Personally, I’m not a fan of Botox and fillers for various reasons. I first tried Botox about 20 years ago and had a bad reaction. Twice. But I always say, I’m not going down without a fight. I know that healthy eating and drinking my EVOLUTION_18 collagen certainly helps, as does positive energy and good humor, but what makes me the most excited are the latest laser treatments. These treatments, including Ultherapy, come with the promise of a fuller face by triggering collagen production combined with the face lift-like effects of diminished lines and clear, smoother skin.

I finally was ready to try Ultherapy so I booked myself an appointment Skinney Medspa, located at the Warren Tricomi Salon (had I known, I would’ve also booked a blow out) in the Flatiron District in New York City. The white space is uber clean but still feels warm and welcoming. The service menu includes lasers, injectables, cool sculpting, and everything in between.

Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to lift sagging or loose skin on the face, neck and brow from the inside out. It’s also been FDA-approved to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the décolletage and neck line. The procedure is non-invasive, which means you don’t need a lot of downtime afterwards. And studies show the ultrasound energy can stimulate collagen production.

My technician, Parminder Singh, held my hand and explained everything while getting me ready. She was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and supportive. After laying me down on the spa-like table and covering me with a blanket, she got to work. Parminder started by drawing lines on my face around areas she was going to target, those that really needed a lift. Full disclosure: my appointment was the day after a too fun holiday party, so I’m guessing I looked like I needed some extra lifting.

For the most part, the pain was pretty bearable in most areas. The ones that weren’t as bearable usually went pretty quickly. Before I arrived, I was directed to take four Advil, but I’m not sure that it actually helped with any pain reduction. (I read that some women take something stronger, but I got through it.) I felt the deepest pain while the treatment was focused on my forehead.

Parminder was the best Ultherapy coach, encouraging me to stick it out and giving me the countdown of how many pulses were left in each area. The entire procedure took about an hour and a half and by the end, I was more than ready to be done.

They say the results usually appear between one and three months following a treatment and last for three years, but I swear I looked tighter and smoother by day two. I’m pretty psyched about the results and glad I sucked it up and did it. Luckily, I don’t have to go back for another three years. It’s been a month since, and I swear I look tighter and lifted. I’ll come back and update every couple of months.

Update:

It's been two and a half months since my treatment and I definitey see a difference. I even got a "wow" out of one of my employees after she saw a video of me from my recent UK trip that was shot from a side angle. That's when she really saw a difference.

While the memory of the pain is still with me, I'd definitely do it again in three years. (Hopefully there will be some improvements with the pain — or I'll happily ask my doctor for some medication.)