High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has emerged as a popular non-invasive treatment option in the cosmetic dermatology landscape, primarily for skin tightening and fat reduction. Among the many devices available, Ultherapy and Ultraformer MPT are two notable technologies that utilize HIFU principles. Understanding the differences between these devices can significantly impact treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Ultherapy, one of the pioneers in HIFU technology, was released to the market over a decade ago, with its initial concept emerging around 2008. The device has undergone various software updates since its introduction, but the fundamental technology and penetration depth it provides remain largely the same. Ultherapy offers two primary depths for treatment at 3 mm and 4.5 mm for facial applications. While these depths are effective, they can limit the areas addressed, particularly when targeting deeper layers of skin and fat.
In contrast, the Ultraformer MPT, a more recent entry into the market, offers a wider range of treatment depths, allowing practitioners to utilize 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm settings. This variation is crucial when considering the different dermal layers of the face. For instance, treating the perioral area typically requires depths around 1.9 mm to 2.2 mm, within which Ultraformer MPT excels, offering flexibility that Ultherapy does not.
Another significant distinction lies in the devices’ impact on fat reduction. While Ultherapy’s manufacturer has maintained that their device does not specifically target fat, many doctors and plastic surgeons have observed its fat-reducing capabilities in various facial areas, such as nasolabial folds and superficial fat pads. In contrast, Ultraformer MPT is explicitly designed to address excess fat by utilizing its advanced technology to facilitate targeted fat destruction, particularly in superficial areas where fat accumulation is undesirable.
Understanding the differences between superficial and deeper fat layers is essential for effective treatment. As individuals age, superficial fat pads tend to droop and accumulate due to changes in the structural support that holds them in place. Utilizing a device like Ultraformer MPT allows for strategic reduction of these superficial fat deposits, which can enhance facial contouring and rejuvenation. Conversely, targeting deep fat pads can lead to unwanted volume loss, which might diminish facial appearance and volume, particularly in patients with naturally thin tissues.
Patient selection plays a critical role in determining the appropriate HIFU treatment. For patients with lower facial volume or thinner skin, the application of Ultherapy or Ultraformer MPT might need careful consideration. While these devices can provide skin tightening, they must be used judiciously to avoid unintended fat reduction that could leave patients seeking additional volume.
In terms of technological advancements, the Ultraformer MPT introduces Micropulse Technology (MPT), which enhances the efficacy of treatment by delivering continuous energy without breaks, increasing bulk heating within the tissue. This results in a faster procedure, estimated to be 2.5 times quicker than Ultherapy. Faster treatment times typically equate to reduced discomfort for patients and a more efficient process for operators. This technology advances patient comfort by minimizing pain associated with prolonged treatment sessions.
The discussion of which device to use should not diminish the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach. While HIFU can effectively stimulate collagen production and reduce fat, the overall aesthetic result often involves a combination of treatment modalities. Other options might include collagen-stimulating injectables, RF microneedling, or even surgical procedures for extreme laxity.