Counterfeit and Refurbished Transducers Pose Serious Safety Risks
HONG KONG SAR & MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2025 – Merz Aesthetics®, the world's largest dedicated medical aesthetics business for more than 115 years, leads the industry shift with Ultherapy PRIME®, the latest innovation in hyper-personalized, non-invasive skin lifting., which have earned the trust and support of medical aesthetics professionals and consumers in Hong Kong and Macau. Recently, the emergence of counterfeit and refurbished transducers in the local markets pose serious potential risks to treatment results and patients' safety. Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong urges consumers to verify the authenticity of Ultherapy® products and seek treatments exclusively at authorized clinics. Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong will launch the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program this August — making it easy for consumers to verify the Systems and transducers, reinforcing confidence and safety in every treatment.
Trusted Technology, Proven Results — Beware of Counterfeit Transducers
ADVERTISEMENT
Ultherapy® and its latest innovation, Ultherapy PRIME® (collectively 'Systems'), are manufactured in the United States and remain the only US FDA cleared non-invasive micro-focused ultrasound skin lifting treatment with real-time visualization.. Ultherapy® DeepSEE® transducers are available in 4.5mm, 3.0mm, and 1.5mm depths to target different layers of the skin. The real-time imaging allows practitioners to visualize skin structure and tissue layers during treatment, ensuring that energy is precisely delivered to the intended depth of the skin for safe and effective results. Each Ultherapy® DeepSEE® transducer is designed to deliver a designated 2,400 dosage lines and cannot be recharged or refurbished once depleted.
The recent emergence of counterfeit or refurbished transducers in the market has raised serious concerns over treatment results and patients' safety. Inaccurate energy delivery into the skin will compromise lifting results and create extremely high risks, potentially leading to burns. The use of counterfeit or refurbished transducers can also impair the Systems, potentially leading to unpredictable outcomes that may cause harm to patients.
Authentic Transducers Are Traceable — Counterfeit Unknown
Every Ulthera® DeepSEE® transducers carries a unique serial number and QR code, allowing it to be traced back to the purchasing clinic. Counterfeit or refurbished transducers often fail QR verification, raising questions about their origin and posing significant safety risks. In addition, every authentic transducer has a specified shelf-life which is12 months from the date of manufacture. Expired transducers should not be used, as they may result in unpredictable outcomes which can possibly harm or injure the patients because there is no clinical evidence to support the use of such expired transducers.
Choose Only Authorized Ultherapy® Clinics
ADVERTISEMENT
Our official Ultherapy® website (www.ultherapy.com.hk) regularly updates the list of clinics and medical aesthetic centers that use authentic Systems and transducers. Each authorized provider receives official certificates for in-clinic display.
Merz Aesthetics® urges consumers to choose authentic Ultherapy® treatments from officially authorized clinics and aesthetic centers to ensure that only certified Systems and transducers are used. Products obtained through unauthorized or parallel import channels may not comply with the manufacturer's prescribed storage and handling standards, potentially compromising safety and efficacy.
3-Step Verification Program Launches This August
To help consumers easily identify authentic Systems and transducers, Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong is launching the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program in August 2025. With just three simple steps, consumers can authenticate products and enjoy a special reward:
1. Scan the QR code on the System to verify authenticity. Counterfeit machines typically lack valid QR verification.
2. Take a photo of the QR code on the transducer and upload it to the official website for instant verification.
3. Successfully complete both verifications to receive a HK$100 Häagen-Dazs coupon as your reward (limited quantities, available in Hong Kong only).
Report Suspected Counterfeit or Refurbished Devices
Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong will continue to take enforcement action against the sale or use of counterfeit version of the Ultherapy® and Ultherapy PRIME® systems, as well as unauthorized, refurbished, or counterfeit transducers. The company also warns against any unauthorized modifications or repairs of the Systems. Only authorized representatives and service centers, certified by the manufacturer, are properly trained and qualified to inspect, repair, or replace components of the Systems.
Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong believes that the patients' well-being and treatments safety are core values shared with its network of professional medical partners. We urge both providers and consumers to report any suspected use of counterfeit systems, counterfeit transducers, or refurbished transducers.
Consumers are encouraged to consult the official Ultherapy® website (www.ultherapy.com.hk) for a list of authorized clinics before treatment. With the launch of the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program this August 2025, they can also complete a simple verification process to confirm that both the Systems and transducers are authentic ensuring every session is safe, effective, and provides piece of mind.
Hashtag: #MerzAesthetics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ultherapy® /Ultherapy PRIME®
Ultherapy® , The noninvasive Ultherapy® procedure is U.S. FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, on the eyebrow and under the chin as well as to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage, with over 3 million treatments performed worldwide. Using micro-focused ultrasound energy with real-time visualization (MFU-V), Ultherapy® can see deep within the layers of the skin and enable treatment plan to be hyper-personalized. A single treatment provides results lasting up to one year with no downtime.1,2,3,4,5,6,7.
Ultherapy PRIME® is the latest innovation version of Ultherapy®, recognized as the gold standard for non-surgical lifting and skin tightening.
Learn more about Ultherapy® treatments at www.ultherapy.com.hk
About Merz Aesthetics®
Merz Aesthetics® is a medical aesthetics business with a long history of empowering health care professionals, patients and employees to live every day with confidence. We aim to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves — however they define it. Clinically proven, its product portfolio includes injectables, devices and skin care treatments designed to meet each patient's needs with high standards of safety and efficacy. Being family owned for more than 115 years, Merz Aesthetics® is known for building unique connections with customers who feel like family. Merz Aesthetics®' global headquarters is in Raleigh, N.C., USA, with a commercial presence in 90 countries worldwide. It is also a part of Merz Group, which was founded in 1908 and is based in Frankfurt, Germany. Learn more at https://www.merzaesthetics.com.hk/
References:
1. Ulthera® Instructions for Use.Fabi SG, Joseph J, Sevi J, Green JB, Peterson JD. Optimizing patient outcomes by customizing treatment with microfocused ultrasound with visualization: gold standard consensus guidelines from an expert panel. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):426-432.
2. Park JY, et al. Customized Treatment Using Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualization for Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Review of Skin tightening Energy Technologies and a Pan-Asian Adaptation of the Expert Panel's Gold Standard Consensus. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(5): E70-E79.
3. Werschler WP, Werschler PS. Long-term efficacy of micro-focused ultrasound with visualization for lifting and tightening lax facial and neck skin using a customized vectoring treatment method. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(2):27-33.
4. Goldie K, Kerscher M, Fabi SG, Hirano C, Landau M, Lim TS, Woolery-Lloyd H, Mariwalla K, Park JY, Yutskovskaya Y. Skin Quality – A Holistic 360° View: Consensus Results. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021 Jun 14;14:643-654. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S309374. PMID: 34163203; PMCID: PMC8214518.
5. Sasaki G, Grossman J, Fabi SG, et al. Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis in Human Skin Following Microfocused Ultrasound Therapy. Presented at the ASDS 2018 Annual Meeting.
6. White WM, Makin IR, Barthe PG, Slayton MN, Gliklich RE. Selective creation of thermal injury zones in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system using intense ultrasound therapy: a new target for non-invasive facial rejuvenation. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007;9(1):22-29.
7. Data on File.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Arabian Post
Counterfeit and Refurbished Transducers Pose Serious Safety Risks
Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong Launches Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program This August Consumers Urged to Verify Ultherapy® Transducers Authenticity for Safe and Effective Treatments HONG KONG SAR & MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2025 – Merz Aesthetics®, the world's largest dedicated medical aesthetics business for more than 115 years, leads the industry shift with Ultherapy PRIME®, the latest innovation in hyper-personalized, non-invasive skin lifting., which have earned the trust and support of medical aesthetics professionals and consumers in Hong Kong and Macau. Recently, the emergence of counterfeit and refurbished transducers in the local markets pose serious potential risks to treatment results and patients' safety. Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong urges consumers to verify the authenticity of Ultherapy® products and seek treatments exclusively at authorized clinics. Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong will launch the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program this August — making it easy for consumers to verify the Systems and transducers, reinforcing confidence and safety in every treatment. Trusted Technology, Proven Results — Beware of Counterfeit Transducers ADVERTISEMENT Ultherapy® and its latest innovation, Ultherapy PRIME® (collectively 'Systems'), are manufactured in the United States and remain the only US FDA cleared non-invasive micro-focused ultrasound skin lifting treatment with real-time visualization.. Ultherapy® DeepSEE® transducers are available in 4.5mm, 3.0mm, and 1.5mm depths to target different layers of the skin. The real-time imaging allows practitioners to visualize skin structure and tissue layers during treatment, ensuring that energy is precisely delivered to the intended depth of the skin for safe and effective results. Each Ultherapy® DeepSEE® transducer is designed to deliver a designated 2,400 dosage lines and cannot be recharged or refurbished once depleted. The recent emergence of counterfeit or refurbished transducers in the market has raised serious concerns over treatment results and patients' safety. Inaccurate energy delivery into the skin will compromise lifting results and create extremely high risks, potentially leading to burns. The use of counterfeit or refurbished transducers can also impair the Systems, potentially leading to unpredictable outcomes that may cause harm to patients. Authentic Transducers Are Traceable — Counterfeit Unknown Every Ulthera® DeepSEE® transducers carries a unique serial number and QR code, allowing it to be traced back to the purchasing clinic. Counterfeit or refurbished transducers often fail QR verification, raising questions about their origin and posing significant safety risks. In addition, every authentic transducer has a specified shelf-life which is12 months from the date of manufacture. Expired transducers should not be used, as they may result in unpredictable outcomes which can possibly harm or injure the patients because there is no clinical evidence to support the use of such expired transducers. Choose Only Authorized Ultherapy® Clinics ADVERTISEMENT Our official Ultherapy® website ( regularly updates the list of clinics and medical aesthetic centers that use authentic Systems and transducers. Each authorized provider receives official certificates for in-clinic display. Merz Aesthetics® urges consumers to choose authentic Ultherapy® treatments from officially authorized clinics and aesthetic centers to ensure that only certified Systems and transducers are used. Products obtained through unauthorized or parallel import channels may not comply with the manufacturer's prescribed storage and handling standards, potentially compromising safety and efficacy. 3-Step Verification Program Launches This August To help consumers easily identify authentic Systems and transducers, Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong is launching the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program in August 2025. With just three simple steps, consumers can authenticate products and enjoy a special reward: 1. Scan the QR code on the System to verify authenticity. Counterfeit machines typically lack valid QR verification. 2. Take a photo of the QR code on the transducer and upload it to the official website for instant verification. 3. Successfully complete both verifications to receive a HK$100 Häagen-Dazs coupon as your reward (limited quantities, available in Hong Kong only). Report Suspected Counterfeit or Refurbished Devices Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong will continue to take enforcement action against the sale or use of counterfeit version of the Ultherapy® and Ultherapy PRIME® systems, as well as unauthorized, refurbished, or counterfeit transducers. The company also warns against any unauthorized modifications or repairs of the Systems. Only authorized representatives and service centers, certified by the manufacturer, are properly trained and qualified to inspect, repair, or replace components of the Systems. Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong believes that the patients' well-being and treatments safety are core values shared with its network of professional medical partners. We urge both providers and consumers to report any suspected use of counterfeit systems, counterfeit transducers, or refurbished transducers. Consumers are encouraged to consult the official Ultherapy® website ( for a list of authorized clinics before treatment. With the launch of the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program this August 2025, they can also complete a simple verification process to confirm that both the Systems and transducers are authentic ensuring every session is safe, effective, and provides piece of mind. Hashtag: #MerzAesthetics The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Ultherapy® /Ultherapy PRIME® Ultherapy® , The noninvasive Ultherapy® procedure is U.S. FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, on the eyebrow and under the chin as well as to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage, with over 3 million treatments performed worldwide. Using micro-focused ultrasound energy with real-time visualization (MFU-V), Ultherapy® can see deep within the layers of the skin and enable treatment plan to be hyper-personalized. A single treatment provides results lasting up to one year with no downtime.1,2,3,4,5,6,7. Ultherapy PRIME® is the latest innovation version of Ultherapy®, recognized as the gold standard for non-surgical lifting and skin tightening. Learn more about Ultherapy® treatments at About Merz Aesthetics® Merz Aesthetics® is a medical aesthetics business with a long history of empowering health care professionals, patients and employees to live every day with confidence. We aim to help people around the world look, feel and live like the best versions of themselves — however they define it. Clinically proven, its product portfolio includes injectables, devices and skin care treatments designed to meet each patient's needs with high standards of safety and efficacy. Being family owned for more than 115 years, Merz Aesthetics® is known for building unique connections with customers who feel like family. Merz Aesthetics®' global headquarters is in Raleigh, N.C., USA, with a commercial presence in 90 countries worldwide. It is also a part of Merz Group, which was founded in 1908 and is based in Frankfurt, Germany. Learn more at References: 1. Ulthera® Instructions for SG, Joseph J, Sevi J, Green JB, Peterson JD. Optimizing patient outcomes by customizing treatment with microfocused ultrasound with visualization: gold standard consensus guidelines from an expert panel. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):426-432. 2. Park JY, et al. Customized Treatment Using Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualization for Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Review of Skin tightening Energy Technologies and a Pan-Asian Adaptation of the Expert Panel's Gold Standard Consensus. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(5): E70-E79. 3. Werschler WP, Werschler PS. Long-term efficacy of micro-focused ultrasound with visualization for lifting and tightening lax facial and neck skin using a customized vectoring treatment method. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(2):27-33. 4. Goldie K, Kerscher M, Fabi SG, Hirano C, Landau M, Lim TS, Woolery-Lloyd H, Mariwalla K, Park JY, Yutskovskaya Y. Skin Quality – A Holistic 360° View: Consensus Results. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021 Jun 14;14:643-654. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S309374. PMID: 34163203; PMCID: PMC8214518. 5. Sasaki G, Grossman J, Fabi SG, et al. Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis in Human Skin Following Microfocused Ultrasound Therapy. Presented at the ASDS 2018 Annual Meeting. 6. White WM, Makin IR, Barthe PG, Slayton MN, Gliklich RE. Selective creation of thermal injury zones in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system using intense ultrasound therapy: a new target for non-invasive facial rejuvenation. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007;9(1):22-29. 7. Data on File.
Arabian Post
12-07-2025
- Arabian Post
Singapore Welcomes Wegovy® as a New Prescription Weight‑Loss Option
A once-weekly injection of Wegovy® has become available in Singapore, marking the latest step in managing obesity as a chronic disease. The product, from Novo Nordisk, is licensed for adults and those aged 12 and above who are obese or overweight with at least one weight‑related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes or dyslipidemia. The drug works by mimicking the gut hormone GLP‑1, promoting a sense of fullness and reducing food intake when combined with healthier diet and exercise regimes. Its introduction follows approval by the Health Sciences Authority on 28 February 2025 for use among adolescents with obesity—a first in the region. Over 600,000 adult Singaporeans are classified as obese, a figure that underlines the public health urgency given the hundreds of comorbidities associated with obesity. The rollout of Wegovy® offers a medically guided therapy for a condition too often dismissed as a lifestyle issue. ADVERTISEMENT Clinical experts argue obesity stems from complex biological factors, ranging from genetics to hormonal imbalances. Dr Abel Soh, chair of the Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Singapore, says, 'Obesity is not simply the result of lifestyle choices—it is a medically recognised chronic disease influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, hormones and environment'. Approval comes amid global strain on semaglutide supplies. Local clinics previously stocked Ozempic and Rybelsus and faced intermittent shortages, with expectant Wegovy® shipments deferred until 2026 according to some medical guides. Private clinics were unable to reference branded drugs until local stock arrived, due to regulatory restrictions. Available through prescription in private settings, Wegovy® will be offered alongside diet and exercise interventions. The injectable is indicated for chronic use; ongoing physician oversight is advised. Regulatory approval includes a requirement to review treatment after 12 weeks in adolescents if BMI reduction falls below 5% on the full 2.4 mg dose. Globally, Wegovy® was first authorised in the US in June 2021, followed by EU approval in early 2022. Earlier, in Singapore, semaglutide received approval under Ozempic's label starting March 2023 for diabetic therapy. The drug's effectiveness has been supported by the STEP clinical programmes, showing average weight reductions of between 10–15% over periods of 68 to 104 weeks. Benefits extend beyond weight loss to metabolic health improvements, including lower blood pressure and decreased cholesterol. Local uptake may mirror global patterns, where appetite suppression and metabolic regulation paired with lifestyle changes have delivered sustainable weight loss without surgery. However, supply challenges persist: healthcare providers warn that stocks may remain tight, with some expect delays or patient referrals under the Ozempic brand. Novo Nordisk has also updated its savings programme for Wegovy®, making it more accessible to cash‑paying patients. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers, although uptake and cost‑effectiveness will depend on real‑world pricing and insurance coverage.
Arabian Post
12-07-2025
- Arabian Post
Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) by Novo Nordisk is now Available in Singapore for Weight Management
Wegovy® is indicated for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents (12+) with obesity or overweight and at least one related health condition. The once-weekly injectable supports weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The launch marks a step toward evidence-based, compassionate treatment of obesity as a chronic disease—not a personal failing. SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 July 2025 – A significant advancement in weight management has arrived for Singaporeans. Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company focused on defeating serious chronic diseases, has announced the availability of Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) in Singapore. Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a once-weekly injectable treatment indicated for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents (aged 12 and above) living with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), or who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m² to <30 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia1. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, supporting Singapore's efforts to improve population health. The treatment works by addressing one of the underlying biological drivers of obesity. Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 94% similarity to the body's natural GLP-1 hormone. It activates receptors involved in appetite regulation, helping individuals feel full sooner and reduce food intake1. This mechanism supports weight loss when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes. ADVERTISEMENT The availability of Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) comes as obesity continues to pose a significant health burden in Singapore. An estimated 600,000 adults are currently living with obesity2–4, a condition associated with more than 200 health complications5. Despite its prevalence and medical complexity, obesity remains heavily stigmatised—often misunderstood as merely the result of poor personal choices. Individuals living with obesity frequently face discrimination and mental health challenges which further isolate them. This misplaced blame, rather than targeting the disease itself, creates barriers to and slows the advancement of effective obesity treatment. Recognised by World Health Organization as a chronic disease6, obesity requires compassionate evidence-based care. The launch of Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) in Singapore provides a new treatment option for weight management available through private prescription. Dr Abel Soh, Abel Soh Diabetes, Thyroid and Endocrine Clinic and Chairperson for Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Singapore (EMSS) stated, 'Obesity is not simply the result of lifestyle choices — it is a medically recognised chronic disease influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, hormones, and environment. In my clinical practice, I see firsthand how many individuals blame themselves when in fact, their biology is often working against them. It's time we shift the conversation from blame to support in the management of individuals with obesity' Lifestyle factors in Singapore further contribute to the challenge. In Singapore's demanding work culture—where full-time employees work an average of 44.6 hours per week7, with time constraints and fatigue frequently cited as barriers to maintaining regular physical activity. These circumstances underscore the importance of comprehensive treatment strategies that facilitate the adoption of healthier lifestyles, including increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet, as integral components of long-term weight management. Mr Vincent Siow, General Manager, Novo Nordisk Singapore, said 'With treatments like Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) now available in Singapore, we have an opportunity to provide healthcare professionals with more evidence-based options to support their patients in regaining control of their health and improving long-term outcomes.' References: Wegovy Singapore Prescribing Information, February 2025 Cuciureanu M, Caratașu CC, Gabrielian L, Frăsinariu OE, Checheriță LE, Trandafir LM, Stanciu GD, Szilagyi A, Pogonea I, Bordeianu G, Soroceanu RP, Andrițoiu CV, Anghel MM, Munteanu D, Cernescu IT, Tamba BI. 360-Degree Perspectives on Obesity. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Jun 9;59(6):1119. doi: 10.3390/medicina59061119. PMID: 37374323; PMCID: PMC10304508. World Obesity. Retrieved from World Obesity. Retrieved from Scott I. Kahan, MD, MPH. Practical Strategies for Engaging Individuals With Obesity in Primary Care. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018;93(3):351-359 2. CDC, Cancers Associated with Overweight and Obesity Makeup 40 percent of Cancers Diagnosed in the United States. Available at World Health Organization. (2024). Obesity and As accessed on 22nd May 2025. Leu J, Rebello SA, Sargent GM, Kelly M, Banwell C. Hard work, long hours, and Singaporean young adults' health. A qualitative study. Frontiers in Public Health. 2023; 11. Hashtag: #NovoNordisk #Wegovy The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs around 77,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. In Singapore, Novo Nordisk has been present since 1997 and has approximately 100 employees. For more information, visit
