If you are seeking a non-surgical facial treatment or a mini-facelift without surgery, Ultherapy is a leading top choice for patients seeking alternatives to surgical facelifts or necklifts. Ultherapy is an essential cosmetic surgery treatment for skin tightening and natural facelifting results without surgery. In our Los Angeles plastic surgery clinic, Ultherapy continues to be the leading skin tightening treatment for neck aging, tech-neck, and neck sagginess. The treatment is ideal for collagen building and skin rejuvenation. Patients choose Ultherapy because it offers minimal downtime when compared to surgery, facelifts, or necklifts.
What is Ultherapy? Ulthera is an FDA-Cleared non-invasive device that uses high intensity sound waves to lift and tighten the face, neck, and chest areas. The treatment stimulates the body’s natural collagen building cells - known as fibroblasts - to tighten facial and neck tissue. Unlike lasers or superficial treatments, Ultherapy delivers energy deeply into tissue — reaching the same layer targeted in surgical facelifts (the SMAS layer) — which promotes lasting structural lift and rejuvenation.
Ultherapy treatments are performed in a clinic setting, with most procedures taking about one hour to perform. Results are seen immediately and improve over 6-8 weeks after treatments.
Many patients are now comparing Ultherapy to Sofwave, an alternate thermal energy device that is being marketed for facial tightening. Both devices are FDA-Cleared and use ultrasound energy to stimulate collage. The benefits of Ultherapy over Sofwave are many.
1. Deeper Tissue Targeting: Ultherapy delivers energy at multiple depths — 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm — including down to the SMAS layer, where surgical facelifts work. Sofwave typically targets only the mid-dermis (~1.5 mm). This deeper penetration gives Ultherapy an edge when it comes to lifting and structural tightening.
2. Real-Time Visualization: Ultherapy uses real-time imaging so clinicians can see where energy is delivered, improving precision and safety. Sofwave does not offer this level of imaging.
3. Comprehensive Lift: Because Ultherapy engages deeper tissues, it not only improves skin texture but also helps lift the jawline, neck, and brows — making it better suited for mini facelift outcomes. Sofwave tends to focus more on surface tightening and texture improvement.
While some patients find Sofwave more comfortable due to built-in cooling technology and typically shorter treatment times, Ultherapy’s deeper lift makes it a more powerful choice for patients seeking noticeable contouring with lasting effects.
At Raffy Karamanoukian, MD FACS, patients benefit from a blend of clinical expertise, personalized care, and advanced technology that ensures superior Ultherapy results. Here are five reasons to consider Dr. Karamanoukian for your Ultherapy treatment:
1. Board-Certified Expertise: Dr. Karamanoukian is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a deep understanding of facial anatomy, surgical techniques, and advanced non-surgical modalities — ensuring safe and effective treatment planning tailored to your goals.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient’s facial structure and skin concerns are unique. Dr. Karamanoukian crafts individualized Ultherapy plans that may integrate other complementary treatments like fillers, Botox, or skin resurfacing for enhanced results.
3. Focus on Natural Results: The goal at Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center is to deliver natural-looking lift and rejuvenation, helping patients look refreshed without appearing “over-done.”
4. Minimal Downtime Approach: Ultherapy at this practice emphasizes patient comfort and recovery, with most people returning to normal activities immediately — a major advantage over surgical facelifts.
5. Deep Understanding of Facial Aging: Dr. Karamanoukian’s expertise extends beyond Ultherapy. His comprehensive knowledge of facial aging enables him to identify when deeper surgical options or combined treatments might better serve long-term aesthetic goals.
Is Ultherapy Right for You? If you’re interested in a non-surgical mini facelift in Santa Monica that can restore lift, tighten lax skin, and rejuvenate your natural contours, Ultherapy might be the right choice. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center to explore how this advanced ultrasound treatment can help you look refreshed with minimal downtime.