Ultherapy aftercare: the first day, week and months
Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 3 min read
Ultherapy needs little aftercare. You can usually return to normal activity the same day. Expect redness for a few hours and tenderness on chewing or touch for days. Use gentle skincare, avoid very hot treatments on the area for a few days, protect from sun, and give the change time: collagen remodelling is gradual, and any review is planned months, not days, later.
Illustrative image. Sun protection is part of every energy-device aftercare plan.
Key facts
Same day
Normal activity; gentle cleanser and moisturiser
First few days
Avoid saunas, hot yoga and heat-based facials; mild painkillers if needed
Make-up
Usually fine the next day unless the skin is marked
Redness and slight swelling are expected and usually fade within hours. Cleanse gently, apply a plain moisturiser and sunscreen, and avoid rubbing the area. Paracetamol is usually enough for discomfort; ask before taking anti-inflammatory painkillers if you bruise easily. A cool compress for ten minutes at a time can ease swelling.
The first week
Tenderness on chewing, yawning or touch is common and gradually eases. Sleep with your head slightly raised for the first night or two if the face feels swollen. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga and heat-based facial treatments for a few days. Retinoids and exfoliating acids can usually restart after two or three days, or once any redness has settled.
Small bruises, raised lines along the treatment rows or patches of tingling and numbness can appear and settle over days to weeks. A photograph sent by message helps if you are unsure whether something is expected; the side effects page describes what is normal.
The months after
Collagen remodelling after focused ultrasound develops over months, which is why any review is planned well after treatment rather than within days. Daily sun protection supports the skin in the meantime. If you are combining Ultherapy with other treatments, the order and spacing are set in your plan.
Questions after treatment come back through WhatsApp at +65 8023 7170 during clinic hours (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday 11am to 3pm, Singapore time). Anything that is getting worse rather than better, a blister or open area, or fever needs to be seen the same day, wherever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, and avoid scrubbing.
Light exercise is usually fine the same day or next. Hot environments such as hot yoga are best avoided for a few days.
Usually the next day, unless the skin is marked or tender.
Most people can fly the next day.
Yes, tenderness along the jaw on chewing is common and usually eases over days, occasionally two to three weeks.
