Ultherapy Side Effects
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
Ultherapy has been one of the most popular and effective non-surgical skin-tightening treatments for more than a decade. Using microfocused ultrasound energy, Ultherapy is FDA-cleared to lift and tighten skin on the face, neck, and décolletage, making it a gold standard for non-invasive skin lifting.
One of the reasons Ultherapy has remained so popular is its excellent safety profile. Unlike invasive procedures such as facelifts, Ultherapy requires no incisions, no anesthesia, and no downtime, making it an attractive choice for those looking to achieve a more youthful appearance without surgery.
However, like any aesthetic treatment, Ultherapy does have potential side effects. Fortunately, when performed by an experienced provider, such as a board-certified dermatologist, the risks are minimal and any side effects that do occur are typically mild and temporary.
Common Ultherapy Side Effects
Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure with an excellent safety profile, but like any aesthetic treatment, some temporary side effects may occur as the skin responds to the ultrasound energy and collagen-stimulating process. The good news is that most side effects are mild, short-lived, and resolve on their own without requiring any special treatment.
1. Mild Swelling
One of the most common side effects of Ultherapy is mild swelling, which can last a few hours to several days. This occurs as the ultrasound energy stimulates deep layers of the skin, triggering a natural inflammatory response that promotes collagen production. The swelling is typically not severe and is more noticeable in areas with thinner skin, such as the jawline and under the eyes.
2. Tenderness and Sensitivity
Many patients experience mild to moderate tenderness in the treated area for a few days after the procedure. This sensation is similar to post-workout muscle soreness, as the deep layers of the skin and connective tissue have been stimulated. Tenderness is most common along the jawline, cheeks, and neck, but it is usually not painful enough to interfere with daily activities.
3. Temporary Redness
Some patients may notice redness immediately following the treatment, particularly in sensitive skin types. This is a normal reaction to the heat generated by the ultrasound energy, and it usually subsides within a few hours.
4. Slight Bruising (Less Common)
Although bruising is not common, it can occur in some patients, particularly if they bruise easily or take blood-thinning medications or supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil. Any minor bruising that does appear is typically localized and fades within a few days.
5. Tingling or Numbness (Temporary)
Some patients report mild tingling or temporary numbness in treated areas, especially around the jawline and along the nerves of the face and neck. This occurs due to temporary nerve irritation from the ultrasound energy but typically resolves within days to a few weeks without any intervention.
These common side effects are part of the natural healing response and are temporary. Most patients find that any minor discomfort or visible effects fade quickly, allowing them to return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Ultherapy Dangers: Uncommon Serious Ultherapy Side Effects
While Ultherapy is an extremely safe procedure, especially when performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, there are rare reports of serious adverse effects when the treatment is done incorrectly or by an unqualified provider.
It is important to understand that serious complications are incredibly rare in the hands of a properly trained expert. However, when Ultherapy is performed in medspas by non-physician providers with limited training, the risks increase. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we have never had a patient experience any of these serious side effects, as we ensure that every treatment is performed with the highest level of precision and safety.
1. Burns and Skin Damage
Ultherapy uses microfocused ultrasound energy to heat the deep layers of the skin and connective tissue. If incorrect settings are used or if the ultrasound is not applied correctly, there is a theoretical risk of burns or damage to the skin. This is extremely rare when performed in the office of a board-certified dermatologist who understands how to target the appropriate depths safely.
2. Nerve Injury (Temporary)
In some very rare cases, temporary nerve irritation has been reported, leading to mild facial weakness, drooping, or altered sensation. However, these effects are always temporary and resolve within a few weeks. The risk of nerve injury is minimized when Ultherapy is performed by an expert who understands facial anatomy and knows how to avoid sensitive areas.
3. Prolonged Pain or Discomfort
While most patients experience only mild tenderness for a few days, there have been rare cases where prolonged pain or discomfort has lasted for several months. This typically occurs when excessive ultrasound energy is applied to certain areas. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we carefully customize each treatment to ensure that patients receive the most effective results without unnecessary discomfort.
Why Choosing the Right Provider Matters
The key to a safe Ultherapy treatment is ensuring that it is performed in the right setting by the right provider. Ultherapy should never be done in a medspa or by an inexperienced technician—the risks of burns, nerve injury, and excessive pain increase dramatically when performed by someone who lacks a deep understanding of skin layers, facial anatomy, and proper laser and ultrasound safety techniques.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we take every measure to ensure that Ultherapy is performed safely and effectively, minimizing risks while maximizing results. We are proud to say that in our many years of offering Ultherapy, we have never had a patient experience any severe or long-term adverse effects.
When performed in the office of a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in non-surgical skin tightening, Ultherapy remains one of the safest and most effective ways to achieve natural, long-lasting skin lifting and tightening. If you are considering Ultherapy, choosing the right provider is the most important factor in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and successful treatment experience.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Face and Neck, Lifting Procedures, Ultherapy
