It’s no secret—I’m a huge Ultherapy PRIME fan. After seeing noticeable results just three months after a single treatment, I’m ready to be its poster child. But while the technology—and your provider—do most of the heavy lifting, there’s a third, often overlooked factor that plays a major role in results: your lifestyle and how you care for yourself before and after treatment.
Ultherapy—and its latest generation, Ultherapy PRIME—is the only FDA-cleared, noninvasive procedure that uses microfocused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin of the brow, neck, under-chin and décolleté. Ultherapy PRIME jumpstarts your body’s natural collagen and elastin production (the proteins that help skin stay firm, lifted and bouncy). But habits in the weeks leading up to treatment—and the three to six months that follow—can significantly influence how strong and long-lasting those results are.
A quick science lesson: Collagen naturally begins to decline in our mid-20s—by about one percent per year—due to a mix of genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle factors. That’s why treatments like Ultherapy work best when they’re supported by smart habits, including proper pre- and post-care, daily SPF and a consistent skin-care routine.
Just as important, Ultherapy relies on real-time ultrasound imaging to guide energy placement beneath the skin—meaning results are highly dependent on provider expertise. I visited New York facial plastic surgeon Jennifer Levine, MD, who specializes in Ultherapy PRIME. While there are several steps you can take to reinforce your results, working closely with your provider to create a plan tailored to your skin and goals is the most important place to start.
Ahead, I’m breaking down exactly what to do before and after Ultherapy PRIME to get the most out of your treatment.
Before Ultherapy PRIME: Set Yourself Up for Success
In the weeks leading up to treatment—and continuing afterward—focus on strengthening your skin’s baseline health. As Dr. Levine advises, incorporating daily vitamin C, either through diet or supplementation, can help support collagen synthesis and protect existing collagen. Zinc and copper may also play a role in collagen formation.
Sun protection is nonnegotiable, as UV exposure actively breaks down collagen. A protein-rich diet is equally important, since collagen is built from amino acids, and staying well hydrated helps support overall skin function.
It’s also best to avoid excess alcohol, smoking (including vaping) and high sugar intake in the one to two weeks before and after treatment, as these habits can accelerate collagen and elastin breakdown—working directly against the results you’re trying to achieve.
After Ultherapy PRIME: Support the Collagen-Building Phase
This is when your body gets to work rebuilding collagen. In the first week after treatment, continue following the same nutrition guidelines you focused on beforehand and stick to gentle, fragrance-free skin care without active ingredients. The goal during this period is to protect the skin barrier while collagen production ramps up beneath the surface.
Around week two—when collagen stimulation is at its peak—you can gradually reintroduce targeted actives such as retinoids and vitamin C to support collagen remodeling. Peptides and growth factors can also be helpful during this phase, aiding skin repair and overall resilience.
Dr. Levine also recommends complementary treatments, such as radiofrequency and microneedling, to further stimulate collagen production. Lifestyle habits remain just as important: adequate sleep, regular movement, daily sun protection and a balanced, protein-rich diet all help reinforce your results.
As always, work closely with your provider to determine the best timing and combination of products and treatments for your skin. Ahead, I’m sharing a few recommended products that can help support your Ultherapy PRIME results along the way.
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