Ultherapy Skin Tightening and Lifting Treatment in Singapore
Dr Patricia Yuen
Accredited Dermatologist with the Ministry of Health, Singapore
BA (Brown), MD (Boston), Internal Medicine (USA), FAMS (Dermatology)
As we age, gradual changes in collagen levels can contribute to skin laxity, softer facial contours and a less defined jawline. While these changes are a natural part of the ageing process, some individuals may prefer a treatment option that does not involve surgery or an extended recovery period.
At Patricia Yuen Dermatology, we offer Ultherapy as part of our range of non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments. Dr Patricia Yuen will assess your skin concerns and discuss whether this treatment is suitable for your needs, helping you make an informed decision about your options.
What Is Ultherapy (Ulthera)?
Ultherapy is a non-invasive skin tightening and lifting treatment that uses micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) technology to stimulate collagen production beneath the skin. By targeting deeper structural layers involved in skin support, Ultherapy can help improve mild to moderate skin laxity in areas such as the brows, cheeks, jawline, neck and decolletage.
Ultherapy works at different tissue depths, including:
Dermis
The dermis contains collagen and elastin fibres that help keep skin firm and resilient. Treating this layer can help improve skin texture and the appearance of fine lines.Subcutaneous Tissue
This layer sits beneath the dermis and provides support to the skin. Collagen stimulation at this depth can help improve skin firmness and elasticity.Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS)
The SMAS is a deeper support layer that contributes to facial structure and contour. Ultherapy can reach this layer without surgery, helping to address skin laxity around the cheeks, jawline and neck.
Unlike many HIFU treatments, Ultherapy incorporates real-time ultrasound imaging, allowing the treatment provider to visualise the targeted tissue layers during treatment. Ultherapy also differs from Thermage, which uses radiofrequency energy rather than ultrasound energy to improve skin firmness.
Some clinics may offer Ultherapy PRIME, the latest generation of the Ultherapy platform, which features enhanced imaging technology and treatment precision.
What Causes Sagging Skin?
Sagging skin can be influenced and accelerated by several natural and lifestyle-related factors. Common causes include:
Ageing
As we age, collagen and elastin production naturally decreases. Skin becomes thinner and less resilient, leading to gradual loss of firmness and definition.Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates collagen breakdown and contributes to premature skin ageing, often resulting in wrinkles and skin laxity.Significant or Rapid Weight Loss
Substantial weight reduction can leave behind excess skin, particularly if the skin has been stretched for a prolonged period.Smoking
Smoking impairs blood circulation and increases oxidative stress, both of which can affect collagen production and skin quality.Poor Nutrition
A diet lacking essential nutrients may reduce the skin's ability to repair and maintain healthy collagen levels.Dehydration
Insufficient hydration can affect skin texture and elasticity, making signs of ageing appear more noticeable.Lack of Skin Care
Inadequate sun protection and skincare maintenance may contribute to accelerated collagen loss and visible ageing changes.
If you have started to notice sagging skin around the face, jawline or neck, Dr Patricia Yuen can help you understand your treatment options and whether Ultherapy may be suitable.
What Are the Benefits of Ultherapy Treatment?
Non-surgical, Non-invasive Treatment
Unlike traditional facelifts, Ultherapy offers a non-invasive way to lift and tighten skin, requiring no incisions or needles. This means you can achieve a more youthful look with little to no downtime.Minimal to No Downtime
Completed within 60-90 minutes, this non-invasive approach allows individuals to resume their daily activities immediately post-treatment.US FDA-approved Ultrasound Technology
Ulthera treatment adheres to strict standards, ensuring patients receive a treatment backed by rigorous testing and proven results.Natural, Gradual Results Over 2-3 Months
By stimulating the body's collagen production, this process initiates a subtle yet continuous skin tightening, achieving natural-looking results.Often Achieves Results in a Single Session
In many cases, Ultherapy allows patients to achieve their desired outcomes in one session.Visible Results Lasting 12 to 18 Months
The ultrasound technology prompts natural collagen production, resulting in lifting and tightening effects that last for over a year before a maintenance treatment is recommended.
* Results may vary among individual patients.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Ultherapy Treatment?
Ultherapy treatment may benefit:
Individuals with Mild to Moderate Skin Sagging
Those noticing early skin laxity around the cheeks, jawline, neck or brow area may benefit from collagen stimulation provided by Ultherapy.Those Seeking Gradual, Natural-Looking Improvements
Ultherapy works by stimulating your body's own collagen production, resulting in progressive changes that develop over several months.Individuals Looking for a Non-Invasive Alternative to Surgical Lifting
For patients who are not ready for surgery or prefer minimal downtime, Ultherapy may provide a suitable treatment option.Adults Typically Between Their 30s and 60s
Many patients seek treatment when early signs of ageing become noticeable. However, suitability depends more on skin condition than age alone.
Call 6235 1200 or submit an enquiry to schedule a consultation.
How Does Ultherapy Work?
Real-time Visualisation Technology
Ultherapy's real-time imaging technology allows dermatologists to see precisely which layers of skin tissue they are treating. They will be able to avoid blood vessels and bony areas and reduce any discomfort for the patient.Collagen Regeneration
Ultherapy delivers focused ultrasound energy at temperatures of approximately 60°C to 70°C to precise tissue depths beneath the skin. These controlled thermal points stimulate a natural healing response known as neocollagenesis, where the body produces new collagen and elastin over time.
Rather than creating an immediate tightening effect alone, Ultherapy encourages ongoing tissue remodelling that gradually improves skin firmness and support over the following months.Treatment of Specific Layers
Ultherapy can target different tissue depths depending on the treatment area and concern.At 1.5mm
– This superficial depth targets the upper dermis, helping improve fine lines and overall skin texture.At 3mm
– This depth reaches the deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Treatment here focuses on improving skin firmness and mild skin laxity.At 4.5mm
– This deeper setting targets the SMAS layer, the same foundational support structure commonly addressed during facelift surgery. Treatment at this depth helps improve lifting and contouring of areas such as the jawline, cheeks and neck.
Customisability
Everyone's skin is different, with differences in the thickness of skin and fat layers. Ultherapy is fully customisable according to each individual's skin condition, to trigger collagen production in the necessary areas and achieve the most desired results.
What Are the Treatment Areas for Ultherapy?
Utilising focused ultrasound to stimulate collagen production, Ultherapy targets areas including:
Forehead
Helps improve skin firmness across the forehead and may contribute to a smoother, more refreshed appearance.Around the Eyes
Targets mild skin laxity around the eye area, helping to improve firmness and reduce a tired-looking appearance.Cheeks
Supports collagen production in the mid-face to improve skin laxity and enhance facial contours.Jawline
Helps tighten loose skin along the lower face, contributing to a more defined jawline.Double Chin
Targets laxity beneath the chin to improve contour and reduce the appearance of skin looseness in the area.Neck
Addresses loose or crepey skin on the neck, helping to create a firmer and smoother appearance.Décolletage
Improves skin quality and firmness on the upper chest while softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.Brows
Provides a subtle lifting effect for the brows, helping to open up the eye area and improve brow position.Mouth
Addresses skin laxity around the mouth, helping to improve firmness in the surrounding area.Jowls
Helps tighten skin along the lower cheeks and jawline to reduce the appearance of mild jowling.Chest
Stimulates collagen production in the chest area to improve skin texture, firmness and overall skin quality.
Ultherapy produces gradual lifting and tightening effects over time as new collagen develops, helping to improve skin laxity and facial definition in the treated areas.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Ultherapy Treatment
Understanding the treatment process can help you feel more prepared and comfortable. From the initial consultation to post-treatment care, each step is tailored to your skin concerns and treatment goals.
Consultation
Your Ultherapy journey begins with a consultation with Dr Patricia Yuen. During this appointment, she will assess your skin condition, degree of skin laxity and treatment goals to determine whether Ultherapy is suitable for you. Based on her assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed, including the areas to be treated and the expected outcomes.Ultherapy Treatment
The treatment area will be cleansed and ultrasound gel applied before focused ultrasound energy is delivered to targeted depths beneath the skin. Depending on the treatment area, the procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes. You may experience brief sensations of warmth, tingling or discomfort during treatment, and pain management options are available to improve comfort.- Strong Topical Anaesthesia (Before Treatment) – A medical-grade numbing cream is applied before treatment to help minimise discomfort. This is provided as a standard part of the procedure for all patients.
- Intramuscular (IM) Painkillers – This optional add-on involves a pain relief injection administered before treatment to improve comfort during the procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous oxide is an optional form of inhaled sedation that can help reduce discomfort and promote relaxation during treatment.
- Oral Pain Medication – Oral pain medication may also be prescribed before treatment as an optional add-on to help improve treatment tolerance.
Post-Ultherapy Treatment
After treatment, most patients experience temporary redness, mild swelling, or tingling, which usually subside within a few hours. Hence, patients can resume their normal activities after the procedure. Over time, you will notice gradual improvements as the natural collagen-building process enhances skin tightness. Thereafter, annual follow-up Ultherapy treatments will help to maintain results.
With a personalised assessment and treatment plan, Dr Patricia Yuen can help you determine whether Ultherapy aligns with your goals.
Why Choose Dr Patricia Yuen for Ultherapy Treatments?
Changes in skin firmness and facial contours can occur gradually over time. Seeking treatment early may help address mild skin laxity and support your long-term aesthetic goals.
With over 25 years of dermatology experience in Singapore and the United States, Dr Patricia Yuen provides both medical and aesthetic dermatology care. Drawing on her understanding of skin ageing and collagen-stimulating treatments, she develops personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's concerns and goals.
Whether you are considering Ultherapy for early skin laxity or exploring non-surgical rejuvenation options, contact Patricia Yuen Dermatology in Singapore to arrange a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Ultherapy
What should I avoid after Ultherapy treatment?
After Ultherapy, avoid intense sun and heat exposure as they can worsen swelling and redness. Additionally, refrain from harsh skincare and other facial treatments for a few months after treatment. For personalised instructions, it is best to consult your dermatologist.
How many Ultherapy sessions should I go for?
Most individuals only need one session. However, this depends on the severity of skin laxity and how the body responds to Ultherapy. During the first consultation, your dermatologist will assess your skin and recommend the optimal number of sessions for your needs and goals.
How does Ultherapy compare to a facelift?
Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that produces gradual and noticeable – but not dramatic – results. Maintenance sessions are also recommended every year or so.
A facelift, on the other hand, is able to deliver more dramatic results and tackle more severe sagging and excess skin. However, as it is a surgical procedure, the recovery period is longer and the risks are higher.
Both options have their pros and cons and will depend on the individual's needs and preferences.
How much does Ultherapy cost in Singapore?
The cost of Ultherapy in Singapore varies depending on the treatment area and the number of sessions required. Book a consultation with us for a detailed cost breakdown.
Is Ultherapy safe?
Ultherapy is a US FDA-cleared treatment that has been widely used worldwide for non-surgical skin lifting and tightening. When performed by a trained and experienced practitioner, it has an established safety profile and is generally well tolerated by patients.
How soon can I see results after Ultherapy?
Some individuals may notice subtle improvements shortly after treatment. However, results typically develop gradually over two to three months as new collagen forms beneath the skin. Improvements may continue for up to six months.
Can I combine Ultherapy with other treatments?
Yes, Ultherapy may be combined with other aesthetic treatments depending on your skin concerns and goals. Your dermatologist can recommend a suitable treatment plan and timing during your consultation.
What can I do to prepare myself before an Ultherapy treatment?
Attend a consultation to discuss your medical history, skin concerns and treatment goals. You should arrive with clean skin and follow any pre-treatment instructions provided by your dermatologist.
How does Ultherapy differ from laser treatments?
Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to target deeper structural layers beneath the skin and stimulate collagen production. Most laser treatments primarily target the skin surface or upper layers to address concerns such as pigmentation, redness or skin texture.
Meet Our Ultherapy Specialist in Singapore
Dr Patricia Yuen
Accredited Dermatologist with the Ministry of Health, Singapore
BA (Brown), MD (Boston), Internal Medicine (USA), FAMS (Dermatology)
Dr Patricia Yuen is an accredited dermatologist with over 25 years of clinical experience in Singapore and the United States. She provides a comprehensive range of medical and aesthetic dermatology treatments, with a particular interest in non-surgical skin rejuvenation and collagen-stimulating procedures such as Ultherapy.
Drawing on her extensive understanding of skin anatomy and ageing processes, Dr Yuen develops personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's concerns and goals. Her approach focuses on evidence-based care, patient education and achieving natural-looking outcomes through carefully selected treatment strategies.
