The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Merz Aesthetics’ Ultherapy PRIME for improving the appearance of skin laxity on the anterior and posterior arms, as well as the abdomen.
Ultherapy PRIME utilizes micro-focused ultrasound energy with real-time imaging to improve skin tone and texture. It is already approved for use on the face, neck, and décolleté.
Jennifer Levine, MD, a New York City-based facial plastic surgeon, talked to The Dermatology Digest (TDD) about Ultherapy PRIME’s newest indications and how she uses this device in her practice. “Ultherapy PRIME is my favorite. It’s the best for lifting and tightening, and to be able to apply this to the laxity, sagginess, and crepiness on the body is great,” she says.
TDD: What is your Ultherapy PRIME treatment protocol?
Jennifer Levine, MD: “It is a one-time treatment that continues to improve skin for six months. Patients with severe laxity may need to repeat treatment for additional benefits.”
TDD: Will massive-weight-loss patients benefit from treatment with Ultherapy PRIME?
Dr. Levine: “Yes, this type of treatment is ideal for medical weight loss patients. These people are thin but can’t wear a bikini or sleeveless dress because laxity, sagginess, or crepiness impacts their clothing choices. Patients aren’t as concerned with fat anymore. Instead, they are mainly concerned with their skin quality.”
TDD: Can Ultherapy PRIME be safely combined with other cosmetic treatments?
Dr. Levine: “Ultherapy PRIME can be combined with other non-invasive treatments such as injections of hyperdilute Radiesse (calcium hydroxyapatite) in the abdomen or arms, liposuction, or other energy-based devices.”
TDD: When do patients see results after Ultherapy PRIME treatment?
Dr. Levine: “Patients see some immediate tightening after Ultherapy PRIME, but will see the full difference in six months.”
TDD: Is Ultherapy PRIME safe?
Dr. Levine: “Ultherapy PRIME is safe for all skin types, and there is no downtime. Pain levels vary and depend upon the treatment strength and the length of time.”
TDD: Is there a learning curve for new Ultherapy PRIME users?
Dr. Levine: “There are some no-treatment zones directly over the umbilicus, and you have to avoid the ulnar nerve on the back of the arm. It is important to know the anatomy when using this device.”
