Does HIFU or Ultherapy dissolve fillers?

It is safe to combine Ultherapy and filler treatments together, and it is often synergistic to do both treatments to create a soft, natural rejuvenation of the face.

Ultherapy is a US FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin through stimulation of collagen production whereas fillers restore facial volume loss though aging.

There is no clinical studies that prove that Ultherapy or HIFU will dissolve fillers. To the contrary, in my experience, fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra can work synergistically with Ultherapy to stimulate collagen production.

If possible, I would perform Ultherapy before filler treatment but some physicians prefer to do fillers before Ultherapy, either way is fine.

Hope the above helps!

Cheers! Dr. Terence Tan

Frankly, this is something which many doctors debate about. Some insist that there is significant volume loss of fillers after Ultherapy, while some deny such an occurrence.

There have been figures thrown around like 10-15% reduction (IF it happens) of filler volume post Ultherapy.

In my practice however I prefer to take the safe route and do HIFU first and then about 1-2 weeks later to follow up with the filler placement (if indicated). Why take the risk?

Winston

I generally wait for 3-4 weeks after HA fillers, before proceeding with HIFU treatment.

Although there are no clinical studies, however this recommendation is backed by consensus from experienced doctors who are key opinion leaders in Aesthetic Medicine.

After HIFU, fillers can be performed almost immediately as there are no known contraindications to doing so. Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Dr David Deng

I understand your concerns. This is a common question that I get from my patients.

There have been a couple of studies examining the effects of different lasers on fillers. In these studies, which have included tissue biopsies, there has been no effect of HIFU on the longevity of the filler.

I usually perform Filler treatments After HIFU/Ulthera treatments (either same day or 3-6 weeks after).

The reason why I perform Filler treatments 3-6 weeks after HIFU/Ulthera is because that is when I can see the early skin tightening and lifting effects of HIFU. This allows me to make a more accurate assessment of remaining volume loss - which allows me to potentially reduce the amount of Filler needed.

Another point that supports the safety of HIFU for filler is this: the focal point of HIFU energy is not being delivered to the plane where the filler is located. For example, Fillers are not injected at the level of the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System). Therefore it should have no bearing on the longevity of the fillers.

Hope that this helps!

Warmest regards,

Dr Justin Boey

Frankly, this is something which many doctors debate about. Some insist that there is significant volume loss of fillers after Ultherapy, while some deny such an occurrence.

There have been figures thrown around like 10-15% reduction (IF it happens) of filler volume post Ultherapy.

In my practice however I prefer to take the safe route and do HIFU first and then about 1-2 weeks later to follow up with the filler placement (if indicated). Why take the risk?

Winston