I get asked “Ultherapy or Thermage” so often as the enduring debate between Thermage and Ultherapy has intrigued many, and rightfully so. These two devices are always compared because they are both US FDA-approved devices with more than ten years of history and 1 million treatments performed worldwide. The debate has been ongoing since.
This article aims to clarify common questions and provide a detailed comparison of these treatments based on studies, patient reviews, and Dr Justin Boey’s insights. Dr Boey, Medical Director of Sozo Aesthetic Clinic, has extensive experience with both Thermage and Ultherapy, allowing him to offer nuanced advice tailored to each patient’s needs. Ready to uncover the details? Let’s dive into the world of Thermage and Ultherapy.
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What is Thermage?
Thermage is a non-invasive skin treatment that utilises radiofrequency technology to tighten and contour the skin. This procedure delivers controlled radiofrequency energy deep into the dermal layers of the skin, stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. As the radiofrequency energy heats the collagen-rich layers beneath the skin’s surface, it causes the collagen fibres to contract, resulting in an immediate tightening effect.
Over time, the ongoing production of new collagen leads to further skin tightening and improved skin texture. Thermage is particularly beneficial for reducing the appearance of acne scars as it helps smooth the skin’s surface. It is often used on the face, neck, and body, providing a rejuvenated appearance without surgery or downtime. Dr Boey’s application of Thermage is well-suited to patients seeking a gradual yet effective improvement in skin elasticity.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilises ultrasound technology to lift and tighten sagging skin. Unlike other procedures, Ultherapy focuses on deeper tissue layers, targeting areas beneath the skin that are traditionally addressed during cosmetic surgery. The ultrasound energy penetrates these deep tissues without disturbing the skin’s surface, stimulating the body’s natural regenerative process to produce new collagen. This results in firmer, more youthful-looking skin over time.
While primarily known for treating the face, neck, and décolletage, Ultherapy can complement acne scar treatments by promoting skin tightening and rejuvenation. This additional collagen production can help smooth out the texture of the skin, making it a beneficial option for those looking to reduce the visibility of acne scars alongside lifting and tightening their skin. Ultherapy offers a natural-looking lift without incisions or downtime, making it an appealing choice for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Key Differences Between Thermage and Ultherapy
While there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to ultherapy vs thermage, both treatments use heat as a mechanism to stimulate collagen production. However, the technology used to achieve this is different.
1. Technology: Radiofrequency vs Ultrasound
Thermage utilises patented monopolar radiofrequency waves to generate controlled heat within the dermis, promoting collagen production and subsequent skin tightening. This approach allows for a broad, even energy distribution across the targeted area without visualisation aids.
Ultherapy employs microfocused ultrasound waves, which offer direct imaging capabilities. This imaging function provides precision, enabling practitioners to visualise the layers of tissue targeted before applying the ultrasound energy, ensuring treatment is delivered to the deeper layers.
| Feature | Thermage: Radiofrequency | Ultherapy: Ultrasound |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Energy Used | Monopolar radiofrequency | Microfocused ultrasound |
| Imaging Capability | None | US FDA-approved imaging function |
| Energy Distribution | Broad, even across the dermis | Focused at specific depths with precision |
2. Target Areas
Thermage and Ultherapy are effective for specific areas and concerns but differ in their targeted treatment regions.
Ultherapy is renowned for its efficacy in three major treatment areas: the brow, the (double) chin and neck, and the chest. The ability to target the SMAS layer makes these areas FDA-approved for non-surgical facelifts. If skin tightening and lifting are your primary goals, Ultherapy is often the recommended option due to its depth of penetration.
In contrast, Thermage is versatile in treating several sites, including the face, the upper and lower eyelids, and the abdominal area. Notably, Thermage is an energy-based device with FDA approval to treat the upper eyelids, making it a preferred option for concerns related to droopy eyelids.
While Thermage is FDA-approved for wrinkle reduction rather than skin tightening, it offers a wider applicator designed for body treatments. However, users may experience discomfort; in some cases, the face tip might be utilised for body applications.
3. Treatment Duration
The duration of each procedure varies significantly between Thermage and Ultherapy, influenced by their methodologies and treatment protocols.
Ultherapy treatments can be customised depending on the area of concern by adjusting the number of shots needed. The duration and cost will correlate to the number of shots deemed necessary for you. It is common in our practice to do only the lower face and double chin. Treatment can be as short as 30 minutes.
Thermage is somewhat restricted as the ‘tip’ has a fixed number of shots to be used within 2-3 hours. The tip will not be able to deliver fresh shots after this stipulated time. As such, it is uncommon to do only the lower face. Henceforth, the price of treatment is quite fixed. It will take about 90 – 2 hours to deliver all the shots.
4. Treatment Downtime
Typically, patients experience little downtime following either treatment. It is common to notice temporary redness and swelling immediately after, which usually resolves within a day or two. Although bruising is uncommon, it can be avoided in Ultherapy by scanning the treatment area thoroughly before each shot.
As Ultherapy targets the SMAS layer, some individuals may experience an aching sensation in the treated area for up to two weeks, similar to muscle soreness following a rigorous gym session. This is generally mild and part of the process as the treatment stimulates deeper skin layers. Dr Boey provides post-treatment guidance to minimise any mild discomfort associated with Ultherapy’s deeper penetration.
5. Pain and Comfort Levels
When comparing the pain or discomfort levels of Thermage and Ultherapy treatments, it is important to consider the technological advancements each has undergone. In the early days of Thermage, launched in 2002, patients often reported significant discomfort due to the heat generated during the procedure.
However, this discomfort has been minimised with advancements leading to the current fifth generation of technology. Methods such as cooling the skin before each shot and incorporating a vibration mechanism work together to ease the patient’s experience by distracting from the heat sensation.
Ultherapy, on the other hand, uses targeted ultrasound energy that bypasses the outer layer of skin, leading to comparatively minimal discomfort. The predictable rhythm of the ultrasound machine allows patients to anticipate when energy delivery is occurring, which, when combined with additional vibratory mechanisms, further mitigates discomfort.
Overall, thanks to these technological improvements, the discomfort experienced with the latest Thermage and Ultherapy versions can be considered comparable, offering patients a more comfortable experience than in the past.
Thermage vs Ultherapy: Cost
When considering the financial aspects of Thermage and Ultherapy, it’s crucial to understand that costs can vary significantly based on several factors, including the clinic’s location, the practitioner’s expertise, and the treatment areas chosen.
At Sozo Clinic, Ultherapy sessions start from $3,000, reflecting its comprehensive approach and use of sophisticated ultrasound technology with imaging capabilities.
Thermage typically ranges between $2,000 and $4,500, depending on the complexity and extent of the treatment area. Although both skin tightening treatments are investment-intensive, they offer long-term benefits of non-invasive skin tightening and rejuvenation, which often outweigh the immediate upfront costs.
Thermage vs Ultherapy: How Long Does the Treatment Last
The longevity of results from both Thermage and Ultherapy can vary depending on individual biological responses and the condition of the loose skin being treated. Typically, patients can expect the outcomes of these procedures to last up to a year, with the recommendation to undergo repeat treatments annually to maintain the effects.
Nonetheless, some patients may opt for touch-up sessions as early as six months post-treatment if they notice diminished results. Generally, one session is sufficient for noticeable improvement, but how long the improvements last can depend on the degree of skin laxity and how each patient responds to the treatment.
Thermage and Ultherapy enhance skin tone and reduce signs of ageing, with Thermage delivering even energy distribution and Ultherapy offering focused deep skin penetration. While they differ in their approach, when combined, these treatments effectively target various skin layers, offering complementary benefits for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
By working together, they can provide a synergistic effect that maximises skin tightening and lifting results, ultimately prolonging the youthful appearance of the skin.
Conclusion
Thermage and Ultherapy are two common non-invasive treatments for skin tightening and rejuvenation. While they share some similarities, such as their ability to stimulate collagen production and deliver long-lasting results, they have distinct differences in their technology, treatment protocols, and comfort levels.
The choice between Thermage and Ultherapy will depend on individual needs and preferences. Consult a trained aesthetic practitioner to determine which treatment best suits your skin concerns and aesthetic goals.
With continuous advancements in non-surgical treatments, Dr Boey believes patients can look forward to even more effective and comfortable options in the future.
