When to postpone lifting: contraindications and cautions

When should lifting not be performed?

The Ultherapy PRIME instructions for use list open wounds or lesions in the treatment area, severe or cystic acne in the treatment area, active implanted devices and metal implants in the treatment area as contraindications.

The Thermage FLX manufacturer also states that treatment should not be given if you have an electrical implanted device such as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator. As these are energy-based devices, information about devices in the body must be checked before treatment.

The Ultherapy instructions for use also warn to keep the device at least 15 cm away from medical devices sensitive to magnetic fields, such as cochlear implants, nerve stimulators, stents and shunts.

• Open wounds or lesions in the treatment area
• Severe or cystic acne in the treatment area
• Active implanted devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator
• Metal implants in the treatment area

When is caution needed because a group has not been evaluated?

Pregnancy or breastfeeding, diabetes, autoimmune disease, epilepsy, herpes simplex, and bleeding or clotting disorders are listed in manufacturer data as groups that have not been evaluated or studied.

The Ultherapy instructions for use also list children, active skin conditions that affect wound healing, people with Bell's palsy and people on anticoagulant therapy as groups that have not been evaluated. The eyes, eyelids and the area inside the eye socket are not treated.

Thermage FLX safety information likewise states that pregnancy or breastfeeding, diabetes, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, lip or genital herpes, epilepsy, tattoos and children have not been studied. Not evaluated means there are insufficient data for that group, so discussion with the medical team is needed.

Can I have lifting if I have filler or implants?

Having filler or implants does not automatically rule out treatment, but treating directly over them has not been evaluated and is not recommended.

The Ultherapy instructions for use do not recommend treating directly over mechanical implants, filler, breast implants or existing keloids. Thermage FLX safety information also states that treatment over dermal fillers has not been studied.

If you share where and when you had filler and any thread lift history, the medical team can avoid those areas or adjust the treatment plan.

Should I postpone lifting if I am taking acne medication (isotretinoin)?

If you are taking or have recently taken isotretinoin, tell us before treatment; the timing of lifting is decided in consultation with the medical team.

A task force of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery concluded that there is insufficient evidence to justify postponing procedures such as superficial chemical peels and non-ablative lasers in people who are taking or have recently taken isotretinoin. However, earlier drug labeling included wording about stopping 6 months before procedures.

Decisions about ultrasound or radiofrequency lifting and injectables depend on your individual condition, so it is a good idea to share how long you took it and when you stopped.