Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ by Ulthera®?

The Ulthera® System is the only energy-based treatment cleared by the FDA with the non-invasive lift indication. Ulthera® combines safe ultrasound imaging with focused ultrasound therapy to treat sagging facial skin and soft tissue.

2. How does Ultherapy™ work?

As with standard ultrasound – an applicator is placed against the skin and the deeper layers of the face are visualized. By visualizing the layers below the skin, the surgeon is able to precisely target the layer of facial tissue that will respond best to the treatment and provide the best lifting result.

The applicator is then used to deliver focused, tiny areas of heat to the deeper layers of the face. The soft tissue of the patient's face responds to this heat energy by increasing the development of natural collagen, causing a gradual tightening and lifting.

3. Is Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ painful?

The majority of patients experience very mild discomfort, less than what might be expected with laser hair removal. Most patients tolerate the procedure quite easily and without any pain medications. As with many cosmetic treatments, there is variability is how patients perceive discomfort, and some patients do report moderate pain. These patients can be treated with pain medication to ensure the procedure is well tolerated. There is generally no lingering discomfort after the procedure; patients leave the office very comfortable.

4. How much does Ultherapy™ cost at Dr. Leong's three Pittsburgh area offices?

The cost of the treatment varies depending on what areas of the face are treated. Some patients choose to only treat the brow area, others the lower face, and some patients want to have the whole face treated. Treatments start at $450.

5. What realistic expectations can I expect from Pittsburgh Ultherapy™? Can Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ replace the result of a facelift? Who is the best candidate for Pittsburgh Ultherapy™?

Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ is not meant to replace a facelift. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul Leong performs many facelifts for patient's with very significant sagging of facial, neck, and brow areas. During you consultation, Dr. Leong will very clearly outline what can realistically be expected from Pittsburgh Ultherapy™, and even more important, what cannot be expected from Pittsburgh Ultherapy™. Generally speaking, patient's with mild to moderate sagging of neck, facial, and brow areas who do not want to experience the down-time and potential risks of a facelift are the best candidates for Pittsburgh Ultherapy™.

Another good candidate for Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ are patients who have already had a facelift and have experienced some degree of recurrent facial sagging. Mild sagging of facial soft tissue in the years after a facelift does not mean the facelift has failed – this happens to some degree in all facelift patients, depending on genetics, sun exposure, smoking status, etc. However, Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ can provide a great boost to the post-facelift patient with some recurrent sagging.

6. How long does a Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ treatment take?

The treatment take between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on what areas are focused on. No preparation is required, and there is no post-treatment care needed, other than the patient's standard skin care regimen.

7. What can I expect after the Pittsburgh Ulthera® System treatment? How soon can I expect to see results?

Many patients note immediate improvement in the saggy skin and soft tissue of the face, neck, and brow – the degree to which this is seen varies from patient to patient. The standard treatment includes a brief break after treating one side of the face to permit the patient to appreciate the improvement in the treated side. The majority of patients note the improvement in the treated versus the untreated side immediately. The long-term benefit of the treatment gradually accumulates over the next six months.

8. Is there any down-time after the Pittsburgh Ulthera® System treatment?

No, there is no down-time. The patient can expect to return immediately to their usual activities.

9. Do some patients require more than one Pittsburgh Ulthera® System treatment?

A minority of patients request more than one treatment, 80%-90% of patients require only one treatment.

10. How long can I expect Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ results to last?

Clinical evidence shows that the results will last 12-18 months. However, longer-term experience with Ultherapy™ in Asia suggests that results might last three years or longer. The duration of results can vary depending on the individual patient's genetics, whether they smoke, their lifetime exposure to the sun, and other factors.

11. Who will perform my Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ treatment?

Dr. Leong performs all of the Pittsburgh Ultherapy™ treatments in his practice. He believes the results are superior and does not outsource this important responsibility to ancillary staff.



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