What Are The Differences Between Ultherapy and Ultherapy Prime Treatments?
What Is Ultherapy Prime?
Ultherapy Prime is a non-surgical, ultrasound-based treatment designed to support the body’s natural collagen-building processes. It works by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the deeper layers of the skin, guided by real-time imaging. This imaging allows the practitioner to visualise the underlying tissue and target the structural layers responsible for skin firmness, without disrupting the surface of the skin.
The treatment is performed by trained and qualified practitioners, and most people experience minimal downtime afterward. You won’t typically see open wounds or peeling because the surface of the skin remains intact during the procedure.
Ultherapy Prime is considered an advancement of the original technology. It features refined energy delivery and updated visualisation, which allows for more controlled treatments and improved comfort. Rather than promising instant or guaranteed results, the focus is on working with your body’s own biology by encouraging gradual collagen renewal over time.
In practice, this means the benefits of Ultherapy Prime vs the original Ultherapy is about precision and customisation. The practitioner can adjust depth and energy based on your skin’s structure, making the treatment more tailored to the individual.
What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is the original, well-established version of this focused ultrasound technology. Like Ultherapy Prime, it is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound energy to reach deep skin layers where collagen is responsible for maintaining firmness and structure.
Traditionally, Ultherapy has been used to support skin tightening in areas such as the face, neck, and décolletage. The treatment works below the surface of the skin, so the outer layer remains intact. This is one of the reasons why it has been a popular option for people wanting to explore aesthetic treatments without surgery or incisions.
Ultherapy is performed by trained professionals who assess your skin before deciding if the treatment is appropriate. By understanding the original Ultherapy system, it becomes easier to appreciate what has been refined in the newer Ultherapy Prime platform.
Key Differences Between Ultherapy and Ultherapy Prime
While both treatments are based on the same underlying science to address mild to moderate skin laxity, there are practical differences in how the newer system functions. Think of Ultherapy Prime as a more refined evolution rather than a completely different treatment.
Here is a clear comparison to help you see where they differ:
| Feature | Ultherapy | Ultherapy Prime |
| Imaging | Ultrasound imaging | Updated, higher-resolution real-time imaging |
| Precision | Effective targeting | More precise visualisation of tissue layers |
| Energy delivery | Consistent ultrasound pulses | More controlled and refined energy output |
| Treatment time | Standard treatment time | Often shorter due to refined technology |
| Comfort | Sensation varies by person | Designed for improved comfort during treatment |
| Core technology | Focused ultrasound for collagen stimulation | Same focused ultrasound foundation with improved refinement |
Both treatments rely on ultrasound-induced collagen stimulation. The main difference lies in how precisely and comfortably the energy can be delivered, rather than a change in the fundamental mechanism.
How Ultherapy Prime Works
Ultherapy Prime delivers focused ultrasound energy to specific depths under the skin. The energy gently warms the targeted tissue, creating controlled thermal points in the deeper structural layers of the skin. This process signals the body to begin collagen and elastin production as part of its natural healing and renewal cycle.
Importantly, the surface of the skin remains unaffected. There is no removal of skin and no disruption to the outer layer. What happens instead is a gradual rebuilding of supportive fibres below the surface.
Over time, as new collagen forms, the skin may start to feel firmer and appear more supported. This isn’t an instant change. It’s a progressive lifting and tightening process that depends heavily on your body’s own response.
How Long Does Ultherapy Prime Last?
Any visible changes tend to develop slowly as collagen production increases. The duration of firmness varies from person to person and depends on factors such as skin quality, age, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits.
Some people maintain their results for longer periods than others, and in some cases, ongoing care or future treatments may be discussed during consultation. It’s important to understand that outcomes differ and there are no permanent guarantees.
Who May Be Suitable for Ultherapy Prime?
Ultherapy Prime may be considered for people who are noticing mild to moderate skin laxity and would like to explore non-surgical options. This can include areas such as the jawline, lower face, and neck.
It is often considered by adults typically between their late 30s and 60s, although this can vary widely. Suitability can only be confirmed during an in-person consultation, where a practitioner assesses skin thickness, elasticity, and overall health.
This treatment is not positioned as a universal solution, but rather as one possible option depending on individual circumstances.
How Painful Is Ultherapy Prime?
Comfort is a common concern. Ultherapy Prime has been developed to be more comfortable than the original Ultherapy system. However, experiences vary between individuals.
During treatment, sensations can include brief warmth, tingling, or momentary sensitivity as energy is delivered. These sensations are usually short-lived. Practitioners can adjust the settings and use comfort measures when needed to make the experience more manageable.
It is not described as painless, but many people find the treatment tolerable.
What areas can Ultherapy Prime treat?
Ultherapy Prime is commonly used on areas where skin firmness naturally decreases over time, including:
- Brow area
- Face and jawline
- Under-chin area
- Neck
- Décolletage
Treatment can be tailored to focus on specific regions based on each person’s skin characteristics. Final decisions about treatment areas are always made during consultation after a detailed skin assessment.
What to Expect During Your Ultherapy Prime Treatment:
our experience typically begins with a detailed consultation and skin assessment. This allows the practitioner to determine whether Ultherapy Prime is suitable and to map the treatment areas.
On the day of the procedure, the skin is cleansed and an ultrasound gel is applied. The practitioner then uses real-time imaging to visualise the skin layers and plan precise energy delivery.
A handheld device is used to deliver focused ultrasound energy to the targeted areas. You may feel warming or tingling sensations during this process. After treatment, temporary redness, mild swelling, or tenderness can occur, but these effects usually settle within a short period.
Most people can return to normal activities soon after the session, which makes this treatment appealing to those with busy schedules.
Book a Consult for Ultherapy Prime in Melbourne
Ultherapy Prime is available at Victorian Cosmetic Institute at our location in Melbourne, where treatments are performed by qualified practitioners with advanced training in aesthetic medicine.
To learn more about Ultherapy Prime and determine whether it may be suitable for your skin, you can phone 1300 863 824 to arrange a consultation. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online. This allows you to receive personalised advice based on your individual skin characteristics and goals.
FAQ’s About Ultherapy Prime
How much does Ultherapy Prime cost?
The cost of Ultherapy Prime varies depending on several factors, including the size of the area treated, the technology used, and the individual treatment plan developed during consultation.
Because every face and skin type is different, a personalised assessment is the most accurate way to understand the approach, expected outcomes, and associated fees. Transparency around costs is always discussed as part of the consultation process, and you will receive a written quotation and treatment plan.
How many sessions of Ultherapy Prime are needed?
Most people only require one session of Ultherapy Prime, although the number of sessions can vary. This depends on skin condition, treatment goals, and how the skin responds to ultrasound energy.
Collagen stimulation is a gradual biological process, and the practitioner will assess your skin before recommending an individualised plan. Additional sessions are not positioned as guarantees of better results, but as options that may be discussed if appropriate.
How soon can I see results after Ultherapy Prime?
Results tend to appear gradually as new collagen forms beneath the skin. Some people notice subtle changes within a few weeks, while further improvement often develops over several months as the body’s natural collagen production continues.
The timing of visible changes varies based on individual factors such as age, skin health, and lifestyle. Your practitioner will discuss what you might reasonably expect during your consultation.
Can Ultherapy Prime be combined with other aesthetic treatments?
Ultherapy Prime can sometimes be part of a broader total facial rejuvenation treatment plan incorporating other skin tightening treatments, or with collagen stimulating treatments such as Rejuran. However, whether it should be combined with other treatments depends entirely on your skin condition, goals, and the timing between procedures.
Any decision to combine treatments must be guided by a qualified practitioner to ensure safety, suitability, and appropriate spacing between treatments. Personalised planning is key to maintaining a cautious and evidence-based approach