Are you fretting about going under the knife or cringing at the thought of poking needles to have young and flawless skin, then take heart – Ultherapy – the latest technology to hit the Indian beauty market could well be your next best bet.

Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy for tightening and lifting of the skin and was recently introduced in the Capital.

Dr. Shahin Nooreyezdan, senior consultant – Cosmetic Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Delhi said: “This therapy is also called as a lunchtime lift as it is a quick procedure – session lasting between 60 minutes and 90 minutes, which means you can go back to your routine after the procedure.’’

Doctors say that Ultherapy provides an immediate smoothening effect by slowing down the aging process, creating new structural collagen, and eventually tightens it thus improving skin texture and tone.

“It’s a boon for those not ready for surgical facelifts. It is the only non-invasive procedure, which is US FDA-cleared, to lift the skin on the neck, under the chin and over the eyebrow,” added Dr. Nooreyezdan.

“It is not just used for anti-ageing but also for removal of scars and stretch marks. It is recommended for those between 35 and 60 years with early signs of laxity. Other alternative procedures like Botox and fillers are extremely overpriced and need to be done regularly, while Ultherapy gives a great natural-looking skin,” explained Dr. Kuldeep Singh, senior consultant – Cosmetic Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Delhi. He added that the therapy is being used in more than 55 countries and around 40 scientific papers have been published on the procedure.

“It is non-surgical, fast and shows noticeable results with the first session. It has garnered a huge following as it requires no overnight hospital stay and is painless,” said Dr. Singh.

Ultherapy uses ultrasound to tighten the skin. The sound energy bypasses the skin’s surface to target deep structural tissue, creating heat that stimulates the production of firming collagen. It gently stimulates collagen production and strengthens the foundation of skin. It works from the inside out to tighten skin. Collagen is a protein responsible for the skin’s firmness, and suppleness.

Said Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra, director, Skin Alive, Delhi: “After the procedure some patients experience mild erythema and, very rarely, bruising. The side effects are extraordinarily limited and don’t require patients to alter their schedules or take analgesics after treatment. The one time treatment costs about Rs 1.5 lakh and the effect stays for about one and a half years.’’

He added that an ultrasound image guides the technician in delivering sound energy, which passes through the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production and tightening along the way.

The one-time treatment costs about Rs. 1.5 lakh and the effect stays for one and a half years.