Treatment Overview
Ultherapy Prime, developed by Merz Aesthetics, is the next-generation platform of the only FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment that uses micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) to lift and tighten the skin on the face, neck, chin, and brow -- and is now also FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of skin laxity on the abdomen and arms. Unlike lasers, radiofrequency, or other surface-based technologies, Ultherapy Prime reaches the same deep foundational layer -- the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) -- that plastic surgeons address during a traditional surgical facelift.
At Suncare Medical Clinic, our experienced providers use Ultherapy Prime's enhanced DeepSEE real-time imaging -- now on a screen 35% larger than the original system -- to visualize the tissue layers being treated and deliver energy precisely where it will be most effective. This targeted approach stimulates the body's natural collagen regeneration process from the inside out, producing gradual, natural-looking results.
Ultherapy Prime requires only a single treatment session with no downtime, and providers reported treatments to be on average about 20% faster than the legacy Ultherapy system. Patients can return to their daily activities immediately. New collagen builds over 2-3 months, with results lasting 1-2 years -- making Ultherapy Prime an ideal option for those seeking meaningful rejuvenation without surgery, injections, or recovery time.
| Duration | 60–90 minutes |
|---|---|
| Downtime | None |
| Sessions Required | Single session (touch-up at 12–18 months optional) |
| Results Onset | Gradual over 2–3 months; up to 6 months |
| Results Duration | 1–2 years |
| Skin Types | All skin types and tones |
What Makes Ultherapy Prime Different
Ultherapy Prime is the next-generation evolution of Ultherapy from Merz Aesthetics. It keeps the proven micro-focused ultrasound technology that has been trusted in millions of treatments worldwide -- reaching the deep SMAS layer to stimulate your own collagen -- while upgrading the imaging, speed, comfort, and range of every session.
Ultherapy Prime features an upgraded DeepSEE display that is 35% larger than the original, with a faster image refresh rate for brighter, crisper visualization. Your provider can see the tissue layers being treated more clearly than ever, for more precise, personalized energy delivery.
Powered by a modern processor and faster refresh rates, Ultherapy Prime delivers treatments that providers reported to be, on average, about 20% faster than the legacy Ultherapy system -- without compromising results.
Upgraded energy delivery allows for more refined, precise treatment of smaller and more delicate areas such as the brow, neck, and décolleté, with a smoother, more comfortable experience.
Ultherapy Prime is the only FDA-cleared ultrasound with real-time visualization for the face, neck, and décolleté -- and is now also FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of skin laxity on the abdomen and arms.
Who Is This Treatment For?
Ultherapy Prime is ideal for adults with mild to moderate skin laxity who want a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. It is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:
Key Benefits
Ultherapy Prime is the only ultrasound platform with real-time visualization FDA-cleared to lift the brow, neck, and under the chin, smooth the decolletage, and improve the appearance of skin laxity on the abdomen and arms -- backed by extensive clinical evidence.
Micro-focused ultrasound bypasses the skin's surface to deliver energy precisely to the SMAS layer at depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm -- the same foundational layer addressed in surgical facelifts.
DeepSEE ultrasound imaging allows your provider to see the tissue layers being treated in real time, ensuring energy is delivered to the optimal depth for maximum results.
Ultherapy Prime jumpstarts the body's own collagen production process, resulting in gradual, natural-looking lifting and tightening that improves over months.
Unlike many aesthetic treatments requiring multiple sessions, Ultherapy Prime delivers meaningful results in just one 60-90 minute treatment with zero downtime.
No incisions, no anesthesia, no recovery period. Return to work and normal activities immediately after your treatment session.
Technology & Mechanism
Ultherapy Prime represents a breakthrough in non-invasive aesthetic technology, harnessing the power of ultrasound -- the same energy trusted in medical imaging for over 50 years -- to rejuvenate the skin from the inside out. Here is how the science works:
Micro-Focused Ultrasound with Visualization (MFU-V)
Ultherapy Prime delivers precise micro-focused ultrasound energy to targeted depths beneath the skin's surface. This energy creates small thermal coagulation points (TCPs) at exact tissue depths, triggering the body's natural wound-healing response. The surrounding tissue remains unaffected, ensuring a safe and controlled treatment.
SMAS Layer Targeting
The SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) is a thin but critical layer of tissue that connects facial muscles to the skin. It is the same layer that plastic surgeons tighten during a surgical facelift. Ultherapy Prime is the only non-invasive technology capable of reaching this depth (up to 4.5mm) without breaking the skin's surface, producing lifting effects that other non-surgical devices cannot achieve.
Enhanced DeepSEE Ultrasound Imaging
Ultherapy Prime's proprietary DeepSEE visualization technology allows providers to see the tissue layers in real time before and during treatment. This ensures that energy is delivered precisely where it will have the greatest impact -- not too superficial, not too deep -- for optimal safety and efficacy. With Ultherapy Prime, the DeepSEE display is 35% larger than the original system and refreshes faster, giving providers a brighter, clearer real-time view for even more precise, personalized treatment.
Neocollagenesis (New Collagen Production)
The thermal energy from Ultherapy Prime stimulates fibroblasts to produce fresh collagen and elastin over the following weeks and months. This gradual process of neocollagenesis is what produces the progressive tightening and lifting effect, with results continuing to improve for up to 6 months after a single treatment.
Treatment Procedure
Consultation & Skin Assessment
Your provider conducts a thorough assessment of your facial structure, skin laxity, and aesthetic goals. Treatment areas are identified and a personalized Ultherapy Prime plan is developed.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
The treatment area is cleansed and a topical numbing cream is applied 30-45 minutes before the procedure to maximize your comfort. Treatment zones are marked for precision.
Ultrasound Imaging & Mapping
Using DeepSEE visualization, your provider scans and maps the tissue layers to identify optimal treatment depths. This real-time imaging ensures energy delivery is precisely calibrated to your anatomy.
Micro-Focused Ultrasound Delivery
The Ultherapy Prime handpiece is placed on the skin and delivers focused ultrasound energy to targeted depths (1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm). You may feel brief sensations of warmth or tingling as energy reaches the deep tissue layers.
Treatment Completion
Once all treatment zones have been addressed, the ultrasound gel is removed and soothing products are applied. The entire procedure takes 60-90 minutes depending on the treatment area.
Immediate Return to Activities
There is no downtime. You can apply makeup, resume your skincare routine, and return to all normal activities immediately after leaving the clinic.
Results Timeline
| Timeline | Expected Results |
|---|---|
| Immediately After | Some patients notice an initial tightening effect; mild redness or swelling may occur and typically resolves within hours |
| 2–4 Weeks | Early collagen rebuilding begins; subtle improvements in skin firmness become noticeable |
| 2–3 Months | Significant lifting and tightening as new collagen matures; improved jawline definition and brow elevation |
| 3–6 Months | Peak results achieved; continued collagen remodeling produces optimal skin firmness and contour improvement |
| 1–2 Years | Results are long-lasting; optional touch-up treatment at 12-18 months can maintain and enhance outcomes |
Safety & FDA Clearance
Ultherapy Prime is FDA-cleared to lift the eyebrow, the skin on the neck, and the skin under the chin, to improve lines and wrinkles on the decolletage, and to improve the appearance of skin laxity on the abdomen and arms -- making it the only ultrasound platform with real-time visualization cleared across the face, neck, decolletage, and body. Building on the trusted Ultherapy platform used in millions of treatments worldwide, it is supported by extensive clinical research.
The micro-focused ultrasound technology has been studied in numerous peer-reviewed clinical trials, consistently demonstrating both safety and efficacy. Ultherapy treatments have also received regulatory approvals in many countries around the world.
At Suncare Medical Clinic, all Ultherapy Prime treatments are performed by trained, experienced providers who follow manufacturer protocols and use real-time imaging to ensure precise, safe energy delivery. A thorough consultation is conducted before every treatment to confirm candidacy and discuss expectations.
Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A consultation with our licensed providers is required before treatment. Individual results are not guaranteed.
Post-Treatment Care
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily. While Ultherapy Prime does not damage the skin's surface, sun protection supports optimal collagen production and overall skin health.
Drink plenty of water and maintain a hydrating skincare routine. Well-hydrated skin supports the collagen regeneration process triggered by treatment.
Mild redness, swelling, tingling, or tenderness may occur and typically resolves within hours to days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used if needed.
You can resume your normal skincare routine and apply makeup immediately. Avoid aggressive exfoliation or harsh chemical peels for 1-2 weeks after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ultherapy Prime is the next-generation platform from Merz Aesthetics and the only FDA-cleared non-invasive procedure that uses micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) to lift and tighten the skin. It delivers focused ultrasound energy to precise depths beneath the skin's surface, targeting the SMAS layer -- the same deep foundational tissue that plastic surgeons address in surgical facelifts. This stimulates the body's natural collagen production, resulting in gradual lifting and tightening over the following months without any incisions or downtime. Compared with the original Ultherapy, Prime adds a 35% larger real-time DeepSEE display, treatments up to 20% faster, and FDA clearance for the abdomen and arms.
Ultherapy Prime keeps the same proven micro-focused ultrasound technology as the original Ultherapy and upgrades the experience. It features an enhanced DeepSEE real-time display that is 35% larger with a faster refresh rate for brighter, clearer imaging; delivers treatments that providers reported to be about 20% faster on average; offers more refined, comfortable energy delivery for delicate areas; and is now also FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of skin laxity on the abdomen and arms in addition to the face, neck, and décolleté.
A typical Ultherapy Prime session takes 60-90 minutes depending on the treatment area. A full face and neck treatment is on the longer end, while targeted areas such as the brow lift or under-chin tightening may take less time. We also allocate time before the procedure for numbing cream application and consultation.
Some discomfort is expected during the procedure as the ultrasound energy reaches the deep tissue layers. Most patients describe the sensation as brief periods of warmth or tingling. At Suncare Medical Clinic, we apply a topical numbing cream 30-45 minutes before treatment and can adjust energy levels throughout the session to maximize your comfort. Any discomfort is temporary and subsides immediately after treatment.
Some patients notice a subtle initial tightening effect right after treatment, but the primary results develop gradually over 2-3 months as the body produces new collagen. Improvements can continue for up to 6 months after treatment. Results typically last 1-2 years, and annual touch-up treatments can help maintain the lifting effect long-term.
Most patients achieve their desired results with a single Ultherapy Prime session -- one of the treatment's most appealing features. Some individuals may choose a follow-up treatment after 12-18 months to maintain and extend their results as natural aging continues. During your consultation, your provider will assess your skin and recommend the optimal treatment plan for your goals.
Ideal candidates are adults with mild to moderate skin laxity who want a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. Good candidates typically notice that their skin has begun to feel less firm, have a lowered brow line, see loose skin under the chin, or want to address early jowling. Ultherapy Prime is suitable for all skin types and tones. It is not recommended for individuals with severe skin laxity (who may benefit more from surgical options) or those with active skin infections in the treatment area.
There is no downtime after Ultherapy Prime. You can return to your normal activities, apply makeup, and resume your skincare routine immediately after leaving the clinic. Some patients may experience temporary mild redness, swelling, tingling, or tenderness in the treated area, but these effects typically resolve within a few hours to a few days.
Ultherapy Prime is a non-invasive alternative that targets the same deep tissue layer (SMAS) as a surgical facelift, but without incisions, general anesthesia, or recovery time. While a surgical facelift produces more dramatic results for severe laxity and can remove excess skin, Ultherapy Prime provides natural-looking lifting and tightening for those with mild to moderate skin laxity who prefer to avoid surgery. Many patients also use Ultherapy Prime to prolong or complement the results of previous surgical procedures.