Energy-Based Devices
Ultherapy
Also known as: Ultherapy (Ulthera / Merz Aesthetics)
Pain Level
High
Downtime
1-2 days
Sessions
Moxie did 1 full face + neck session; considers yearly/18-monthly
Cost Range (AED)
Moxie cost: AED 9,500
Results Timeline
Visible but subtle; not surgical
Moxie Notes
From Moxie
I did Ultherapy around 2024 on my full face and neck, but not the cheeks/mid-face in a way that would risk unnecessary fat loss. I wanted lifting and to soften the saggy look after weight loss. I did see results, but this is not surgery and you should not expect a facelift. I do like it and would repeat it.
My serious warning is fat loss: if the wrong person does it or the settings are wrong, losing facial fat is not something you can properly undo, even with fat grafting later. This is not a treatment to save money on.
Start Here
First, try this if
Mild-to-moderate laxity, especially neck/under-chin. People wanting subtle tightening without surgery. Patients with enough facial fat reserve and appropriate anatomy. Fitzpatrick III-VI skin tones, because ultrasound is not pigment-targeting.
Don't expect
Results build gradually, not overnight — realistic timeline is Visible but subtle; not surgical.
See a dermatologist first if
Hollow faces or major facial fat loss concerns. People expecting facelift results. Poor practitioner access; depth selection matters. Implanted devices or medical issues unless cleared.
What It Is
Ultherapy is the original branded microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) device, made by Merz Aesthetics (formerly Ulthera).
It uses real-time ultrasound imaging so the practitioner can see the tissue layers before treating, then delivers focused ultrasound energy to heat deeper skin layers and stimulate collagen remodeling. It's FDA-cleared for specific lifting indications: brow (2009), submental/neck (2012), and décolletage lines (2014).
Moxie covers it because it helped with post-weight-loss laxity, but only with a strong warning about fat-loss risk and provider skill.
How It Works
Focused ultrasound delivers heat at selected depths without cutting the skin, guided by real-time imaging so the practitioner can see the tissue layers before treating. The heat creates controlled thermal coagulation points, which can stimulate collagen remodeling and tissue tightening over time.
The depth is exactly why expertise matters. If energy is delivered poorly or in the wrong plane, facial fat loss or unwanted contour changes can become a concern.
The Evidence
Concerns Addressed
Loss of firmness, neck/decollete laxity, and crepey skin where mild-to-moderate tightening is the goal. Not a solution for facial volume loss — Ultherapy tightens tissue, it does not restore lost volume.
Evidence grade: Strong. Ultherapy holds FDA clearance via De Novo authorization (2009) for non-invasive brow lift, plus later 510(k) clearances for submental/neck lift (2012) and décolletage lines (2014), and a separate 2013 clearance for real-time tissue visualization. It is supported by well over 100 published studies, including randomized controlled trials, describing appreciable lifting/tightening of facial and neck tissue with microfocused ultrasound. The evidence supports subtle non-surgical lifting, not facelift-level correction.
FDA De Novo clearance (Sept 2009, brow lift) and subsequent 510(k) clearances (Oct 2012, submental/neck; June 2014, décolletage); FDA product code OHV / 21 CFR 878.4590. Supported by over 100 published studies including multiple RCTs and systematic reviews on microfocused ultrasound skin lifting.
View source →Reviewed by Moxie — last checked July 2026
Am I a Good Candidate?
Mild-to-moderate laxity, especially neck/under-chin. People wanting subtle tightening without surgery. Patients with enough facial fat reserve and appropriate anatomy. Fitzpatrick III-VI skin tones, because ultrasound is not pigment-targeting.
Caution or Avoid
Hollow faces or major facial fat loss concerns. People expecting facelift results. Poor practitioner access; depth selection matters. Implanted devices or medical issues unless cleared.
What to Expect
Step 1 - Consultation: The practitioner assesses laxity, facial fat, anatomy and whether ultrasound is suitable. Step 2 - Numbing: Pain control varies by clinic; discomfort can be significant. Step 3 - The procedure: Ultrasound lines are delivered at selected depths.
Step 4 - Immediately after: Redness, tenderness or swelling can occur. Step 5 - Timeline and maintenance: Results build gradually and remain subtle. Maintenance may be yearly or longer depending on response.
Cost Breakdown
Personal cost recorded: AED 9,500. Per session: one full face/neck session in Moxie's case. Maintenance: Moxie sees once yearly or every 18 months as reasonable.
Concerns Addressed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ultherapy as effective as a facelift?
No — it's FDA-cleared for specific lifting indications and can produce appreciable but subtle tightening, not facelift-level correction. Moxie is clear that this is non-surgical lifting, not a surgery replacement.
What's the biggest risk with Ultherapy?
Facial fat loss if the wrong provider or settings are used — Moxie calls this a serious risk that isn't easily reversible, even with fat grafting later, which is why she stresses choosing an experienced practitioner over price.
How often should you get Ultherapy?
Moxie considers once yearly or every 18 months reasonable, based on her own results and how gradually the tightening effect builds.
Is Ultherapy the same as "HIFU" offered at other clinics?
No. Ultherapy is one specific, FDA-cleared branded device (MFU-V, with real-time imaging) made by Merz Aesthetics. Many clinics market unbranded machines simply as "HIFU," which use similar physics but usually lack the same imaging, FDA clearance, and clinical evidence. Moxie covers those separately — see the HIFU (Generic) page — because the two are not interchangeable.
The Verdict
Love It
Subtle lift, serious operator risk.
Moxie Ratings
Not medical advice. Content is based on personal experience and published research. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting any new treatment or regimen.
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