Ultherapy is an FDA approved non-surgical, no downtime, in-office procedure that tightens the face, jawline and neck! I just had it done on my neck – let’s talk….
It was my neck, you see
I love sharing the inside scoop on great beauty finds with you! Seriously – I AM A SHARE-ER. Let’s make that a word. When I find something I love, I have to share it! So here’s the deal – my neck was starting to bug me. It just wasn’t looking as tight as it’s always been. Waahhh!! Once I notice something – that’s all she wrote. It’s like an old boyfriend lurking in the corner. It’s just annoying and now you can’t unsee it.
It didn’t warrant any type of surgery, but personally I like to keep the dust off the windshield. Which basically means that I like to nip it in the bud before something gets way too obvious! I’m impatient that way. Pitfall of a Type-A personality I s’pose.
Anyway, I’ve known about Ultherapy for a while, but really didn’t pay that much attention to it. I vaguely remembered that it was supposed to tighten your skin and that it was super painful. Like some women had to stop & say no mas! Hmmm…..then it must be good! After researching more – here’s what I learned…..
FDA- approved Ultherapy Treatment is:
A non-invasive, non-surgical treatment for lifting & tightening skin on the neck, jawline and brow. Ulthera uses ultrasound energy to penetrate deep below the fat layer of the face to tighten connective tissue – the tissue that supports our neck and facial contours.
Over time, our connective tissue loosens & droops – causing sagging. By tightening this tissue, Ultherapy creates firmness and lifting to areas of sagging skin.
Off I went for a Consultation – then I did it!
I scheduled a Consultation with Brittany, an RN-BSN (Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing), at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Center, in San Diego. She is the bomb!
After discussing my goals, we decided that Ultherapy was the best treatment option to tighten up my neck, under the chin and jawline. I also decided to have the Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser done at the same time – because, why not?
SIDENOTE: A friend of mine had done the Halo with amazing results! Halo Laser is a skin-laser procedure that evens skin tone, improves texture, diminishes hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and creasing. In! In! Throw that in too!
I learned more about Ultherapy real-time from Brittany
+ Ultherapy is a beauty rejuvenation tool which was FDA-approved in 2012 to tighten & lift brows, chin, neck and chest.
+ It is not a laser. Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to strengthen the skin from the inside out. As the ultrasound energy heats the tissue beneath the treatment area, the skin responds by stimulating the production of new collagen.
+ The result is a gradual tightening, firming and lifting of the skin over time.
What it is NOT:
+ It will not yield the same dramatic results as a surgical face-lift.
+ Results typically aren’t immediate. It usually takes 3-6 months after treatment, to see results.
+ It is NOT cheap. I paid $3,500 for lower face + neck. Prices vary greatly depending on where you live and who you go to. I live in San Diego, which is a decently pricey market, and went to a well-known, highly reputable, accredited facility.
+ It isn’t permanent. Is anything, really? Some doctors recommend getting a treatment done every year or two. Yikes – where’s the piggy bank?
Why You’ll Love It:
+ It’s non-surgical, non-invasive, plus no downtime!
+ After Ultherapy – I was a little red but no big deal. I would have been fine going out that night – if I hadn’t continued on with the Halo Laser procedure.
+ It’s fast. Treatment for full face and neck typically takes only 60-minutes, so it’s pretty quick.
+ Most people only need one treatment. If you have higher skin laxity (sagginess), you may need additional treatments. Your provider will be able to advise you better!
+ Lifts and tightens, diminishes signs of aging. Need I say more?
+ Great option for those who don’t need, aren’t ready for ordo not want an actual surgical face-lift.
Quick FAQ’s:
Q. Does it hurt?
A. Supposedly – Yes. Big time. Ok, to be clear I don’t know this first-hand because I opted for drugs!!!! They gave me Demerol, which is a shot in the side of your hip – which fricking HURT, btw. I for sure dropped a couple of F-bombs. Brittany was shocked at my behavior.
Anyone who has had the treatment sans some serious meds told me that it hurts like a mother! Don’t you hate it when a Dr.’s website says something to the effect of “there’s slight discomfort but it’s just temporary.” Ummmm – NO. It fricking hurts and a 60-minute procedure is not temporary. Give. Me. Drugs. NOW!
Q. What pain medications were you given before treatment?
A. I have no shame. In addition to the numbing cream, I told Brittany that I wanted every legal pain med known to woman. No, seriously. After confirming that I had a driver (yes, as a matter of fact I DO have a driver. I call him “husband”), she administered a Valium and shot of Demerol, which is a pain medication.
The Demerol felt like a cozy, warm jacuzzi going through my body, then I started to feel really wasted. Basically like a Saturday night in my twenties. I felt zero pain during the whole procedure and honestly – I pretty much slept through the whole thing. That is exactly what I wanted!
Q. Are you happy with the results!??
A. As of this writing – I am 30 days out. Since Ultherapy stimulates collagen – the results aren’t immediate. They are seen in about 3-months. However, I’ve researched it quite a bit – and the results are noticeable unless you have heavy sagging. It doesn’t take the place of surgery. It’s sort of for those who aren’t ready for surgery – but want to see improvement in neck, face or jawline sagginess. Apparently a lot of women in their 30’s are starting to get it done – because it is being billed as preventative……
I will update you on my results at the 3-month mark and let you know the verdict. As of now – I’m feeling hopeful!
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