If you've read any Ultherapy reviews, you'd be forgiven for thinking it sounds a bit too good to be true. A non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that can tighten loose up skin, smooth out jowls and double chins? Surely not.
The rule in beauty, as in life, is that if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. But then again, as I've observed my lower face losing collagen and structure, and a distinct softening of my jawline post-40, I decided to suspend disbelief and give this tweakment a go.
Plus, with celebrity fans confirmed as Salma Hayek, Jennifer Aniston and Tess Daly, to name a few, I'd be in great company. But, as with any treatment, it's important to be realistic. Realistic about results, about costs, and - I'm sorry to say - realistic about pain. Don't be scared. Read my Ultherapy Prime review and discover if the 'no-scalpel facelift' could be right for you.
What is Ultherapy Prime and how does it work?
"Ultherapy is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift," explains Cosmetic doctor Dr. Rekha Tailor. "It’s used to counteract signs of aging like skin sagging and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest as well the brow area." There are no needles; nothing freezes, nothing fills. instead, an ultrasound wand is passed over the skin and the resulting heat, produced by targeted sonic waves, kickstarts collagen into frenetic healing activity; this tightens, lifts, and plumps from within.
Ultherapy Prime is the latest iteration of the treatment, which works on the same principle but with real-time visualising of the skin's structure, so your practitioner can seek out the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer - the sweet spot for stimulating collagen and elastin at a deep level.
Aside from the lack of needles or knives, Ultherapy Prime is booming due to its life-friendliness - from 20 minutes for one small area to about 60 minutes for a full face and neck. "I love this treatment for many age categories as it is a one-time, one-hour treatment with excellent long-lasting results," agrees oculoplastic surgeon and facial aesthetics specialist Dr. Maryam Zamani.
My Ultherapy Prime review with before and after photos
I'd say I'm an in-betweener when it comes to tweakments. At 40 years old, I've dabbled with Botox and other injectables such as polynucleotides, but haven't had any recently. My skin is well taken care of, but my lower face isn't hugging my jawline as tightly as it once did. So when the opportunity for an Ultherapy Prime treatment presented itself, I did not have to be asked twice.
I booked in with Dr Christine Hall at TakTouk Clinic. This is crucial information because treatments are only as good as the expert who administers them. I had a consultation a few weeks in advance and was advised to take a pick 'n mix of ibuprofen and paracetamol before my appointment and arrive early for numbing. That did feel a little foreboding on the pre-care front, because famously, Ultherapy is an uncomfortable treatment. So much so, Dr. Hall recommends patients not to book in during their period when we tend to feel pain more keenly.
During the appointment, my face was divided into zones, then on went the machine, and I lay back while Dr. Hall's wand zapped away on each area for about 40 passes. And how did it feel? I have a high pain threshold, and found 75% of the treatment totally comfortable, then 25% uncomfortable but not intolerably painful. I’d liken those bits to the ‘zing’ of a toothache.
Everyone's tolerance varies, but if you've ever had a tattoo or laser hair removal, you will definitely be able to handle Ultherapy Prime. Afterward, I was a little red and my jawbone a tad sensitive, but I definitely could have gone out that night without anyone noticing. I opted to slather on some soothing skincare and have an early night instead.
My ultherapy results
Drum roll please! At five months post-treatment, I am pleased to report that the results are very much in. My jawline is sharper and more defined, and that little rounded fat pad under my chin is less pronounced.
I've also noticed an unexpected 'lift' in my upper face, in particular my brows, which had been looking increasingly heavy pre-Ultherapy. I definitely have less sleepy-looking eyes as a result of this treatment. Plus, that rush of fresh collagen has given everything a pleasing plumpness boost that will continue to improve for the next few months, then should last the year. Happy days!
The results are clear as day to me, but to anyone else, they would be subtle, and that's the beauty of Ultherapy - nobody would think you've had 'work done.' This means if you want people to notice a dramatic difference in your facial appearance, it may not be for you (and honestly, knives probably do need to be involved for that). As for me, this is a perfect option for skin maintenance and rejuvenation - but as ever, it's 100% your call if it would be right for you.
What does Ultherapy Prime cost?
Ultherapy Prime at TakTouk Clinic costs from £2500 and you can expect to pay at least £1000 for treating a substantial area. As with any tweakment, from Botox to body procedures like EMSculpt Neo, the price varies depending on who performs your treatment and which areas are being treated.
Clearly, thousands of pounds is not pocket change, but many people require only one session of Ultherapy, rather than a course, as is the norm with treatments such as laser. And of course, a few grand actually is pocket change compared with surgical facelifts, which run into the tens of thousands.
Where can I find Ultherapy Prime near me?
Ultherapy is available nationwide, but as with any aesthetic treatment, it's crucial to do thorough research on the clinic or practice you are planning to visit. To find a list of GMC registered doctors and dermatologists, visit gmc-uk.org. Keep the following in mind before booking:
- Only have Ultherapy by a medical professional, ideally, a doctor who specialises in skin, not a beauty therapist or a salon worker.
- Do your research. There is never any emergency cosmetic treatment. Take your time and investigate who you're going to see; go to several people or clinics to decide.
- Be wary of special offers, chains with two-for-one deals, or persuasive staff. If you feel under any pressure at all, walk away.
