What is Ultraformer III?
Ultraformer III is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment designed to tighten and lift skin by triggering the body’s natural regenerative process. By using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy, Ultraformer targets critical structures underneath the skin’s surface to strengthen it and trigger new collagen production.
If you are dealing with loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles around the neck and facial area, Ultraformer 3 is a suitable treatment. Patients with concerns such as jowls, nasolabial folds, drooping eyebrows, double chin, neck lines, marionette lines, crow’s feet, loss of volume, and loose skin can all be treated with the Ultraformer III treatment. HIFU treatments can also target areas of the body where skin laxity and excess fat are present.
Your skin comprises three essential layers, each having unique characteristics and critical functions. The first layer is the superficial dermis that protects the body. The dermis is the thick second layer containing sweat and oil glands, hair follicles, nerve endings, and structural proteins collagen and elastin. The third layer, the SMAS layer, connects your skin to deeper structures such as muscle and bone. Each layer has a crucial role in keeping your skin firm and youthful, but as we age, your structural skin layers begin to weaken as collagen and elastin production lessens.
Ultraformer 3 delivers concentrated ultrasound waves into these skin layers to lift and tighten, contracting the second skin layer of collagen fibres to create an immediate tightening effect. The HIFU energy emitted by the device also stimulates other cells, including fibroblasts, to develop new, stronger collagen fibres. This process takes several months, but gradually patients will see more tightened and smoother skin that can last up to six months*.
*Note results vary from person to person
Ultraformer Treatment
Before undergoing the treatment, a topical numbing cream is applied roughly one hour before the procedure. During the treatment, the Ultraformer III device is applied to your skin evenly, emitting warm pulses of ultrasound energy and gentle heat as underlying tissue is targeted to induce new collagen and support existing structures. Ultraformer III treatments can take approximately 45-60 minutes on one area, such as the face or neck.
Ultraformer Aftercare
Although no downtime is required after receiving your Ultraformer III treatment, you may feel some side effects, including mild bruising, swelling, and redness*. The feeling is similar to a mild sunburn for one to two hours after your session, and the redness should dissipate after 48 hours. Swelling can persist for up to 10 days post-treatment, and less common side effects such as bruising can go away after a week. Some patients also experience slight numbness, dull aching, or tingling, which can last for a few days*.
Patients can usually continue their daily activities immediately after their HIFU treatment*. Still, we recommend avoiding strenuous activities for the first 48 hours after the treatment, as well as hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and other heat-based activities. It is also essential to avoid direct, prolonged sun exposure after Ultraformer III treatments, as exposure can risk hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and skin damage.
*note results vary from person to person
Cost of Ultraformer Treatments in Sydney
The pricing for Ultraformer treatments varies for every patient based on the treatment location, size, and whether multiple areas will be treated. Patients will have a bespoke treatment plan based on their concerns and desired outcomes, which will estimate costs with the recommended treatment plan.
Risks and Complications of HIFU Treatments
Mild side effects, including redness, swelling, bruising, and a sunburnt feeling are common. However, these symptoms are temporary and subside at varying times over the month following your treatment*. Permanent side-effects are rare.
Although this treatment can be suitable for anyone dealing with skin laxity and excess fat concerns, there are contraindications for Ultraformer. Patients must be aware of these and disclose if they have any contraindications. You may not be eligible for Ultraformer if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are under the age of 18
- Have a hemorrhagic disorder or dysfunction
- Have metal stents or implants in the face or neck
- Have skin cancer or suspicious lesions in the treatment area
- Have an active skin infection in the area
Patients with these contraindications risk complications if they undergo an Ultraformer treatment and should wait until they are no longer at risk before receiving the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone with mild to moderate skin laxity who wishes to prevent or lessen the signs of natural ageing and wants to combat these concerns via a natural approach may be the most suitable candidate for Ultraformer III.
Ultraformer III can cater to diverse skin profiles, and patients find the sessions primarily comfortable. They may experience minimal pain and discomfort*, but a topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand to minimise this. Remember that everyone has a different tolerance and various concerns needing treatment. The degree of heat required to achieve desired results varies for every patient.
This depends on the extent of your concerns and what you hope to achieve with such a treatment. Some patients can experience results with just one treatment and maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months, but this depends on your skin type and concerns. At your consultation, Dr Cope will devise a treatment plan with the recommended amount of sessions needed to achieve your desired outcomes.
Depending on your skin type, health and the extent of your concerns, you may be able to combine Ultraformer III with other treatments such as dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Combining Ultraformer III with those treatments can create potent results that effectively target fine lines and wrinkles in the skin’s deep folds to provide a more youthful appearance and address the symptoms and causes of ageing.
For skin tone, texture, and tightness improvements, non-ablative laser resurfacing can also be combined with Ultraformer III, targeting various skin imperfections whilst remodelling collagen in the dermis. Combining these treatments can deliver powerful, comprehensive results in fewer treatments for smooth, toned, and youthful skin.
*Note results vary from patient to patient
