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Ultherapy vs. Thermage FLX

Ultherapy vs. Thermage FLX | RefinedMD, Los Gatos + San Jose

Ultherapy vs. Thermage FLX

When it comes to skin tightening, surgery is no longer the only option—but is Ultherapy or Thermage FLX right for you? At RefinedMD, we offer both because these two therapies are both highly effective but very different. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency (RF) to smooth and tighten the skin via collagen production. It can be used on the face, around the eyes, on the abs, and on the thighs. One of the biggest benefits of Thermage FLX is its use on larger areas. It takes 30 – 90 minutes for treatment with virtually no downtime (though most people have red skin for a day or two post-treatment).

Alternatively, Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology. This allows it to bypass the surface to directly stimulate collagen production at the deeper levels. Ultherapy is renowned for targeting smaller areas and for going deeper than Thermage FLX. It treats the skin from the inside out, suitable for the chin, brow lines, neck, and even the chest. This ultrasound technology was created to be a non-surgical facelift alternative, and is largely touted for treating the lower half of the face (just like a facelift). Just like with Thermage FLX, you can expect some redness after this treatment, but it dissipates quickly.

The Differences: Ultherapy and Thermage FLX

The main difference between the two treatments is the type of energy used (radiofrequency vs. ultrasound). This is important to note because generally ultrasound reaches into deeper layers than RF. Of course, another key difference is the treatment sites. If you want to address the lower half of the face, neck, or chest area, Ultherapy is an excellent choice—in fact, Thermage FLX typically isn’t available or recommended for these areas.

However, if you want to address skin laxity on the body, including the abs, thighs, buttocks, and arms, ThermageFLX is a great pick. You can, of course, combine these two treatments for a full-body treatment. This is what many people do who are looking for total rejuvenation.

All About Timing

The actual treatments take about the same amount of time, though Thermage FLX may take a little longer given the larger areas being treated. Results from Thermage FLX can take up to six months, while most clients see full results from Ultherapy in 2 – 3 months. However, how quickly you see results should not be the deciding factor when choosing between the two. Instead, which body part you want to treat is key. You don’t want to use, for example, Thermage FLX on the lower face when Ultherapy is specifically designed for that area and will go deeper.

Both treatments are FDA-approved for turning back the signs of aging. Both are also suitable for those with mild to moderate skin laxity, but neither is a good fit for those who want surgical interventions (like a facelift) or want to delay the need for such procedures. When preparing for treatment, the approach is similar. These are non-surgical treatments, so there isn’t much you need to do before arrival. Come to your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face. It is also a good idea to avoid harsh treatments like chemical peels before Ultherapy or Thermage FLX.

Results You’ll Love

Of course, another important factor when choosing a skin tightening procedure is how long results will last. This varies person to person, but for Thermage FLX, results last 1 – 2 years on average. Ultherapy results last about one year. However, it is critical to note that with Thermage FLX, the vast majority of people only require one treatment (with another treatment in 1 – 2 years after results have subsided). Those who opt for Ultherapy may require more than one initial session. It all depends on how your skin responds to the treatment. On average, most people who opt for Ultherapy get one treatment per year.

As a non-invasive treatment, both Ultherapy and Thermage FLX are suitable for all people with few contraindications. The only possible side effects are temporary redness and perhaps swelling, but these are quite short-lived. If you’re ready to learn more about skin tightening options at RefinedMD, get in touch today. Call the office, complete the online form, or start a chat during business hours.