SMAS lifting ULTHERA Prime

The procedure takes place in several stages:

• Consultation and tissue assessment

The doctor determines the depth of age-related changes, the condition of the tissues, and selects the impact parameters for a predictable result.

• Real-time visualization

During the procedure, the Ultherapy visualization system is used, which allows the doctor to see tissue layers and precisely control the depth of impact.

• Working at different tissue levels

The doctor sequentially works with transducers at different depths — from superficial layers to the SMAS level.

• Ultrasound impact

Focused ultrasound creates controlled micro-impulses that:

• contract tissues

• trigger collagen production

• create a lifting effect

• Completion of the procedure

The procedure lasts an average of 40–90 minutes, requires no rehabilitation — the patient immediately returns to their normal rhythm of life.

• Result formation

The effect develops gradually over 2–3 months and lasts up to 2 years.

Ultrasound SMAS lifting holds a special place among rejuvenation methods, as it works not only with the surface of the skin but also with its deep structures. Main differences and advantages:

• Working at the SMAS layer level

Unlike most cosmetic procedures that affect only the skin, Ultherapy works with the deep tissue framework — the very same level that plastic surgeons work with.

• Precise control of impact depth

Thanks to the visualization system, the doctor sees the tissue layers in real-time and can work as precisely as possible. This is the foundation of a predictable result.

• No surgery and rehabilitation

The procedure requires no incisions, anesthesia, or recovery — the patient immediately returns to their normal rhythm of life.

• Natural result

Lifting occurs through the body’s own processes — without a “pulled face” effect.

• Possibility of combining

SMAS lifting can be combined with other methods (injectable or device-based), creating a more comprehensive and individualized result.

• Part of a rejuvenation strategy, not an isolated procedure

Ultrasound lifting helps to make the right decision: when it is sufficient to work without surgery, and when it is advisable to consider other methods.

The effectiveness of Ultherapy technology is confirmed by clinical studies — which is exactly why it has become the gold standard of ultrasound SMAS lifting.

Along with its popularity, alternative devices and copies have also appeared. But it is important to understand: Ultherapy is not just ultrasound, but a technology with a unique control system.

Ultherapy is the only SMAS lifting system that is FDA-approved and equipped with DeepSEE visualization. It allows the doctor to see tissue layers in real-time and work precisely at the specified depth. This is exactly what determines:

• the safety of the procedure

• the precision of the impact

• the predictable result

In technologies without visualization, the doctor works without this level of control, which can affect both the effectiveness and the expected result. Therefore, when choosing a procedure, it is important to pay attention not only to the name “SMAS lifting” but also to the equipment on which it is performed. At ANACOSMA, we work on the original Ultherapy PRIME system — an updated version of the technology that combines precision, comfort, and even greater control during the procedure. The number of such systems in Ukraine is limited.

The effect after the Ultherapy procedure usually lasts up to 1–2 years. The duration of the result depends on individual skin characteristics, age, lifestyle, and subsequent care. It is important that the procedure triggers the body’s own tissue renewal processes, so the effect looks natural and develops gradually.

To enhance the result and prolong its effect, SMAS lifting is often combined with other methods that work on skin quality and volume. Depending on the indications, these can be:

• injectable techniques for volume restoration (for example, Radiesse volumization);

• procedures that improve skin quality (biorevitalization, bioreparation);

• techniques that stimulate tissue regeneration (for example, Endoret plasma therapy or nanolipofilling);

• IV therapy (vitamin drips) to support recovery processes, antioxidant protection, and comprehensive body support during the treatment of age-related skin changes.

Such a comprehensive approach allows not only to achieve a more pronounced result but also to make it more stable over time. In many cases, to maintain the effect, it is sufficient to repeat the procedure once every 1–1.5 years — as part of a systematic approach to rejuvenation.

• cuts, irritation, rashes, or burns in the treatment area;

• pregnancy and lactation period;

• oncological diseases or acute viral diseases;

• a prolonged period of menopause – 7 years or more (preparatory therapy is required);

• veganism (the effect may not be as pronounced);

• the presence of a thick fat layer in the planned treatment area, preventing the ultrasound from reaching the SMAS layer (it is necessary to reduce the fat layer beforehand using device-based or injectable methods).

List of references:

1. Fabi, Sabrina G., et al. “Optimizing patient outcomes by customizing treatment with microfocused ultrasound with visualization: gold standard consensus guidelines from an expert panel.” J Drugs Dermatol 18.5 (2019): 426-432.
2. Park JY, Lin F, Suwanchinda A, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Yu J, Lim TS, Chen JF, Ho W, Lim J, Juniarty L, Kee YS, Youn SJ, Fabi S. Customized Treatment Using Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualization for Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Review of Skin-tightening Energy Technologies and a Pan-Asian Adaptation of the Expert Panel’s Gold Standard Consensus. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 May;14(5):E70-E79. Epub 2021 May 1.
3. FDA Approval for the Ulthera System
4. Kerscher M, Nurrisyanti AT, Eiben-Nielson C, Hartmann S, Lambert-Baumann J. Skin physiology and safety of microfocused ultrasound with visualization for improving skin laxity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019 Jan 14;12:71-79. 
5. Oni G, Hoxworth R, Teotia S, Brown S, Kenkel JM. Evaluation of a microfocused ultrasound system for improving skin laxity and tightening in the lower face. Aesthet Surg J. 2014 Sep;34(7):1099-110.
6. Pavicic T, Ballard JR, Bykovskaya T, Corduff N, Hirano C, Park JY, Saromytskaya A, Sevi J, Vasconcelos S. Microfocused ultrasound with visualization: Consensus on safety and review of energy-based devices. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Feb;21(2):636-647.