While drawing on the same reliable ultrasound principles that physicians and patients have trusted for decades, the Ulthera System is considered a first-of-its-kind technology because it utilizes ultrasound energy on the face and neck to lift and tighten the skin in a short, 30-minute procedure.

This non-invasive procedure, called Ultherapy™, has been available in Europe, Asia and elsewhere since early 2009, but Grand Rapids plastic surgeon, Steven L. Ringler, MD is pleased to be among the first physician innovators adopting the technology in the U.S.

“We now have the ability to use ultrasound imaging to see the layers of tissue we want to treat below the surface of the skin, and then focus the same ultrasound energy to treat just the targeted tissue,” says Dr. RIngler. Because this is accomplished without disrupting the epidermis, or top layer of skin, patients experience no downtime whatsoever.

The treatment triggers the body’s own regenerative response, which in turn results in a firming, tightening and actual lifting of skin tissue over time. Dr. Ringler explains, “While it’s not a replacement for a surgical face or eye lift, patients like that the process is non-invasive. Once they understand that the results rely on rebuilding the supportive collagen fiber network within the skin, they also appreciate that the effects take place naturally and gradually. Ulthera™ provides me one more tool for giving my patients a full spectrum of options in facial rejuvenation."