Effective & Non-Invasive: Ultherapy

This is not my neck (& it might not even been this model's neck).I feel bad about my neck...so I got Ultherapy. Of course, that’s the condensed version.Yes, I am a Norah Ephron fan and ever since I heard about her book “I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being A Woman” I’ve have paying close attention to my neck. Now in my 30’s I’m seeing some differences in the overall quality of my skin...this is to say I use one of those 10x magnifying mirrors and study. For better or for worse, I am my own skin expert. I see and feel slight changes when putting on makeup or just in selfies. I figured it was time to do something about it. I wanted to tighten up my skin and keep it plump and supple, essentially stave off some of those key signs of aging.

Specifically, I’d like to:

Lift the eyebrows

Lift lax skin beneath the chin

Firm up neck tissue

Being needle-phobic has limited my quest until recently when I heard about a new treatment called Ultherapy.Ultherapy is a safe, non-surgical ultrasound treatment that counteracts the effects of time and gravity on your skin. Ultherapy uses the body's own regenerative response to gently and gradually lift skin on the eyebrow, under the chin and on the neck, and smooth lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. See some before and after photos here: www.ultherapy.comI went for a consultation with the man behind the machine, Dr. Matthew White, a facial plastic surgeon at NYU Langone Medical Center and pioneer of the Ultherapy technology. I had a q&a session and got to know just how innovative Ultherapy really is.[vimeo 38477495 w=640 h=360]Here are some FAQ’s about the treatment:What is unique about Ultherapy?Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment cleared by the FDA to actually lift skin. Ultherapy is also the only cosmetic procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue targeted during the treatment to ensure the energy is deposited to where it will be most beneficial. With the addition of the new Ultherapy® Décolletage Treatment, Ultherapy is also now the only non-invasive procedure specifically indicated by the FDA to improve lines and wrinkles on the chest.Can Ultherapy replace a facelift?Ultherapy treats the deep foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery, but won't duplicate the results of a facelift. Ultherapy is a great alternative, however, especially for those not ready for surgery or for patients looking to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery.How does Ultherapy differ from laser treatments?

Ultherapy uses sound energy - tried-and-true ultrasound - which has unique properties that allow it to bypass the surface of the skin to treat depths not matched by any other non-invasive cosmetic device. Ultherapy ultrasound stimulates collagen production in the skin's foundation, resulting in a clinically significant lift of tissue over 2-3 months.

Lasers rely on light energy, which cannot reach deeper skin layers at an optimal temperature, so laser treatments typically only treat superficial skin and are not FDA-cleared to lift skin. Since the two technologies often treat different types of skin issues, they're actually very compatible.

How does Ultherapy stimulate the creation of collagen?

Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration. The treatment jumpstarts a natural process, known as neocollagenesis, to produce fresh, new collagen. Ultherapy doesn't involve any creams, fillers or toxins; it just relies on your body's own collagen-building process for natural, noticeable results.

How long does an Ultherapy® treatment take and how much does it cost?

The length of the treatment will depend on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan. A face and neck procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, while a chest treatment takes approximately 30 minutes. Treatment prices begin at $2500.In the next post I will share my own treatment experience. Want to see if Ultherapy is right for you visit www.ultherapy.com.