“What can I do about the loose skin on my neck?” That’s one of the most common questions we hear from women and men at our practice. This has been true for years, but people have become even more self-conscious about loose neck skin in the age of selfies and Zoom calls. Ultherapy—often called a noninvasive facelift—tightens and lifts skin on the neck, under the chin, and on the lower face.
What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that delivers focused ultrasound energy to the skin’s deeper layers, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. That, in turn, stimulates the production of collagen—an essential element of skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production diminishes, leading to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. One of the key advantages of Ultherapy is its ability to provide noticeable results without incisions or extensive downtime. (We answer other common questions about Ultherapy in a related blog post.)
How Long After Ultherapy Do You See Results?
The healing process that triggers collagen production doesn’t happen overnight. Some patients may notice some immediate changes due to the contraction of existing collagen fibers, but the full effects become more apparent over time. Most individuals start noticing significant visible improvements within 2 to 3 months after the treatment. The changes continue for up to 6 months, as one study concluded.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The longevity of Ultherapy results sets the treatment apart from other nonsurgical skin tightening procedures. Most patients need just a single treatment to produce the desired outcome, and the results can last 2 years or more. Scheduling touch-up treatments every couple of years can help prevent skin laxity.
Even though facelifts offer a more enduring solution, with results potentially lasting 7 to 10 years, many people want to avoid the procedure’s invasiveness and its associated downtime.
Extending Your Ultherapy Results
Once you’ve undergone an Ultherapy treatment, you can extend the life of the results by following a few good skincare habits. These include:
Daily skincare regimen: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, then follow up with a moisturizer. It’s a good idea to have two moisturizers: a lightweight one for daytime use and a heavier one to wear overnight that can nourish your skin as you sleep. Choose professional-grade skincare products.
Apply sunscreen daily: People in the Pacific Northwest sometimes skip sunscreen on overcast days. But the sun’s UV rays penetrate the clouds, so protecting your skin daily is essential.
Don’t smoke: Smoking breaks down the skin’s elastic fibers, reduces vitamin A levels, and narrows the blood vessels, restricting blood flow to your skin. These effects all accelerate the signs of aging. Smoking and sun damage are the primary causes of premature aging.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of pure, clean, refreshing water is essential for overall health, but it also helps keep skin moisturized and looking younger.
Ultherapy is a compelling nonsurgical alternative to facelift surgery. While it may not offer the same longevity as surgical intervention, its minimal downtime and natural-looking results make it an appealing choice for those seeking a more youthful appearance without the commitment of a facelift. Request a consultation at our Eugene, OR, practice to learn more about Ultherapy using the online form or call us at (541) 683-3234 to schedule an appointment.
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