Should You Get Thermage FLX or Ultherapy to Tighten Skin?

Should You Get Thermage FLX or Ultherapy to Tighten Skin? | RefinedMD

Should You Get Thermage FLX or Ultherapy to Tighten Skin?

Want to tighten your skin without surgery? It’s possible to treat mild to moderate skin laxity with non-invasive treatments, but there are a few options to choose from. At RefinedMD, we offer both Thermage FLX and Ultherapy, two different skin tightening treatments that work in unique ways. Both can help to minimize wrinkles, help you look younger, and tighten the skin, but even though they address similar issues there’s still a lot you need to know about these two options before making a decision. Ultimately, a consultation is the best way to gauge which treatment is right for you, but it’s always a good idea to do your own research first.

Ultherapy vs. Thermage FLX Difference

Thermage is a non-surgical treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to smooth and tighten skin via collagen stimulation. The RF waves send heat into the skin that treats the superficial layer, then extends inward. Collagen is what naturally makes our skin look young and taut, but we produce less of it as we age. Bear in mind that collagen induction therapy does not provide immediate results because it’s kick-starting your body’s organic means of reducing laxity. Thermage is typically recommended to treat the face, around the eyes, the thighs, and the stomach. One benefit of Thermage that isn’t present with Ultherapy is the ability to treat larger areas. Most treatments take 30 – 90 minutes with little to no downtime.

Alternatively, Ultherapy uses ultrasound imaging to bypass the skin’s surface and stimulate collagen production. Ultherapy is renowned for treating smaller areas while going deeper. Instead of Thermage, which works from the outside in, Ultherapy works from the inside out—even though both are collagen induction treatments. Ultherapy can treat the brow line, chin, neck, and chest. As you can see, the two treatments address different areas with just some overlap. The makers of Ultherapy designed it explicitly for use on the lower face, though it has expanded so that it treats more areas today.

What to Expect with Ultherapy and Thermage FLX

Both treatments are non-invasive, though numbing creams may be used for sensitive areas or clients who request it. Immediately following either treatment, skin may be red and irritated, but this typically goes away in a few hours. Most clients immediately get back to their daily activities because non-invasive skin tightening is a zero-downtime treatment. Both options also take the same time to perform (which will vary depending on treatment sites). However, there is a difference in when you will see results.

On average, full results from Ultherapy take 2 – 3 months to be appreciated. Full results from Thermage can take up to six months. Both are FDA-approved to reverse the signs of aging. Although just about anyone of any skin type and tone can opt for these treatments, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery says Thermage and Ultherapy are best for those without severe skin laxity and who do not yet require plastic surgery (such as a facelift).

Getting Ready for your Treatment

Prior to your appointment, your provider will give you the information needed for pre- and post-care. However, preparing for both is very similar. There isn’t much to do to get ready besides arriving with clean skin. It’s a good idea to avoid chemical peels and in-office facials for two weeks prior to your appointment, too. Many clients report feelings of tingling and/or heat during treatment, but not feelings of pain.

Results for Thermage last 1 – 2 years on average while results from Ultherapy can last about one year. The vast majority of people only require one treatment, but some benefit from more than one initial treatment. Maintenance appointments are required for both if you want to keep the results.

Most people will qualify for Thermage or Ultherapy treatment, and it’s a great way to delay more aggressive procedures, like surgery. If you would like to learn more about Thermage or Ultherapy, schedule a consultation today. You can contact RefinedMD by calling the office or filling out the online form.