Last updated: October 2025
What Is Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a noninvasive lifting treatment that uses microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) to heat precise tissue layers and stimulate new collagen. Real-time ultrasound imaging lets providers target the intended depth, including the SMAS/fibromuscular layer, while avoiding critical structures. Ultherapy is FDA-cleared to lift the brow, lift skin under the chin and on the neck, and to improve lines and wrinkles of the décolleté. See the official indications in the FDA 510(k) and the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use.
Scientific Evidence and 2025 Clinical Findings
Reviews and prospective studies show measurable tightening of the lower face, jawline, and neck when energy lines and depths are customized and imaging is used to guide delivery. A technique paper outlines how visualization improves accuracy and patient comfort (Corduff 2023, PMC). Long-term follow-up reports sustained improvement and high satisfaction up to one year after treatment (JCAD 2016). Contemporary reviews summarize firmness and elasticity gains across MFU-V studies with a strong safety profile when performed by trained operators (Amiri 2024, Aesthetic Surgery Journal).
Ideal Candidates
- Mild to moderate laxity of the lower face, jawline, under-chin area, or neck
- Horizontal chest (décolleté) lines or crepey texture
- Patients seeking natural, gradual lift without ablative downtime
Who Should Avoid or Delay
- Active infection, open wounds, or cystic acne in the area
- Pregnancy as a precaution
- Severe laxity that would be better served by surgical lifting
What To Expect
- Visit time: 45 to 90 minutes depending on areas and energy lines
- Comfort: brief pulses of heat and tingling; imaging guides energy away from sensitive structures (Fabi 2020, ASJ)
- Sessions: most patients do one full treatment; optional touch-up at 6 to 12 months if desired
- Onset and peak: gradual tightening over 2 to 3 months with remodeling continuing to 6 to 12 months (Ultherapy)
Recovery and Downtime
- Mild redness or swelling for hours to a day; normal activity the same day
- Tenderness along treated vectors can last a few days
- Most adverse effects are transient when imaging and technique are correct (Ultherapy Physician Site)
Cost of Ultherapy in Los Angeles, 2025
Skin Works Medical Spa (South Bay, Los Angeles): Ultherapy is priced by area and energy lines used. A realistic 2025 range for Los Angeles and the South Bay is:
$1,500 to $2,000 for Brow or Under-Chin,
$2,500 to $3,000 for Lower Face or Neck,
$3,500 to $4,000 for Full Face & Neck,
and $1,800 to $2,200 for Décolleté.
You can learn more about at Skin Works Ultherapy Service Page. For broader market context, third-party data list average U.S. costs around $2,000 to $2,500 with ranges up to about $4,500 (RealSelf Cost Guide).
Financing
We offer flexible monthly payments through CareCredit, Klarna, and Affirm (subject to approval). Many patients finance multi-area plans or an annual touch-up for predictable budgeting.
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary redness, swelling, tingling, or tenderness
- Rare transient numbness or bruise; minimized by ultrasound visualization and experienced technique (Ultherapy Physician Site)
Do Ultherapy Treatments Work
Yes. MFU-V has peer-reviewed support for lifting and tightening in properly selected patients, especially at the lower face, jawline, and neck. Reviews and trials show high satisfaction and durable improvement when energy lines are placed at the correct depth with imaging (Amiri 2024; Corduff 2023; JCAD 2016).
Questions To Ask Your Provider
- Which areas are best for Ultherapy in my case (brow, under-chin, lower face, neck, chest)
- How many energy lines and which depths will you target for my anatomy
- What result curve should I expect at 1, 3, and 6 months
- What is the total cost for my plan, including touch-ups and aftercare
- How will you optimize comfort for me
- Should I combine Ultherapy with RF microneedling or lasers for texture
Summary
Ultherapy uses MFU-V with real-time ultrasound imaging to lift and tighten without surgery. In Los Angeles, pricing typically falls between $1,500 and $4,000 depending on the area and energy lines. Most patients complete one session and watch results build for months as collagen remodels. Financing is available through CareCredit, Klarna, and Affirm.
References
- U.S. FDA 510(k) for Ulthera System indications and ultrasound visualization. FDA
- Ultherapy Instructions for Use (depths, transducers, patient selection, safety). Ultherapy IFU
- Technique and comfort optimization with imaging. Corduff 2023, PMC
- Overview of MFU-V for lifting and tightening. Amiri 2024, Aesthetic Surgery Journal
- Long-term efficacy and satisfaction up to one year. JCAD 2016
- Market cost context for consumers; average and range. RealSelf Cost Guide