Why Ultherapy PRIME Uses Ultrasound Imaging

Ultherapy PRIME uses ultrasound imaging to help check treatment depth and contact with the skin, not to guarantee a treatment without side effects. At UH CELL, we distinguish what the screen helps assess from what it cannot promise about risk.

What the screen helps check

Ultherapy’s 2026 US Instructions for Use describe two purposes for imaging: viewing the dermis and underlying tissue to confirm appropriate contact between the device and the skin, and checking an appropriate treatment depth, including avoiding bone. The screen is not simply a display of the procedure in progress.

This explanation concerns the imaging functions described in the US instructions. It does not define the device’s approved indications in South Korea.

The green line and dark streaks mean different things

The imaging assessment procedure in Ultherapy’s instructions includes examples showing the dermis, underlying tissue, and the surface of bone. A green horizontal line indicates the depth at which energy is intended to be delivered. The tissue image and this line are assessed together to check the target depth.

Dark vertical streaks, by contrast, are image artifacts that may appear when contact with the skin is inadequate. Ultherapy’s instructions advise checking that these streaks are absent when assessing contact between the device and the skin.

The distinction matters: the green line marks the intended energy-delivery depth, while dark vertical streaks can provide a clue about inadequate contact.

Imaging does not eliminate side effects

For face and neck treatment, Ultherapy’s instructions list redness, swelling, pain, and temporary nerve-related effects such as muscle weakness, reduced sensation, and tingling. They also warn that improper technique, including tilting the device or spacing treatment lines incorrectly, can lead to burns and scarring.

Ultherapy’s instructions also include postmarketing reports of nerve-related symptoms lasting several months. These symptoms should not be assumed to resolve quickly in every case.

What to discuss before treatment

We encourage anyone considering treatment to look beyond whether the device has an imaging screen. Ask for an explanation of the target depth for the area being treated and the potential adverse reactions, so that both the screen’s role and the treatment’s risks are clear.

Skin reactions and recovery time vary from person to person. Consult a medical professional for an accurate assessment and an individualized treatment plan.