Lifting the Skin’s Foundational Layer

Tissue laxity is largely the result of structural weakening in the foundational layers of the skin (SMAS/Platysma). These layers were previously accessible only during a surgical facelift because non-invasive modalities, such as lasers and radio-frequency, are limited to treating in the dermis (< 3mm). The Ulthera System is the only technology that non-invasively focuses energy to 4.5mm deep, targeting the foundational tissue layers where laxity begins.

The Optimal Temperature for Neo-collagenesis

Clinical studies demonstrate that collagen contraction and denaturation are optimized at temperatures between 60°C - 70°C. The Ulthera® System is the only device that reaches these optimized temperatures at depth, without causing surface effects. The ultrasound energy is micro-focused to a point below the skin’s surface, causing cellular friction and heating tissue at the focal point to ~65°C. This heat causes collagen contraction and denaturation, forming a series of Thermal Coagulation Points (TCPs) approximately 1mm3. During a full treatment, over 10,000 TCPs are created at multiple depths, initiating collagen synthesis.

The Effect of Heat on Collagen

Precision Energy Delivery for Consistent Results

Without precise energy delivery, it’s impossible to achieve consistent patient results. Lasers are precise, but only treat superficially. Radio-frequency reaches deeper than lasers, but imprecisely bulk heats tissue at variable temperatures. Ultherapy® is the only technology that precisely heats tissue at prescribed depths using ultrasound. Energy is consistently delivered at a specific depth and temperature, with fractional spacing between TCPs to promote healing. Real-time imaging also allows clinicians to plan exactly where energy will be deposited. While patient outcomes are partly dictated by individual healing response, treatment delivery with Ultherapy is consistent and reproducible.