02 Nov Part 1: Should You Get Thermage, Ultherapy … or Both?
You have a few options for skin tightening, including Ultherapy and Thermage FLX. Both are available at RefinedMD because we are committed to providing clients with every safe and effective option for achieving their best results. The truth is that many clients benefit from both treatments, while others are simply better candidates for a particular skin tightening treatment. Let’s take a look at the differences between Thermage and Ultherapy to see which one might be best for you—but know that a consultation is the only way to know for sure!
Both Ultherapy and Thermage improve skin laxity and can help to reduce wrinkles to yield a younger look. However, there are some key differences between the two. Although both are non-surgical, Thermage uses radiofrequency technology (RF) to smoothen and tighten the skin. It works by encouraging new collagen production at the treatment site by utilizing those RF waves. These waves send heat into the skin, treating the outer dermis first before moving inward.
Thermage can be a great tool to treat the face (even around the eyes!), abs, and thighs. A big benefit of Thermage for a lot of clients is that it can treat larger areas like the stomach. Most Thermage appointments take 30 – 90 minutes depending on how many sites are being treated. Clients report little to no downtime with Thermage, though some redness and minor swelling may occur. If you are getting Thermage on your face, it’s a good idea to plan for a couple of days of “downtime” in which you might not want to schedule in-person meetings.
The Ultherapy Difference
Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology rather than radiofrequency. This means that it actually bypasses the skin’s surface and instead exclusively targets collagen production deeper inside the skin. It’s actually the same technology that is used when pregnant patients get an ultrasound, so if you’ve had this experience you already know what to expect in terms of how Ultherapy feels! However, most people don’t realize that ultrasound tech can also be used to stimulate collagen growth for a more youthful appearance.
Right now, Ultherapy is the only treatment that is FDA-cleared as a non-surgical option for tightening and lifting numerous areas such as the brows, chin, chest, and neck. As you can see, larger areas like the abs are not included in the FDA-clearance. Ultherapy was first designed specifically for the lower face, but it has since expanded to treat a few additional areas. Following treatment, just like with Thermage, the skin can appear pink and irritated. However, this minor side effect typically dissipates in just a few hours. No downtime is needed for Ultherapy, and clients usually immediately get back to their daily tasks.
The Big Differences Between Thermage and Ultherapy
The primary difference between these two skin tightening treatments is the type of energy used. Both radiofrequency and ultrasound energies are effective means of turning back the clock and tightening the skin. However, it’s good to keep in mind that ultrasound technology is capable of getting deeper into the skin layers than radiofrequency energy.
As you can see, the areas you can treat also vary between the two options. Some areas, like the stomach and the chest, can only be treated with one of these options. However, if you’re considering treating a variety of areas, combining technologies might be the answer for you. Although the thighs, buttocks, and arms aren’t the most popular treatment sites with Thermage, you can certainly do that! However, those are not approved areas for treatment with Ultherapy.
Timing Your Treatment
If treatment time is a concern, know that both Thermage and Ultherapy take about the same amount of time. Of course, your appointment will be longer if you’re treating a larger area or combining treatment sites. If you’re more concerned with how long it will take to see results, Ultherapy is faster. Clients see full results 2 – 3 months after undergoing treatment with Ultherapy, while Thermage results can take up to six months.
Savvy clients want to make sure their preferred treatment has been okayed by the FDA, and the good news is that both Ultherapy and Thermage have FDA approval or clearance as non-surgical procedures to address signs of aging. However, the approved treatment sites do vary. We will work with you to determine your goals and help match you with Ultherapy, Thermage, or both! To schedule your skin tightening consultation at RefinedMD, simply call the office. For the quickest reply, complete the online form or start a chat today.