Ultherapy: Common Side Effects and Prevention Methods

Over the past few years, there is a rapid increase of interest in anti-aging which has led to significant increase in the popularity of demand in different laser lifting treatments. Particularly, non-invasive lifting treatments such as ultrasound lifting are gaining recognition among individuals starting from their mid-30s, up to those over 50, who are beginning to notice wrinkles or decreased skin elasticity and wish to achieve anti-aging effects without surgery. Among these, 'Ultherapy Prime' has established itself as a leading premium lifting device, utilizing High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology, which can accurately deliver energy to the deep SMAS layer without incising the skin.

Concurrently with the escalating interest in Ultherapy, there has been a rise in reported side effects such as volumetric fat loss in the cheeks, facial asymmetry, and localized post-treatment pain. These issues primarily arise from procedures performed without a practitioner's sufficient anatomical understanding or a precise diagnosis of the patient's skin condition. This is because if high-intensity energy is delivered to an incorrect depth, it can lead to fat layer loss. In this column, we will specifically explore the causes of Ultherapy side effects and the key treatment conditions necessary to prevent them.

Ultherapy Prime Treatment Principles and Effects

Ultherapy Prime​ i​s a non-surgical device approved by the U.S. FDA, based on High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology which directly delivers energy to the SMAS layer (fascial layer), which is deeper than the dermal layer, to induce lifting. This is an enhanced version of the traditional Ultherapy, characterized by its ability to precisely deliver customized ultrasound energy layer-by-layer, up to a maximum depth of 8mm, depending on the skin condition.

Furthermore, by utilizing real-time ultrasound imaging (DeepSee™), the practitioner can accurately visualize the treatment area while concentrating high-intensity energy at a single point to induce microscopic thermal damage. This causes the internal skin tissues to contract, allowing patients to experience natural and elastic lifting effects through skin tightening from immediately after the procedure up to 6 months.

It is typically applied to areas with structural sagging such as decreased skin elasticity, double chin, nasolabial folds, jowls, and marionette lines. It offers lifting that not only tightens the epidermis but also pulls up the skin's internal structure itself. Its appeal to busy modern individuals lies in the ability to resume daily life immediately after the non-surgical procedure.

Common Side Effects After Ultherapy Treatment

Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound energy precisely to the SMAS layer beneath the skin to induce lifting effects. However, depending on the treatment method and conditions, various side effects can occur. Common cases include sunken cheeks, loss of facial volume, facial asymmetry, pain or persistent discomfort at the treatment area, a sunken or dented appearance of the skin surface, and nerve irritation symptoms such as feeling tingling like pins and needles. Especially if there is thin subcutaneous fat or prominent facial bones, excessive stimulation of subcutaneous fat can cause an unnatural or old appearance. Such side effects mostly occur when the procedure is performed unilaterally without sufficient consideration of the operator’s anatomical knowledge or facial contours, or when the energy depth or intensity is set incorrectly , or when non-genuine tips are used, leading to uneven energy distribution and concentrated damage to specific areas. Consequently, Ultherapy is not a simple procedure that is not mechanically operating device; it is a highly complex procedure that requires careful analysis of skin texture and facial contours, and precise adjustment of energy depth, intensity, and angle to achieve safe and satisfactory results. Therefore, it is crucial to consult it thoroughly with an experienced medical professional and undergo a precise diagnosis before the Ultherapy procedure to anticipate potential complications in advance.

How to Reduce Side Effects of Ultherapy

To minimize the side effects during Ultherapy treatment, it is very important to thoroughly analyze the patient’s facial anatomical structure and skin type, then select the appropriate cartridge for each treatment area and adjust the energy depth and intensity with precision. For example, for thin skin area such as around the eyes and mouth, it is best to use the 1.5mm tip, for the cheeks and double chin, 3.00 mm tip and for less elastic jawline and facial contours, the 4.5 mm tip. Choosing the right tip for each area ensures safety. The treatment must always be performed avoiding areas where inflammation may occur. The angle and number of shots must be finely adjusted depending on the area. Above all, it is crucial to receive sufficient consultation explaining the potential for side effects, then decide on the treatment after an accurate diagnosis of your facial shape and skin condition.

AB Clinic’s Exclusive Ultherapy Know-How

AB Clinic does not view Ultherapy as a simple lifting procedure, Based on years of clinical experience and anatomical analysis, we have systemized the “Ultherapy lifting methout without sunken cheek” to pursue stable and satisfactory results.

Our clinic’s skin-tailored treatment approach begins with an in-depth ultrasound diagnosis by our dedicated dermatologists during the initial consultation, carefully analyzing facial structure and skin characteristics in real time. Based on this, we design the most suitable transducer depth, energy levels, treatment areas, and shot counts for each individual.

The procedure is performed precisely without causing unnecessary damage, helping to minimize side effects while maximizing lifting effects in a safe manner.

Because Ultherapy is not just a machine but requires high level of human skills, rather than judging the price or immediate results, it is more important to check whether the practitioner has sufficient knowledge of anatomy and experience to deliver the correct energy at the correct depth in the right areas. AB Clinic is a medical institution equipped with such expertise and a systematic approach, so if you want an effective Ultherapy procedure with minimal worry about side effects, it will be a very cautious and wise choice.