Dr. Rivkin talks Ultherapy Ultrasound, sound waves to rebuild collagen

By April MacIntyre Jul 22, 2011, 0:34 GMT

"Ulthera is an ultrasound based skin tightening device that has been on the market for two years. It is FDA approved for non-invasive eyebrow lifting. It looks like it could really work."

Ulthera, Inc, the Mesa, Arizona based developer of the first ultrasound device approved by the FDA for aesthetics is the current hot topic among the plastic surgery obsessed.

Ultherapy Ultrasound uses very high speed, low-frequency sound waves that radiate invisible micro vibrations deep within cells, the manufacturer claims helps stimulate the skin’s natural repair and healing.

The Ultherapy device takes radiation-free images of the inner layers of skin and heats the areas to be treated, causing the skin to respond and create collagen, a protein that gives the skin the appearance of fullness and smoothness.

The makers of Ultherapy claim it is a 30 to 60 minute procedure that uses the body’s own healing response to gradually restore collagen and its underlying tissue. Ultherapy is now available at over 150 aesthetic practices across the USA and nearly 500 globally, with over 20,000 treatments provided worldwide.

Makers claim that Ultherapy requires no special recuperation or preparation and typically only takes one treatment to get a response. Patients are told that the ultimate lifting will take place over two to three months, as diminished collagen is rejuvenated and supplemented with new, stronger collagen. 

Monsters and Critics' go-to expert on facial plastic surgery, Dr. Alexander Rivkin, is testing the procedure.

Dr. Rivkin talks RHONYC Jill Zarin's liquid facelift

"Ulthera is an ultrasound based skin tightening device that has been on the market for two years.  It is FDA approved for non-invasive eyebrow lifting. It looks like it could really work."

Dr. Rivkin talks Sunscreens and FDA regulations

Dr. Rivkin cautions, "Remember, though, FDA approval only indicates that the device is safe for a particular use.  It does not mean that the FDA certifies that the device is effective. This is different from how the FDA handles medication, where it closely scrutinizes both safety and efficacy."

Dr. Rivkin talks getting Red Carpet ready

Dr. Rivkin founded Westside Medical Spa in the Westwood area of Los Angeles. He is one of the top plastic surgeons in the country who specializes in faces only, and his calling cards, the non-surgical face-lift, chin sculpting and rhinoplasty (nose job), are a godsend for people who wish for symmetrically balanced features without surgery.

Dr. Rivkin talks child beauty pageants and abusive parents

Rivkin received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his M.D. degree from Yale University. He received his postgraduate residency training in Otolaryngology-Facial Plastic Surgery at U.C. San Diego and the University of Texas, Houston.

Dr. Rivkin talks Bristol Palin's new look and possible procedures

He has been featured regularly as an expert for Monsters and Critics, and has appeared on the TODAY show, the Tyra Banks Show, EXTRA, Univision, PBS, Fox news, E! channel and more.

Dr. Rivkin adds, "The most we can say for an FDA approved device is that it seems to be effective, but only time, experience and more extensive studies permit us to say for sure.  For a novel technology, two years is not a long time. There is also considerable controversy over whether the results are worth the pain and expense. With cosmetic devices, latest does not mean greatest. I am still doing my research and am not convinced about Ultherapy. You should get several opinions before you decide."