As we discussed in our previous blog post, Ulthera is an energy based, non-surgical medical procedure to treat skin laxity and lift the skin. Ulthera has been called by many a non-surgical facelift, but this terminology leaves out some important information.  Since 1997 patients have been seeking non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and this demand has increased some 231% between 1997 and 2009 according to ASPS statistics, likely due to the nature of elective surgery, downtime and even procedure costs. Using focused thermal energy at precise depths causes the tissue to contract and lift, and also stimulates collagen production.  Treatment is performed in your dermatologist’s office, and to treat the face and neck can take between 45 minutes to one hour.  Patients need not disrupt their daily activities and the discomfort during the procedure is manageable.  Some patients do not require any analgesics, but Dr. Mahoney can offer topical anesthetic treatments, oral medication and nerve blocks depending on the patient’s medical history.  Though the media like to refer to Ultherapy as a non-surgical facelift, this is somewhat of a misnomer.  Ultherapy is a nonsurgical procedure, and unlike facelift surgery there are no incisions and stitches. Ultherapy produces gradual results over a series of many weeks.  Additionally, there are patients who are great candidates for Ulthera and those who would fair much better having a facelift.  At West Houston Dermatology Laser & Skincare Center Dr. Mahoney takes time to carefully explain the Ulterapy procedure, how it would work for the patient, and in some cases refers patients to a plastic surgeon should they not be appropriate candidates for Ultherapy.