Ulthera SMAS-Lifting in Kyiv: Facelift Without Surgery and Anesthesia
Patients often come to me with the same request: I want a facelift, but without a scalpel. Five years ago, I would have said this is a compromise. Today, I think differently. Ultrasound SMAS lifting using the Ulthera System is the only non-invasive technology that works at the same tissue level as surgery. Not on the skin. Not in the subcutaneous fat. Specifically in the SMAS — the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system, which is lifted during a classic facelift.
According to the FDA (USA), Ulthera is the first and only ultrasound device officially approved for non-invasive lifting of the brow, chin, and neck. This is not a marketing statement. This is a regulatory decision that required clinical evidence.
At Sandler Wellness Center, we have been working with the Ulthera System for several years. During this time, I have seen results that are difficult to achieve with any other non-invasive method: real lifting of ptosis in patients aged 45-55 years, a clearer jawline, and reduced nasolabial folds without fillers. But I have also seen patients for whom this procedure was not suitable, and I will honestly discuss that as well.
If you are looking for lifting without downtime, without scars, and with a proven mechanism of action — read on. If you expect the effect of rhinoplasty in one procedure — we need to talk about realistic expectations.
What is SMAS and How Ulthera Affects It
SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) is the fibrous-muscular layer between the skin and the deeper structures of the face. It holds the soft tissue in the correct position. With age, the SMAS stretches, loses tone, and the face "sags" downwards. Wrinkles from this are not the main problem. The main issue is gravitational ptosis.
Traditional surgical lifting physically lifts the SMAS and fixes it in a new position. Ulthera does essentially the same thing, but through the skin: focused ultrasound (HIFU, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) creates micro-points of coagulation precisely at a defined depth — 4.5 mm (level of SMAS), 3 mm (deep dermis), 1.5 mm (superficial dermis).
What happens at these points? The temperature in the focal zone instantly reaches 60-70°C. This is sufficient for collagen denaturation and the initiation of neocollagenesis. The tissues respond with an inflammatory reaction, which over 2-6 months transforms into new collagen fibers with improved architecture.
The key difference between Ulthera and procedures at the skin level (lasers, RF, mesotherapy) is that we influence the structure responsible for the shape of the face, not just the quality of the skin. This is why the result is noticeable even in patients with significant ptosis, not just in those who came for "preventive" measures.
The micro-focused zone of damage (thermal coagulation point, TCP) has a diameter of about 1 mm. Surrounding tissues do not heat up. This explains the absence of burns, scars, and prolonged rehabilitation periods.
Indications, Protocols, and Number of Sessions
Ulthera SMAS lifting is not suitable for everyone. I always start with an assessment of the initial state of the tissues. There are two fundamental limitations: excess skin (which physically cannot be "lifted") and very thin dry skin without sufficient fat layer.
An optimal candidate looks like this:
- Age 35-60 years
- Moderate gravitational ptosis: brow droop, cheek-jaw folds (that have begun to form), unclear jawline
- Skin with preserved turgor (no pronounced atrophy)
- Severe ptosis grade 3-4 (surgery is more effective)
- Sharply pronounced excess skin in the submandibular area
Procedure Protocol at Sandler Wellness Center:
Before the session, the doctor applies an anesthetic cream and waits for 40-60 minutes. Then, ultrasound gel is applied, and the Ulthera device is adjusted for the specific area. Thanks to the built-in visualization, I can see the layers of the skin on the screen — SMAS, fat tissue, dermis — and precisely choose the depth.
The standard full procedure for the face and neck: 300-600 impulses, depending on the area and severity of ptosis. Duration — from 60 to 90 minutes. There is discomfort. The sensations are similar to short "shots" in the depths of the tissues. Most patients describe them as tolerable.
Number of Procedures: For most patients, one full session per year is sufficient. In some cases (significant ptosis, younger skin with good potential), we perform 2 sessions with an interval of 6 months. Maintenance therapy — once every 12-18 months.
At Sandler Wellness Center, the price is calculated based on the number of lines: 130 UAH for 1 line of Ulthera. The final cost depends on the area and volume of the protocol — it is determined by the doctor during the consultation.
Results and Scientific Evidence
The first visible effect appears within 2-4 weeks — a slight lifting due to initial inflammation and tissue reorganization. The maximum result — within 3-6 months, when neocollagenesis is completed.
What the scientific basis confirms:
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (Alam et al., 2010, n=35) showed a statistically significant lifting of the brows by an average of 1.7 mm after 90 days. Minor, but objectively measurable.
The study by Suh et al. in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (2015, n=50) demonstrated an increase in dermal density at the histological level 6 months after the procedure: newly formed collagen types I and III were found in areas corresponding to Ulthera TCP points.
I see this every week: 4-5 months after the procedure, patients return and show "before/after" photos. In 70-75% — a pronounced effect that is visible to the naked eye. In 20% — moderate. In the remaining 5-10% — minimal. The best results I observe in patients aged 38-50 years with moderate ptosis and good skin condition.
Duration of results: from 12 to 24 months. It depends on the initial state of the skin, the pace of natural aging, lifestyle, and skincare routine.
Contraindications and Safety
Ulthera is a medical procedure. I never tell patients, "this is safe for everyone." There are always contraindications.
Absolute contraindications:
- Pacemaker or neurostimulator
- Open skin lesions in the treatment area
- Active herpes or bacterial infection
- Pregnancy
Relative (require individual assessment):
- Very thin skin with pronounced atrophy
- Recently injected fillers (less than 4 weeks)
- Pronounced gravitational ptosis grade 3-4
- Autoimmune skin diseases in the acute stage
Regarding side effects: after the procedure, redness, swelling, tingling, and rarely — small hematomas may occur. All of these resolve within a few days. Serious complications (transient paresthesia) occur extremely rarely and are mainly described when unqualified specialists work or on non-original devices.
The original Ulthera System device (manufactured by Merz Aesthetics, USA) has current certification. This is important: the market is saturated with counterfeits with similar names. Ask for certification for the equipment.
Price and Appointment at Sandler Wellness Center, Kyiv-тренер-Kyiv-фітнес-sandler-індивідуальний-підхід-до-вашого-тіла" rel="noopener">персональний
At Sandler Wellness Center, the ultrasound SMAS lifting procedure is performed on the original Ulthera System device (Merz Aesthetics, USA).
The cost is calculated individually based on the number of lines: 130 UAH for 1 line. The standard protocol for the full face and neck includes from 300 to 600 lines depending on the treatment area and clinical task. The exact number of lines and the total cost of the course is determined by the doctor during the initial consultation after assessing the state of the skin and the depth of ptosis.
If you have never been to us for a consultation — please check the cost with the administrator (the consultation with the cosmetologist is a separate service in the price list).
Sandler Wellness Center is located at: 23 Kniaziv Ostrozky St, Kyiv. Here, a team of certified cosmetologists with confirmed qualifications for working with the Ulthera device operates. You can make an appointment through the website sandler.com.ua or by calling the administrator.
Prices may change — please check the current cost with the administrator or on sandler.com.ua.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does Ulthera SMAS lifting cost in Kyiv?
A: The cost of the Ulthera procedure at Sandler Wellness Center is calculated based on the number of lines — 130 UAH per line. The standard protocol for the full face and neck involves from 300 to 600 lines. The exact amount is determined by the doctor after examination: the treatment area, depth of ptosis, and number of required impulses are individual. You can make an appointment for a consultation at sandler.com.ua.
Q: Is the Ulthera procedure painful?
A: Ulthera is accompanied by noticeable discomfort at the moment of impulse delivery — patients describe it as short "shots" or a feeling of warmth in the depths of the tissues. An anesthetic cream is necessarily applied for 40-60 minutes before the procedure, which significantly reduces pain sensations. The vast majority of patients tolerate the procedure well without additional anesthesia.
Q: When will the results be visible after Ulthera?
A: The first signs of lifting can be noticed within 2-4 weeks after the procedure. The maximum result forms within 3-6 months — this is how long it takes for neocollagenesis to be completed. The effect lasts from 12 to 24 months depending on the initial state of the skin and the patient's lifestyle.
Q: How many Ulthera procedures are needed for a noticeable effect?
A: For most patients, one full session is sufficient. It provides an effect that develops over 3-6 months. In cases of significant ptosis or young skin with high regeneration-пептид-привязаності-та-його-терапевтичне-застосування-в-медицині" rel="noopener">bpc-157-відновлення-механізм-дії-ефективність-та-протоколи-застосування-в) potential, we at Sandler Wellness Center sometimes recommend 2 sessions with an interval of 6 months. Maintenance therapy — once every 12-18 months.
Q: How does Ulthera differ from regular HIFU?
A: Ulthera is the only HIFU device with built-in ultrasound visualization (MFU-V). The doctor sees the skin structures in real-time and precisely sets the depth of influence at the level of SMAS (4.5 mm), deep and superficial dermis. Budget HIFU devices lack this function and operate without visual control. This is why Ulthera is the only device approved by the FDA for lifting the face and neck.
Q: Can Ulthera be combined with other procedures?
A: Yes, and in our practice, we often build combined protocols. Ulthera works well in combination with biorevitalization (4-6 weeks after the procedure), botulinum therapy, and contour plastic surgery. This allows us to address not only gravitational ptosis but also volume and skin texture issues. It is contraindicated to combine with recently injected fillers (less than 4 weeks) and active inflammatory skin processes.
Conclusion
Ulthera SMAS lifting is not an "alternative without effect." It is a medically justified procedure with measurable influence on the deep structures of the face, clinically proven effectiveness, and an acceptable safety profile. It does not replace surgery in cases of significant ptosis. But for patients aged 35-55 with moderate age-related changes — it is the optimal choice between "doing nothing" and "going under the knife."
At Sandler Wellness Center, located at 23 Kniaziv Ostrozky St, Kyiv, the procedure is performed on the original Ulthera System device with full medical support. We do not promise miracles. We promise an honest assessment of your condition, a correctly selected protocol, and a result that will be noticeable to you and those around you.
You can schedule a consultation and find out if Ulthera SMAS lifting is right for you at sandler.com.ua.
