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Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
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Ultherapy Before and After: When Will You See Lifting Effects?

By SL Aesthetic Clinic
  • Published Date:
Last Updated:
March 23, 2026
Ultherapy Non-Surgical Skin Lifting Treatment Before and After

TL;DR 

  • Ultherapy is a non-surgical skin lifting treatment that uses focused ultrasound to stimulate collagen in deeper skin layers, gradually tightening and lifting areas like the brow, jawline, neck, and chest.

  • Results develop over time, with mild tightening initially and more visible lifting appearing around 2–3 months, peaking at 3–6 months after treatment.

  • Most patients only need one session, with results typically lasting about 12–14 months, although some individuals may benefit from additional sessions depending on skin laxity.

  • Downtime is minimal, with temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness possible after treatment, and normal activities (including makeup) usually resumed the same day.

Among the various non-invasive skin tightening treatments available, Ultherapy is widely recognised for its ability to lift and firm the skin with minimal downtime, as well as its endorsements by celebrities like Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun.

Ultherapy works gradually and is not an instant “magic wand”. In this article, we explore what you can expect before, during, and after an Ultherapy treatment in Singapore, and how results develop over time.

Understanding How Ultherapy Works

How Ultherapy Treatment Works

Ultherapy is a non-surgical facelift that uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production in the deep layers of the skin. It is the only non-invasive lifting treatment that has received FDA clearance specifically for lifting the brow, chin, and neck, and improving lines and wrinkles on the chest. 

Unlike other lifting devices like HIFU [link to the article on ultherapy vs HIFU], Ultherapy comes with real-time ultrasound imaging that allows the doctor to visualise the tissue layers in real time before and during treatment. 

What happens during a session, which can take anywhere from 20-90 minutes depending on the areas treated:

  • A licensed aesthetic doctor marks out the areas of your face that require treatment. 
  • They operate the device using real-time ultrasound imaging to target the precise depth of tissue.
  • Focused ultrasound energy is delivered exactly where it is needed, without affecting surrounding tissue.
  • The thermal energy penetrates deep skin and muscle layers, triggering natural collagen formation.
  • Collagen continues to build over the following weeks and months, gradually lifting and tightening the skin.

What to do before your Ultherapy session

Things to Do Before Ultherapy Treatment Session

Prior to booking a session, you should go through a thorough consultation with a qualified cosmetic doctor. This is important, so your doctor can properly assess your skin condition and ageing concerns to determine if you are suitable for the procedure. 

Unlike other aesthetic procedures, there is only minimal preparation needed for an Ultherapy session; but in some cases, your doctor may advise avoiding topical products that contain irritants a few days before your scheduled session.

Ultherapy before and after – What your skin looks like after treatment

A single Ultherapy session is the standard protocol for most patients, and the majority of visible results come from this one session. Results are not immediate; you will not see dramatic change the next day. 

However, by the 3–6 month mark following one treatment, most patients see meaningful lifting and tightening. Some patients with more advanced laxity may benefit from a second session, which your doctor can advise on during consultation.

Immediately after your session, you can expect:

  • Redness: Mild to moderate redness is common immediately after the session, similar in appearance to a light sunburn. This typically fades within a few hours.
  • Swelling: Some patients experience minor puffiness, particularly around the cheeks or jawline. This usually resolves within 24-48 hours.
  • Tenderness: The treated areas may feel sore or sensitive to touch for a few days, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness.
  • Tingling or numbness: Some patients report a temporary tingling sensation or slight numbness in treated areas, which can persist for a few weeks in some cases but resolves on its own.
  • No visible wounds: Because Ultherapy is non-invasive, there are no cuts, scabs, or visible marks on the skin surface.
  • Makeup: Most patients can apply makeup and return to normal activities the same day.

For the vast majority of patients, the redness and swelling are mild enough that they are comfortable returning to work or social settings within hours of treatment.

Ultherapy before and after – Neck

The neck is one of the most popular treatment areas for Ultherapy. Before treatment, patients typically present with loose, crepey skin along the neck (aka turkey neck), a softened jawline-to-neck transition, or visible horizontal lines. 

After treatment, patients commonly report a firmer, more defined neck contour and reduced skin laxity. Results in the neck area typically become visible around the 2–3 month mark and continue improving through to 6 months.

Ultherapy before and after – Jowls

Jowling is one of the clearest indicators Ultherapy addresses well. Before treatment, the jawline appears less defined with soft tissue falling below the jaw border. 

After treatment, patients typically see a sharper, more lifted jawline as the collagen tightening effect repositions the soft tissue upward. This is one of the most visually striking before/after changes patients report.

Who is the ideal candidate for Ultherapy?

Ultherapy works best on people who have mild to moderate skin laxity – meaning the skin has started to loosen but hasn’t significantly sagged yet. Ideal candidates typically present with:

  • Age range: Generally 30s to 50s. Younger patients in their 30s may use it as a preventive measure, while those in their 40s–50s tend to see the most dramatic before/after contrast.
  • Facial concerns: Mild jowling along the jawline, slight drooping of the brow or eyelid area, early cheek sagging, or a less defined chin-to-neck transition.
  • Neck and décolletage: Loose or crepey skin on the neck, visible horizontal neck lines, or early “tech neck” appearance.
  • Skin quality: Skin that still has reasonable elasticity. Those with very advanced sagging may find surgical options more appropriate.
  • General health: Non-smokers or light smokers tend to respond better, as smoking impairs collagen synthesis.

Ultherapy is not ideal for patients with very thin skin, active skin infections, open wounds in the treatment area, or those with certain implanted devices like pacemakers.

Does Ultherapy look natural before and after?

Yes – because Ultherapy works by stimulating your body’s own collagen production rather than injecting foreign materials or physically altering tissue, the results tend to look gradual and natural. Friends and colleagues may notice you look more refreshed without being able to pinpoint exactly why.

How long will Ultherapy results last?

Ultherapy’s results can last anywhere between 12 to 14 months. Of course, there are certain factors to consider when it comes to the outcome’s longevity like your lifestyle habits, natural ageing process, and skincare routine. 

If you want your investment to last longer, follow your aesthetic doctor’s aftercare instructions. It is also recommended to schedule annual maintenance sessions to preserve your hard-earned results after initial treatment.

Aftercare: How to maximise your results

The general recommendations for Ultherapy include:

  • Avoiding use of harsh products like exfoliants for at least a week after a treatment
  • Constant hydration of the skin using gentle moisturisers and skincare products
  • Daily use of SPF30+ sunscreen
  • Eating a diet rich in amino acids and Vitamin C to support the body’s ability to form new protein fibres
  • Using combination therapy, such as Thermage or skinboosters, to further improve the full effects Ultherapy

Conclusion

Dr. Chen Kailun Getting a Ultherapy Certificate
Dr Eva Teh Ultherapy Prime Certification

With Ultherapy, you can achieve younger looking and lifted skin without going through the old surgical procedure. 

As an authorised Ultherapy PRIME® centre, SL Aesthetic Clinic emphasises patient safety and results. Our clinic offers Ultherapy services backed with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring that the equipment we use are legitimate. 

Beyond equipment, our doctors have completed the Advanced Ultherapy Training Program, placing us among a select few clinics in Singapore with this level of clinical experience. 

Do not compromise your skin; schedule your consultation with us today for an authentic Ultherapy experience.

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