How is Ultherapy different from RF skin tightening?+
RF skin tightening (like Forma or Exilis) heats the dermis and superficial subdermis to stimulate collagen at depths of 1–3mm. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to reach depths of up to 4.5mm — targeting the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, the same fibromuscular tissue tightened during surgical facelifts. This deeper access is what produces the more significant lifting and repositioning effect that RF alone cannot achieve.
Is Ultherapy painful?+
Ultherapy is the most intense non-invasive aesthetic treatment in terms of discomfort during the procedure. BHRC Westlake Village offers oral pain management (OTC or prescription) and topical numbing to minimize discomfort. The sensation during treatment — heat and pressure at the energy delivery points — is temporary and subsides after each pulse. Most patients find the discomfort very manageable with proper preparation.
How long does Ultherapy take at BHRC Westlake Village?+
A full face and neck Ultherapy treatment at BHRC Westlake Village takes 60–90 minutes. Targeted area treatments (brow only or under-chin only) take 30–45 minutes. The procedure is performed in a single session — no series of sessions required for a full treatment course, though some patients choose to repeat annually.
When will I see Ultherapy results?+
Some patients notice mild immediate lifting as treated tissue contracts from heat. However, the significant lifting and tightening results develop progressively as new collagen and elastin form over 2–6 months. Most BHRC Westlake Village Ultherapy patients see their best results at 3–6 months post-treatment. Results typically last 1–2 years depending on the rate of natural aging.
How many Ultherapy treatments do I need?+
One full Ultherapy treatment cycle produces results that develop over 6 months. Most patients repeat treatment annually or every 18 months to maintain and build on results. Some BHRC Westlake Village patients with more significant laxity benefit from a second treatment 12 months after the first before transitioning to annual maintenance.
Is Ultherapy safe for all skin types?+
Yes. Because Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy (not light), it is completely melanin-independent — safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types. There are no restrictions based on skin tone or ethnicity. Ultherapy is also safe over areas with existing filler, though we recommend spacing treatments at least 2 weeks from injectable appointments.
What areas does BHRC Westlake Village treat with Ultherapy?+
Ultherapy at BHRC Westlake Village treats the brow (lifting), full face, jawline and jowls, submental area (under-chin tightening), neck (platysmal bands and skin laxity), and décolletage (chest lines and skin quality). These are the FDA-cleared areas supported by clinical evidence for Ultherapy's lifting and tightening effect.
Can Ultherapy completely replace a facelift?+
Ultherapy produces real, documentable tissue lifting — but it cannot replicate the mechanical repositioning achieved by a surgical facelift. For patients with mild to moderate laxity, Ultherapy can delay the need for surgery by years and produce results that are difficult to distinguish from early surgical intervention. For patients with significant laxity, Ultherapy can improve results while deferring surgery. BHRC Westlake Village providers give an honest assessment of expected outcomes during consultation.
