary from individual to individual. Most individuals do not need any pain medication. If you find the treatment to be sensitive, you may opt to receive inhaled pro-nox which is nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture during the treatment session. You will be lucid and comfortable. New protocols have adopted Ulthera amplify, which makes the treatment process much more tolerable since its inception. In our experience 80% of individuals tolerate the treatment without any need for pain medication or pro-nox gas inhalation. Should you choose the inhalation, you MAY drive yourself home 15 minutes after the procedure is completed.

You can experience some redness for a few hours. Swelling is typically mild and may last a few days. It is typically only noticeable to the individual and not other people. You may experience some temporary tenderness and tingling for a few days post treatment. You can go back to work the following day.

Lasers typically address the surface of the skin. Conditions such as age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars. Ulthera addresses the deeper layers that support sagging skin. Unlike its predecessors, its can treat deeper levels to achieve a Lifting effect.