The Complete Guide to Ultherapy in Newport Beach
May 28, 2026
Everything you need to know about Ultherapy in Newport Beach — how it works, what to expect, recovery, results, costs, and who is the right provider. From the practice of James Hooper, Founder and Sole Creator of the Butterfly Facelift®, who completed Ultherapy® training through Merz Aesthetics in 2019.
This is the definitive guide to Ultherapy as it is offered at Newport Beach Skin Tightening. Whether you are considering Ultherapy as a standalone treatment or as part of our proprietary Butterfly Facelift® protocol, this guide will answer every question clients commonly ask during consultation.
What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy uses FDA-cleared focused-ultrasound technology for specific lifting and tightening indications on the brow, chin, neck, and décolleté. Approved by the FDA in 2009, it has a longer clinical track record than most non-surgical lifting treatments on the market.
The technology delivers focused ultrasound energy beneath the surface of the skin to stimulate the production of new collagen at a deep tissue level. The result is a natural lift over time, without surgery or cosmetic injections, and with minimal downtime for many clients.
Individual results vary.
How Ultherapy Works at the Tissue Level
Three layers of tissue are targeted during an Ultherapy session:
- Superficial dermal layer (1.5mm depth) — addresses fine lines and surface tone
- Deeper dermal layer (3.0mm depth) — addresses overall elasticity
- SMAS layer (4.5mm depth) — the same layer plastic surgeons lift during a traditional facelift
The ability to reach the SMAS layer non-invasively is what makes Ultherapy unique. Most other non-invasive treatments only address the upper layers of skin. Ultherapy itself belongs to the focused-ultrasound (HIFU) family — for how authentic Ultherapy differs from generic devices, see Ultherapy vs Other HIFU Skin Tightening.
Treatment Areas
Ultherapy is FDA-cleared for:
- Lifting the brow
- Lifting the chin and neck
- Improving lines and wrinkles on the décolleté
It is commonly used to address jowls, sagging skin under the chin, loose neck skin, brow hooding, and crepey décolleté. Wondering what a brow lift can (and cannot) do for heavy upper eyes? See Can Ultherapy Help Sagging Eyelids? The Brow Lift Explained.
What to Expect During the Session
A typical Ultherapy session takes 60-90 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
- 1Consultation and prep (15 min) — James reviews your concerns, takes baseline photos, and prepares the treatment areas.
- 2Treatment (45-75 min) — ultrasound gel is applied; the Ultherapy applicator delivers controlled energy. You will feel sensations of warmth and brief stinging as the energy is delivered.
- 3Immediate post-care (5-10 min) — the area is cleansed and a calming serum applied. You can leave immediately and resume normal activities.
How to Prepare for Your Session
- 2 weeks before: Avoid retinol, glycolic acid, or chemical peels on treatment areas.
- 1 week before: Stop blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, gingko) if you take them. Consult your physician before stopping prescription blood thinners.
- Day of treatment: Arrive with clean skin, no makeup. Eat normally. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever 30-60 minutes before your appointment if you are sensitive to discomfort.
- What to bring: Nothing required. Wear comfortable clothing.
Does Ultherapy Hurt?
Honest answer: there is discomfort during the energy delivery. Clients describe it as warm pinpricks or brief stinging sensations as energy is delivered to the deeper tissue layers.
The discomfort is manageable and stops the moment the applicator moves to the next area. Most clients rate the discomfort at 4-6 out of 10. We offer pre-treatment options to minimize sensation, including topical numbing and over-the-counter pain management.
Recovery and Aftercare
Ultherapy has minimal downtime for many clients — most return to normal activities immediately after the session. Temporary redness, tenderness, or swelling may occur depending on the treatments performed.
What you may experience:
- Mild redness for a few hours
- Slight swelling that resolves within 24-48 hours
- Tenderness when touching the treated area for several days
- Occasionally, small areas of bruising (uncommon)
Aftercare guidelines:
- Apply sunscreen daily — the treatment makes skin more sensitive to sun
- Stay hydrated to support collagen production
- Continue gentle skincare; avoid harsh actives for 1 week
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first 2 nights
- Resume normal exercise, work, and social activities immediately
When You Will See Results
Ultherapy stimulates your body’s natural collagen production. This is a gradual process, not an instant result.
- Immediately after: Some clients see initial tightening from inflammation response. This is not the actual result.
- 4-6 weeks: Early improvement becomes visible.
- 3 months: Significant lifting and tightening visible to others.
- 6 months: Full results achieved. This is when before-and-after photos are most dramatic.
- 12-24 months: Results continue to be maintained as new collagen continues to form.
How Long Results Last
Most clients enjoy Ultherapy results for 12-24 months. The actual collagen produced is part of your skin and does not disappear, but the natural aging process continues, so eventually the same client will need maintenance treatment.
Some clients return annually for maintenance. Others wait 2-3 years between sessions. Your provider can advise based on your specific skin and goals.
Side Effects to Know About
Ultherapy is well-tolerated. Most clients experience only the mild, temporary effects listed under recovery above.
Less common, generally minor effects:
- Bruising at treatment sites (resolves within a week)
- Numbness in treated areas (resolves within 2-4 weeks)
- Welts that appear briefly after treatment (resolves within hours)
Rare effects: Temporary muscle weakness in the jaw or neck (typically resolves within weeks). Discuss your medical history during consultation so we can flag any specific concerns.
Who Is a Good Candidate
Ultherapy works best for clients with:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity on the face, neck, or décolleté
- Realistic expectations of gradual, natural-looking results
- Generally good skin health
- Age 35-75 (though it has been used effectively at ages outside this range)
Ultherapy is less ideal for clients with severe skin laxity (where surgical lifting may be needed) or clients with active skin infections, certain autoimmune conditions, or implanted devices in the treatment area.
Cost of Ultherapy in Newport Beach
Ultherapy pricing in Orange County typically ranges from $800-$2,500 per session, depending on the areas treated. At Newport Beach Skin Tightening, Ultherapy starts at $800 for targeted treatments.
Importantly: Ultherapy is included as one of the technologies in our proprietary Butterfly Facelift® protocol. Clients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation often find better value in the combined protocol than in standalone Ultherapy, since the Butterfly Facelift® adds additional synergistic technologies — up to seven in the Signature tier — for the same or modestly higher cost.
Ultherapy as Part of the Butterfly Facelift®
The Butterfly Facelift® is the proprietary multi-technology protocol created by James Hooper. It combines Ultherapy (focused ultrasound) with Apollo TriPollar RF, Ultrasonic Cavitation, Microneedling with AQ Growth Factors, and Red Light and Near-Infrared Therapy in a single 2.5-hour session. Clients who would otherwise have chosen standalone Ultherapy often find the combined protocol produces dramatically better results in the same session.
Why Choose Newport Beach Skin Tightening for Your Ultherapy
Several practices in Orange County offer Ultherapy. The differences that matter:
- Training: James Hooper completed Ultherapy® training through Merz Aesthetics in 2019. Not all providers have completed manufacturer training.
- Experience: Years of work in advanced wellness and non-surgical rejuvenation, alongside physicians and anti-aging specialists.
- Creator of the Butterfly Facelift®: James created the multi-technology protocol that incorporates Ultherapy. His understanding of the modality is uniquely deep.
- One practice, one standard: Every session is unhurried and built around James Hooper's multi-technology protocol — not a rushed, high-volume chain model.
- Technology media coverage: Ultherapy and other technologies used in the protocol have been featured on Dr. Oz, The Doctors, and LA Channel 11 News.
Booking Your Consultation
Your initial consultation is free and takes approximately 45 minutes. James will review your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend whether standalone Ultherapy or the Butterfly Facelift® is the better fit for your concerns.
There is no pressure, no commitment, and no high-pressure sales process. If Ultherapy is not the right treatment for you, we will tell you so honestly and may recommend an alternative.
For session details and pricing, visit the Ultherapy treatment page.
See real results: neck skin tightening with added Ultherapy — before & after photos »
Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Ultherapy different from Morpheus8 or Thermage?+
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to reach the SMAS layer (the same layer plastic surgeons lift). Morpheus8 uses RF microneedling, which involves injections. Thermage uses RF without ultrasound. Each is a different technology with different strengths. See the full comparison »
Is Ultherapy safe?+
Ultherapy is FDA-cleared for specific aesthetic indications — lifting the eyebrow, lifting lax skin on the neck and under the chin, and improving lines and wrinkles on the décolleté — but FDA clearance does not mean a treatment is risk-free or appropriate for everyone. Temporary redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, bruising, numbness or welts may occur, and transient nerve effects have been reported (see the side-effects section above). Suitability depends on the treatment area, your health history, medications, implants, previous procedures, and an individualized consultation.
Can I combine Ultherapy with my current Botox or filler?+
Yes. Ultherapy works alongside existing injectables. Most clients prefer to schedule Ultherapy at least 2 weeks before or after filler injections to allow the filler to settle.
How is the Butterfly Facelift® different from Ultherapy alone?+
The Butterfly Facelift® includes Ultherapy as one of up to seven combined technologies in a single session. Standalone Ultherapy treats only with ultrasound. The Butterfly Facelift® adds Apollo TriPollar RF, Ultrasonic Cavitation, Microneedling, AQ Human Fibroblast Growth-Factor Skin Solution, Red Light Therapy, and Near-Infrared Therapy for a more comprehensive collagen response.
Will Ultherapy make me look unnatural?+
No. Because Ultherapy stimulates your own collagen production rather than introducing filler or freezing muscles, the results follow your face’s natural contours. Clients typically report that family and friends notice they look refreshed but cannot identify what changed.
How often should I do Ultherapy?+
Most clients benefit from a session every 12-24 months. Your provider can advise based on your specific skin response and aging rate.
Related Reading
- Can Ultherapy Help Sagging Eyelids? The Brow Lift Explained
- Ultherapy vs Other Ultrasound (HIFU) Skin Tightening Devices
- The Butterfly Facelift® — Six Skin-Tightening Technologies in One Session
- Butterfly Facelift® vs. Morpheus8, Ultherapy, Endolift & Thermage — Honest Comparison
- Beyond Botox: The Off-Ramp from Injectables
- Frequently Asked Questions
- See Real Client Results
Located in the Heart of Orange County
Newport Beach Skin Tightening serves clients across Orange County. Consultations and treatments are available by appointment at both our Newport Beach Corporate Office & Facility and Costa Mesa Private Studio & Facility. We’ll confirm the appropriate location for your selected service when your appointment is scheduled. We are conveniently located near Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Corona del Mar, Newport Coast, and surrounding Orange County communities. The technologies we use have been featured on Dr. Oz, The Doctors, and LA Channel 11 News. Book a free consultation with James Hooper, Founder and Sole Creator of the Butterfly Facelift®, by requesting a free consultation online, calling 949-500-0719, or visiting our Contact page.
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May 14, 2026Your Consultation Awaits
Ready to See Real Results?
Book a free, no-pressure consultation with James Hooper, Founder and Sole Creator of the Butterfly Facelift®. Consultations and treatments are available by appointment at both our Newport Beach Corporate Office & Facility and Costa Mesa Private Studio & Facility. We’ll confirm the appropriate location for your selected service when your appointment is scheduled.
A consultation does not guarantee candidacy or results. Individual experiences vary.