A non-invasive, natural-looking facelift, with no downtime or surgery required? There are no perfect treatments, but it’s fair to say that Ultherapy comes pretty close. Using micro-focused ultrasound energy, Ultherapy heats the foundational layers of the skin at specific points, boosting collagen production to remodel the structure of the skin. The production of new collagen occurs over the course of three to four months, where you’ll see a visible tightening around the eyes, chin, jawline and nasolabial folds.

“We’ve seen patients get the results of a surgical facelift using Ultherapy,” remarks Dr Liz Lum, aesthetic doctor from IDS Clinic. “The jawline is more defined, and they look younger by a couple of years at the very least. Other effects include cheeks that appear fuller in volume from the lift, while deep laugh lines disappear.” Indeed, the procedure’s discernible results definitely attributes to its mass appeal. This however, begs the question: Is Ultherapy too good to be true? What are the side effects, and is there anything consumers should be aware of before diving in? Vogue Singapore sits down with a panel of medical professionals from IDS Clinic to find out more.

It is a fully non-invasive treatment that grants formidable results
For those who are averse to going under the knife, Ultherapy serves as an ideal solution seeing how it is a completely non-invasive option. No needles are involved—but rather, a device that employs ultrasound technology. Dr Ben from IDS Clinic further elaborates, “It relies on focused ultrasound waves to penetrate to the depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm below the surface of the skin. This causes a focal heat injury to the skin and, thus, triggers a healing process.” This results in a gradual tightening and lifting of the complexion, with no surgery or downtime required. “It triggers a natural response by jumpstarting the body’s regenerative process, which leads to an increase in collagen production. The resulting skin lifting effect is authentically natural-looking,” chimes in Dr Michelle Wong, another aesthetic doctor from IDS Clinic.

Ultherapy can be personalised with real-time skin data
The most intriguing aspect of Ultherapy is in its real-time visualisation of the skin via ultrasound imaging, which allows for complete personalisation of the treatment and accuracy in its application. Dr Vivian Yong from IDS Clinic explains that tissue thickness and depths vary among individuals due to factors such as age, gender, body mass index, fat distribution and skin quality. “Important structures such as blood vessels can be avoided, and unnecessary pain can be minimised by avoiding structures such as the bone. Complications such as burns can also be minimised,” she points out.

Visible results can last up to a year or more
Patience is key when it comes to Ultherapy. In essence, the treatment directs heat energy to the foundational layers in the skin, triggering a healing process that generates new collagen. “Because of this collagen remodelling, you’ll look better over time, and results may continue to improve over time, without the need for surgery,” states Dr Ian Tan, aesthetic doctor from IDS Clinic. It should be noted, however, that he feels Ultherapy is best suited for those with mild to moderate skin laxity.

Minimal downtime
Apart from redness that typically subsides within a few hours, Ultherapy has virtually no downtime—though some patients may experience some mild swelling. It is recommended that you avoid excessive sun exposure, and to use hydration and collagen-boosting products to help prolong the effects of the treatment.

You can combine it with other treatments
Because Ultherapy is non-invasive, the results may be more subtle and natural-looking as compared to more invasive techniques, like injectables or facelift surgery. But it can be used in tandem with other procedures to delay the skin-ageing process as well as to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. “For example, Ultherapy prior to filler placement can densify an area of skin and tighten important facial ligaments, allowing for possibly less volume of fillers required to volumise a deflated area,” says Dr Yong from IDS Clinic.

It should be noted, however, that consumers should have realistic expectations of their results. Dr SK Tan from IDS Clinic further clarifies on this. “Perfection is often not possible and non-invasive procedures have limitations,” Remember that treatments are meant to enhance and improve, and the proportions of beauty differ for everyone.”

Book a consultation with IDS Doctors here!

First published on Vogue Singapore