Ultherapy Prime: The Non-Surgical SMAS Lift That Actually Works
If you've been researching non-surgical facelifts and feeling overwhelmed by the options — RF microneedling, thread lifts, laser tightening — let us cut through the noise. Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment FDA-cleared to actually lift (not just tighten) skin on the brow, chin, neck, and decolletage. And at SkinArtMD at Metrotown, we've refined our approach to deliver results that rival early-stage surgical outcomes.
Here's everything you need to know before booking your session in Burnaby.
What Makes Ultherapy Different from Everything Else?
Most non-surgical "lifting" devices work on the skin's surface or the dermal layer. They tighten, smooth, and improve texture — all good things, but they can't truly lift sagging tissue. Ultherapy works deeper.
The SMAS Layer: Why It Matters
SMAS stands for Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System — it's the fibrous connective tissue layer that sits between your skin and your facial muscles. This is the exact layer that plastic surgeons manipulate during a traditional facelift. When SMAS sags, your whole face drops: jowls form, the jawline softens, the mid-face deflates, and the neck loses definition.
Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) to deliver precise thermal energy to the SMAS layer — reaching depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm. This creates tiny thermal coagulation points that trigger your body's natural wound-healing response, resulting in new collagen production and tissue contraction at a structural level.
No other non-invasive device reaches the SMAS layer. This is what sets Ultherapy apart from RF devices (Thermage, Morpheus8), IPL, and laser treatments.
How Ultherapy Compares
| Treatment | Depth | Mechanism | True Lifting? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultherapy | SMAS (4.5mm) | Focused ultrasound | Yes — FDA-cleared |
| Thermage | Dermis (1-3mm) | Radiofrequency | Tightening only |
| Morpheus8 | Dermis (1-4mm) | RF microneedling | Tightening + remodeling |
| Thread lift | Subcutaneous | Physical threads | Temporary mechanical lift |
| Surgical facelift | SMAS + deeper | Surgical | Yes — gold standard |
Who Is Ultherapy Prime For?
At SkinArtMD, we call our customized protocol Ultherapy Prime because we tailor every treatment to your specific anatomy, age, and goals. Our ideal candidates include:
The Preventative Client (Early 30s to Early 40s)
This is the sweet spot for Ultherapy. You might notice:
- Early jawline softening — not quite jowls, but the definition is fading
- Subtle brow heaviness — your eyelids feel "heavier" in photos
- Minor neck laxity — the beginnings of a less-defined chin-to-neck angle
- Your skincare is excellent but gravity is starting to win
For preventative clients, a single Ultherapy session can set back the clock by 2-3 years and maintain that jawline definition you love. Think of it as the ultimate prejuvenation investment.
The Correction Client (40s to 50s)
More visible changes are present:
- Defined jowling along the jawline
- Noticeable brow descent
- Neck banding or turkey neck
- Mid-face volume loss creating nasolabial folds
Ultherapy Prime delivers meaningful lift in these cases, often combined with dermal fillers or biostimulators for a comprehensive non-surgical rejuvenation. Many of our correction clients use Ultherapy to delay facelift surgery by 5-10 years — or avoid it altogether.
Who Should Consider Other Options
We believe in honest recommendations. Ultherapy isn't ideal if:
- You have significant skin laxity (a facelift will serve you better)
- You want immediate dramatic results (Ultherapy builds over months)
- You have active skin infections or certain autoimmune conditions
We'll always give you a transparent assessment during your consultation.
The SkinArtMD Ultherapy Prime Experience
Step 1: Ultrasound Mapping
Before a single pulse is delivered, we use Ultherapy's real-time ultrasound visualization to see the layers beneath your skin. This is crucial — it lets us identify your SMAS depth exactly (which varies person to person) and customize energy delivery. We map your treatment zones and create a personalized protocol.
Step 2: Treatment Session
The treatment itself takes 60-90 minutes depending on the areas treated. Here's what to expect:
- Full face + neck: approximately 800-1,200 lines of ultrasound energy
- Lower face + jawline focus: approximately 400-600 lines
- Brow lift only: approximately 200-300 lines
You'll feel a deep warming sensation with each pulse — some areas are more intense than others (the jawline and neck tend to be most sensitive). We offer comfort measures including topical numbing and can adjust the pacing to keep you comfortable.
Key point: There are no needles involved. The ultrasound transducer sits on top of your skin. No injections, no incisions, no entry points.
Step 3: Immediate Aftercare
One of Ultherapy's biggest advantages is zero downtime. You can return to work, exercise, and your regular skincare routine immediately. Some clients experience:
- Mild redness (resolves within hours)
- Slight tenderness or tingling (1-2 weeks)
- Occasional minor swelling (resolves within days)
No compression garments, no bandages, no hiding at home.
Results Timeline: Patience Pays Off
This is where Ultherapy requires a mindset shift. Unlike filler or Botox, which deliver instant gratification, Ultherapy works through your body's natural collagen-building process. And that takes time.
| Timeline | What's Happening |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mild tightening from immediate tissue contraction |
| Week 2-4 | New collagen synthesis begins at the SMAS layer |
| Month 2-3 | Visible lifting starts to emerge — jawline sharpens, brow elevates |
| Month 3-6 | Peak results — maximum collagen remodeling and tissue lift |
| Month 6-12 | Results continue to mature and stabilize |
| Year 1-2 | Effects last 1-2 years depending on age and lifestyle |
The gradual nature of results is actually a feature: nobody will ever know you had a procedure. You'll just look progressively more refreshed, defined, and lifted over several months.
Combining Ultherapy with Other Treatments
At SkinArtMD, we rarely perform Ultherapy in isolation for correction clients. Our most popular combination protocols include:
Ultherapy + Dermal Fillers
Ultherapy lifts the structural foundation while dermal fillers restore volume in the cheeks, temples, and under-eyes. Together, they create a comprehensive non-surgical facelift effect.
Ultherapy + Radiesse
Radiesse is a biostimulatory filler that stimulates your own collagen production. Pairing it with Ultherapy doubles down on collagen building from two different mechanisms — ultrasound from above, biostimulation from within.
Ultherapy + Skin Boosters
For clients who want lifting and skin quality improvement, we combine Ultherapy with skin boosters for deep hydration and glow. The lift comes from Ultherapy; the luminosity comes from hyaluronic acid micro-injections.
Ultherapy + Exosome Therapy
Our most advanced protocol pairs Ultherapy with exosome therapy for accelerated healing and enhanced collagen production. Exosomes contain growth factors that amplify the regenerative response triggered by ultrasound energy.
Ultherapy for Your 30s: The Preventative Power Move
If you're in your 30s reading this, pay attention — this section is for you.
Starting Ultherapy in your early-to-mid 30s is one of the smartest investments in long-term facial aesthetics. Here's why:
- Collagen production is still robust in your 30s, meaning your body responds more efficiently to Ultherapy's stimulation
- Less tissue laxity means the treatment has to work less hard — you get more lift per session
- Preventative maintenance every 18-24 months keeps your jawline sharp and brow elevated, potentially avoiding surgical intervention entirely
- Compound effect: each session builds on the previous one's collagen foundation
Think of it like investing in your retirement fund at 30 vs. 50 — the earlier you start, the less aggressive you need to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How painful is Ultherapy really? A: We won't sugarcoat it — some areas can be uncomfortable (the jawline and neck especially). But it's completely tolerable for the 60-90 minute session. We offer topical numbing, and many clients listen to podcasts or music during treatment. The discomfort is temporary; the results last years.
Q: One session only — really? A: For most clients, yes. A single comprehensive session delivers the full collagen-building stimulus. Some correction clients may benefit from a second session at the 12-month mark. We'll discuss your personalized plan during consultation.
Q: Can I combine Ultherapy with Botox? A: Absolutely. Many clients do Ultherapy for structural lifting and neuromodulator treatments for expression line smoothing. We typically space them about 2 weeks apart.
Q: Is there anyone who shouldn't get Ultherapy? A: Ultherapy isn't recommended during pregnancy, for people with open wounds or active cystic acne in the treatment area, or for those with implanted metal devices in the face. We screen all clients thoroughly.
Q: How much does Ultherapy cost at SkinArtMD? A: Pricing is discussed during your personalized consultation, as it depends on the treatment areas and protocol. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your goals.
Book Your Ultherapy Prime Consultation
Ready to experience the only non-surgical SMAS lift? Book a consultation at SkinArtMD at Metrotown. We'll map your facial anatomy with ultrasound, assess your tissue laxity, and design a customized Ultherapy Prime protocol that delivers real, visible lift — without a single needle.
Your jawline called. It wants its definition back.
SkinArtMD at Metrotown — Modern aesthetic medicine in Burnaby, BC. Serving Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Metro Vancouver.
