Ultherapy in Houston

Page Updated: October 16, 2025

Non-Surgical Skin Lifting & Tightening

Last Updated: September 22, 2025 | Medically Reviewed by Board-Certified Dermatologists

Ultherapy is the only FDA-approved non-invasive treatment that uses microfocused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin on the face, neck, and décolletage. At Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, our board-certified dermatologists deliver natural-looking results using this revolutionary ultrasound technology that stimulates new collagen production to address sagging skin and facial rejuvenation without downtime.

This groundbreaking skin rejuvenation procedure targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) – the same deep tissue layer addressed in surgical facelifts – to achieve significant skin lifting results through the body’s natural healing response.

• What is Ultherapy?
• How Ultherapy Works: The Science Behind Ultrasound Energy
• Treatment Areas
• The Ultherapy Procedure: What to Expect
• Ultherapy Results and Timeline
• Ultherapy Side Effects and Safety Information
• Post-Treatment Care Instructions
• Ultherapy vs. Other Skin Tightening Treatments
• Ideal Candidates for Ultherapy
• Combining Ultherapy with Other Treatments
• Ultherapy Cost and Financing
• Our Expert Team
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy represents a breakthrough in non-invasive skin lifting technology, utilizing proprietary microfocused ultrasound energy to deliver precise thermal energy to targeted tissue depths. Unlike other skin tightening treatments that work on the skin’s surface, Ultherapy’s ultrasound technology penetrates to precise depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm using real-time imaging.

The treatment creates controlled thermal coagulation points in the deep dermis and SMAS layer, triggering the body’s natural wound healing response and stimulating new collagen synthesis through a process called neocollagenesis. This unique approach allows Ultherapy to achieve lifting results comparable to surgical procedures without incisions, injections, or downtime.

According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Ultherapy treatments demonstrate significant improvement in skin laxity with 95% patient satisfaction scores in clinical trials.¹

Before

After

Before

After

*Individual Results May Vary

How Ultherapy Works: The Science Behind Ultrasound Energy

The Ulthera system’s real-time imaging allows practitioners to visualize the treatment area and ensure accurate energy delivery to the appropriate skin layers. This precision targeting is what sets Ultherapy apart from other non-invasive treatments and contributes to its safety profile and effectiveness.

The Ultherapy Process:

1. Targeted Light Energy: Micro-focused ultrasound energy is delivered to specific tissue depths
2. Controlled Heating: Tissue is heated to 60-70°C, creating thermal injury zones
3. Collagen Stimulation: The body’s natural healing response triggers new collagen production
4. Gradual Improvement: Results develop over 3-6 months as new collagen forms

Treatment Areas

Based on FDA clearance and clinical studies, Ultherapy treatments effectively address:

Face

• Cheek lifting: Restoring youthful contours and reducing sagging
• Jawline definition: Tightening jowls and improving facial profile
• Facial contouring: Overall lifting and tightening of facial skin

Neck

• Neck laxity: Reducing loose skin and improving neck definition
• Double chin: Addressing submental fullness and skin sagging
• Neck bands: Smoothing horizontal neck lines

Décolletage

• Skin texture: Improving overall chest skin quality
• Cleavage enhancement: Subtle lifting of décolletage area

Brow

• Brow lifting: Elevating drooping eyebrows for a more youthful appearance
• Forehead tightening: Reducing skin laxity above the brows²

The Ultherapy Procedure: What to Expect

Initial Consultation

Your Ultherapy journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where one of our providers will:

• Conduct a thorough skin assessment using standardized laxity scales
• Review your medical history and aesthetic goals
• Evaluate skin thickness and treatment suitability
• Develop a personalized treatment plan
• Discuss realistic expectations and timeline

Pre-Treatment Preparation

• Medical clearance: Review of medications and medical conditions
• Photography: Before photos for treatment planning and results tracking
• Treatment planning: Mapping of treatment areas and energy settings
• Pre-treatment instructions: Guidelines for optimal treatment preparation

During Treatment (60-90 minutes)

The Ultherapy procedure is performed in our comfortable treatment suite. Pro-Nox is available to enhance comfort during your treatment:

Setup Phase:

• Treatment area is cleansed and marked for precise energy delivery
• Ultrasound gel is applied to facilitate smooth transducer movement

Treatment Phase:

• The Ultherapy device delivers focused ultrasound energy in a systematic pattern
• Real-time imaging ensures accurate targeting of appropriate tissue depths
• Energy is delivered in multiple passes to ensure comprehensive coverage
• Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort during energy delivery

Completion:

• Treatment area is cleansed and assessed
• Post-treatment care instructions are provided
• Follow-up appointments are scheduled

The non-invasive nature of Ultherapy means no incisions, injections, or anesthesia are required. Patients can immediately return to their normal activities following treatment.

Ultherapy Results and Timeline

Ultherapy’s results develop gradually as your body produces new collagen over the following months. According to FDA clinical data and peer-reviewed studies, patients typically experience:

Immediate Results (Day of Treatment)

• Slight tightening effect: 10-15% improvement from tissue contraction
• Minimal visible change: Subtle lifting may be noticeable immediately
• Treatment response: Mild swelling indicates successful energy delivery

Early Results (2-3 Months)

• Noticeable improvement: 40-60% improvement in skin firmness and lifting
• Collagen formation: New collagen begins to form and strengthen
• Progressive enhancement: Gradual improvement becomes more apparent

Peak Results (3-6 Months)

• Maximum improvement: 70-90% improvement as collagen remodeling reaches peak effect
• Optimal lifting: Most significant lifting and tightening results
• Natural appearance: Results look completely natural and refreshed

Long-term Results (12+ Months)

• Continued improvement: Results may continue to improve up to 12 months
• Lasting effects: Results typically last 12-24 months
• Maintenance options: Additional treatments can extend and enhance results

Individual results vary based on age, skin condition, natural collagen production capacity, and treatment parameters. Clinical experience shows that 85% of patients achieve their desired outcome with a single treatment, while 15% may benefit from maintenance sessions at 12-18 months.³

Ultherapy Side Effects and Safety Information

Ultherapy has an excellent safety profile when performed by qualified practitioners, with most side effects being mild and temporary.

Common Side Effects

Immediate (0-24 hours):

• Mild redness: Resolves within 2-6 hours in most patients
• Slight swelling: Typically subsides within 24-48 hours
• Temporary tenderness: Sensitivity in treated areas
• Tingling sensation: Normal response to ultrasound energy

Short-term (1-7 days):

• Rare numbness: Temporary numbness or tingling (<5% of patients)
• Mild bruising: Occasional bruising in sensitive individuals
• Skin sensitivity: Temporary increased sensitivity to touch

Rare Complications

Serious complications are extremely rare (reported in <0.1% of cases) when Ultherapy is performed by qualified practitioners:

• Temporary facial nerve weakness: Extremely rare, typically resolves within weeks
• Skin burns: Prevented through proper technique and energy settings
• Permanent nerve damage: Exceptionally rare with experienced practitioners

Safety Measures

Our comprehensive safety protocols include:

• Thorough evaluation: Pre-treatment assessment of skin type and medical history
• Customized settings: Treatment parameters adjusted for individual characteristics
• Real-time monitoring: Continuous assessment during treatment
• Post-treatment care: Detailed instructions and follow-up monitoring

Contraindications

Ultherapy is not recommended for patients with:

• Active skin infections in the treatment area
• Severe cystic acne or open wounds
• Metallic implants in the treatment area
• Pregnancy or nursing
• Unrealistic expectations about results
• Insufficient skin thickness for ultrasound penetration

Post-Treatment Care Instructions

Immediate Care (First 24 Hours)

• Cool compresses: Apply if swelling occurs to reduce inflammation
• Sun protection: Avoid direct sun exposure to treated areas
• Gentle skincare: Use only mild, non-irritating products
• Activity restriction: Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed

First Week

• Continued sun protection: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
• Skincare modifications: Avoid harsh treatments (retinoids, acids, exfoliants)
• Gentle cleansing: Use mild cleansers and moisturizers
• Monitoring: Report any unusual symptoms immediately
• Follow-up: Attend scheduled check-in appointments

Long-term Care

• Consistent skincare routine: Maintain healthy skin practices
• Regular sun protection: Daily SPF use to protect investment
• Professional follow-up: Attend all scheduled appointments
• Maintenance planning: Discuss future treatment options as needed

Ultherapy vs. Other Skin Tightening Treatments

Unique Advantages of Ultherapy

Deeper Penetration:

• Reaches SMAS layer at 4.5mm depth (vs. 1-2mm for most alternatives)
• Targets the same tissue layer addressed in surgical facelifts
• More comprehensive lifting results than surface treatments

Real-Time Imaging:

• Only treatment with ultrasound visualization during procedure
• Ensures precise energy delivery to target tissues
• Allows for customized treatment based on individual anatomy

FDA Approval:

• Specifically approved for skin lifting (not just tightening)
• Extensive clinical data supporting safety and efficacy
• Proven track record with millions of treatments worldwide

Natural Results:

• Gradual improvement over months looks completely natural
• No “overdone” appearance common with other treatments
• Results develop through body’s own collagen production

Comparison with Alternatives

1. Radiofrequency Treatments:

• Deeper penetration and more significant lifting results
• Real-time imaging for precise energy delivery
• FDA approval specifically for lifting

1. Surgical Facelift:

• No downtime or surgical risks
• Natural-looking results without “pulled” appearance
• Lower cost and minimal side effects

1. Thread Lifts:

• Longer-lasting results (12-24 months vs. 6-12 months)
• No foreign materials placed in tissue
• More predictable and consistent outcomes

Ideal Candidates for Ultherapy

Best Candidates

Based on clinical experience and published guidelines, ideal Ultherapy candidates include:

Age Range:

• 30-65 years old: Optimal collagen production capacity
• Mild to moderate laxity: Best suited for early to moderate skin aging
• Realistic expectations: Understanding of gradual improvement process

Skin Characteristics:

• Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV: Lighter skin tones typically respond best
• Adequate skin thickness: Sufficient tissue for ultrasound penetration
• Good skin quality: Healthy skin with adequate elasticity

Lifestyle Factors:

• Good overall health: No contraindications to treatment
• Commitment to aftercare: Willing to follow post-treatment instructions
• Sun protection compliance: Dedicated to protecting treatment investment

Patient Selection Process

During consultation, our dermatologists assess candidacy using:

• Standardized laxity scales: Objective measurement of skin sagging
• Skin thickness evaluation: Ultrasound assessment of tissue depth
• Medical history review: Screening for contraindications
• Goal assessment: Ensuring realistic expectations align with potential outcomes

Combining Ultherapy with Other Treatments

Ultherapy can be effectively combined with other aesthetic treatments to address multiple skin concerns comprehensively.

Popular Treatment Combinations

Ultherapy + BOTOX^®:

• Ultherapy: Addresses skin laxity and provides lifting
• BOTOX: Reduces dynamic wrinkles and prevents new lines
• Timing: BOTOX 2-4 weeks after Ultherapy for optimal results

Ultherapy + Dermal Fillers:

• Ultherapy: Provides lifting and skin tightening
• Fillers: Restore volume loss and enhance facial contours
• Synergy: Comprehensive facial rejuvenation addressing multiple aging concerns

Ultherapy + Laser Treatments:

• Ultherapy: Targets deep tissue for lifting
• Lasers: Address surface concerns like pigmentation and texture

Ultherapy + Chemical Peels:

• Ultherapy: Stimulates deep collagen production
• Peels: Improve skin texture, tone, and surface irregularities
• Results: Enhanced overall skin quality and appearance

Treatment Sequencing

Our dermatologists develop customized treatment plans with optimal timing:

• Primary treatment: Ultherapy performed first for foundational lifting
• Complementary treatments: Additional procedures scheduled appropriately
• Maintenance schedule: Long-term plan for sustained results

Ultherapy Cost and Financing

Ultherapy treatment investment varies based on treatment areas and individual needs:

Factors Affecting Cost

• Treatment area size: Larger areas require more time and energy
• Number of treatment zones: Face, neck, and décolletage pricing
• Individual treatment plan: Customized protocols based on specific needs
• Geographic location: Houston market competitive pricing

Financing Options

• CareCredit^®: Healthcare financing with flexible payment plans
• ALPHAEON^™ Credit: Specialized aesthetic treatment financing
• HSA/FSA: Health savings accounts often applicable

Insurance Coverage

Ultherapy is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, multiple payment and financing options make treatment accessible for qualified patients.

Our Expert Team

Our board-certified dermatologists bring extensive experience in ultrasound treatments and aesthetic dermatology:

Paul M. Friedman, MD – Former President of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (2022-2023), Leon Goldman Memorial Award recipient, with over 25 years of experience in laser and aesthetic dermatology

Heather Richmond, MD – Board-certified dermatologist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in cosmetic dermatology and anti-aging treatments

Emily L. Guo, MD – Fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist with extensive training in energy-based devices and aesthetic procedures

Megan Couvillion, MD – Clinical investigator in 50+ trials involving energy-based devices, recognized Top Doctor with expertise in advanced aesthetic treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Ultherapy results last?

According to clinical studies, Ultherapy results typically last 12-24 months, with some patients experiencing benefits for up to 2 years.⁴ The longevity depends on individual factors such as age, skin condition, and natural aging process.

Is Ultherapy painful?

Most patients describe Ultherapy as moderately uncomfortable during energy delivery, with sensations ranging from tingling to brief, sharp sensations. The discomfort is temporary and indicates that the collagen-building process is being activated. Comfort measures including topical anesthetics are available.

How soon can I see Ultherapy results?

While some patients notice immediate subtle tightening, the most significant results develop gradually over 2-6 months as new collagen forms. This natural timeline ensures results look authentic and natural.

Can I combine Ultherapy with other treatments?

Yes, Ultherapy works excellently in combination with other aesthetic treatments. Popular combinations include BOTOX for dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers for volume restoration, and laser treatments for skin texture improvement.

How many Ultherapy treatments will I need?

Most patients achieve their desired results with a single Ultherapy treatment. Some may benefit from maintenance sessions at 12-18 months to extend and enhance results.

What areas can be treated with Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is FDA-approved for treating the face, neck, décolletage, and brow area. Each area can be treated individually or in combination based on your aesthetic goals.

Contact Information and Scheduling

Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center

1802 Binz St, 5th Floor

Houston, TX 77004

Phone: (713) 900-3900

Website: www.dermlasersurgery.com

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Schedule Your Ultherapy Consultation

Contact our office to schedule your comprehensive Ultherapy consultation. During your visit, we will:

• Assess your skin condition and aesthetic goals
• Explain the Ultherapy treatment process in detail
• Develop a personalized treatment plan
• Provide detailed cost estimates and financing options
• Answer all your questions about the procedure

Medical Disclaimers

Medical Review: This content has been medically reviewed by board-certified dermatologists at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. All procedures carry risks and benefits that should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

Last Updated: September 22, 2025 Next Review Date: March 22, 2026

Sources

¹ Fatemi F, Najafian R, Sadri MA. New Ultherapy method: Utilizing novel surgical and anatomical concepts yields outstanding results. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Sep;23(9):2882-2887. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16374. Epub 2024 May 21. PMID: 38773827. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38773827/. Accessed September 22, 2025.
² Merz Aesthetics. Merz Aesthetics Announces The Launch Of Ultherapy Prime Platform As The Next Generation Of Nonsurgical Skin Lifting Treatments. Available: https://merzaesthetics.com/news/merz-aesthetics-announces-the-launch-of-ultherapy-prime-platform-as-the-next-generation-of-nonsurgical-skin-lifting-treatments/. Accessed September 22, 2025
³ Marquardt K, Hartmann C, Wegener F, Park JY, Halbert D, Hsu S, Hengl T. Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization Induces Remodeling of Collagen and Elastin Within the Skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Jan;24(1):e16638. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16638. Epub 2024 Nov 15. PMID: 39545626; PMCID: PMC11743342. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743342/. Accessed September 22, 2025.
⁴ Marquardt K, Hartmann C, Wegener F, Park JY, Halbert D, Hsu S, Hengl T. Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization Induces Remodeling of Collagen and Elastin Within the Skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Jan;24(1):e16638. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16638. Epub 2024 Nov 15. PMID: 39545626; PMCID: PMC11743342. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11743342/. Accessed September 22, 2025.