Ultherapy vs Thermage for Skin Tightening

Skin, the largest organ in the human body is not spared from aging too. Skin changes are inevitable and it is natural that the glow, shine and fluffiness tend to decline with every passing year. It is not just the tone of your skin that undergoes changes, but also the texture and firmness. If you compare the skin of a baby to that of an aged individual, it speaks volumes of how much the skin changes. What was once clear, firm and smooth to touch; starts to sag down with wrinkles and blemishes. It is very important for individuals to learn about the skin, its functions and layers to better understand why skincare is a necessity. Skincare should be an important aspect of a person’s routine to avoid pigments and blemishes that can be stubborn to heal later on. For lasting results for skin sagging, cosmetic procedures and treatments could be the appropriate answer. Skin tightening treatments are a common procedure that helps the skin get back its lost glow and firmness. Thermage and Ultherapy are the two non-surgical skin tightening procedures that are performed to combat skin sagging. Let us take a look at each of the treatments.

Thermage

Thermage is a radiofrequency skin tightening treatment and one of the most effective skin tightening procedure that is performed worldwide. The treatment aims at minimizing wrinkles and sagging on the face and other regions of the body.  Thermage is a skin tightening and lifting RF (radiofrequency) treatment that is completely non-invasive and approved by the FDA. RF technology produces heat that is sent to the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin, which then activates elastin and collagen production. Elastin and collagen are the two protein components that keep the skin firm and smooth. With Thermage, the body’s natural capacity to produce elastin and collagen is stimulated which rejuvenates the skin to make it supple and smooth. With the procedure, individual’s concerns of wrinkles and skin sagging would be addressed. The results of the procedure start showing in one month after the procedure and lasts for upto one year or more. Thermage treatment requires just around 1 to 2 hours for completion of the procedure and the patient can immediately resume normal activities. There is no recovery time as such needed, though it is advisable to take ample rest for the first 24 hours. Thermage has no side-effects as such other than a redness and swelling that would last on the region for a maximum of 24 hours. Patients experience a slight tingling sensation of the skin during the procedure and no other discomfort. The fact that there is no need for a surgery or injection, little patient discomfort, no downtime, lasting results and just about one session for the results makes it one of the most convenient skin tightening treatments.

Thermage is commonly performed on the face, neck, hands, legs, thighs, abdomen, eyebrows and buttocks. Thermage for the face aims at providing a natural result including the region of the eyes. It can be done on both men and women and usually performed on individuals who are 35 and above. Age related sagging and wrinkles are mostly seen in this age group and Thermage can be the right treatment.

The cost of Thermage ranges from INR 1 lakh to 1.5 lakhs in India. The treatment cost appears expensive mainly due to the high cost of the Thermage machine/device and other consumables associated with this treatment. However, since the results last long and patients need only one session, the cost is quite justifiable.

Thermage before and after

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is an FDA approved skin tightening and lifting procedure that uses the ultrasound technology. Heat waves are sent deep into the skin which stimulates the production of elastin and collagen which then rejuvenates the skin to make it appear tight and firm. It is a completely non-invasive procedure that provides great results with tightening the skin on the face, neck, chin and chest. Ultherapy takes anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours for completion of the procedure and requires no downtime. The most side effects of Ultherapy include redness, swelling, bruising and tingling.

The cost of Ultherapy in India falls in the range of INR 1.3 lakhs to 2 lakhs and the results could last for upto 2.5 to 3 years. The cost of the treatment is on the steeper side due to the high cost of the Ultherapy machine used. Due to its lasting results and the need for only a single session, it is a commonly preferred skin tightening procedure. The exact cost of the treatment would be dependent on the area of the treatment, the city and clinic where the treatment is undertaken and if or not the procedure is combined with other techniques.

Thermage Vs Ultherapy

Both, Thermage and Ultherapy aims at rejuvenating the skin to make it more smooth and firm. The primary aim of both is to tighten loose skin. Thermage works better on wrinkles, fine lines and bulges. It is commonly performed to treat wrinkles on the face, under eye region and improving wrinkles anywhere else on the body. On the other hand, Ultherapy aims at tightening the skin and is usually performed to tighten skin on the neck, chin and eyebrows. Ultherapy also penetrates into many layers of the skin yielding a better result.

Some of the other benefits of Ultherapy includes:

• Accuracy 

In Thermage, the RF heat is sent to a larger area while Ultherapy is more focused and can be used just for smaller sections of the skin.

• Pain

Ultherapy is a newer technique as compared to Thermage and is almost painless. Thermage too gives only a slight discomfort and tingling sensation.

• Treatment Time

Thermage might take about 45 minutes more than a Ultherapy session

•  Results 

Ultherapy gives a longer lasting result when compared to Thermage.

Treatment for skin sagging should be decided after a through consultation with a qualified professional. If a patient has evident wrinkles and folds, Thermage would be a better option than Ultherapy. The best skin tightening treatment for a patient can be decided only by a professional. It is also important to note that if these procedures are carried out carelessly, it could result in complications. Hence, a patient must thoroughly study the eligibility of the care provider and choose the best one.

 

FAQ

Does Thermage really tighten the skin?

Yes, Thermage does really tighten the skin. The Thermage RF technique passes heat that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin which are the body’s natural protein factors that keeps the skin youthful and firm.

What is the best non-invasive skin tightening treatment?

Ultherapy is widely considered as the best skin tightening treatment as its non-invasive, has very minimal recovery time and the results last longer. If a person is looking at tightening the skin on the face, neck or chest, Ultherapy could be the better option. On the other hand, Thermage can show effective results if you are looking at a solution for wrinkles and folds.

How much is Thermage skin tightening?

Thermage skin tightening in India could cost between INR 1 lakh to INR 1.5 lakh.

Why is Thermage so expensive?

Thermage and Ultherapy are on the expensive side since the treatment includes the cost of the devices and other consumables that are used. The high cost of these is the reason why the treatments are expensive. However, since the patient just needs one session and the procedure saves one from post procedural complications it is widely sought.

Who is a good candidate for Thermage?

Thermage is done on both men and women. An ideal candidate for the procedure would be middle-aged individuals who are above 35 years of age. Signs of aging such as sagging skin, eyelids, cheek, neck are more common in this age group since the aging process would have begun.

How effective is Thermage for loose neck skin?

Thermage on loose face and neck skin is highly effective. Based on the RF technique used, the folds and wrinkles of the neck skin become firm and start showing results in around a month. The firmness of the skin would last upto 2 years.

How often should you do Thermage?

How often a patient should undergo Thermage depends upon the extent of looseness of the skin and the kind of results the patient has obtained from previous Thermage session. Ideally, a repeat session of Thermage would be needed once in two years.

How long does a Thermage treatment last?

The Thermage procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours for completion and the results of a Thermage treatment last for close to 1 to 1.5 years.

Which works better, Ultherapy or Thermage?

Both Thermage and Ultherapy should be used as per the requirement. Thermage will best suit to reduce wrinkles, folds and fine lines. Ultherapy offers the best results for tightening loose skin such as the neck, lower face and chin. Thermage works best for the eyes, under eye area and face.

How much does Thermage cost for the face and neck?

For the face and neck, Thermage would cost around INR 1.35 lakhs.

Can Thermage be used on eyelids?

The main aim of Thermage is to reduce wrinkles and lines and can definitely be used on the eyelids.

What is the difference between Thermage Lift and Thermage?

Thermage Lift and Thermage are one and the same. Thermage is also referred to as Thermage Lift because the main purpose of the technique is to offer skin tightness and lift.

Which is safer, Thermage or Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is considered safer to Thermage since it works on the ultrasound technique. The ultrasound technique can penetrate to deeper layers much easier than the RF technique. tHis makes it more safe and effective when compared to Thermage.

Can you do Ultherapy and Thermage together?

Yes, it is possible to do both Ultherapy and Thermage together or a few days apart from eachother.

Is Ultherapy better than fillers?

Yes, Ultherapy is better than fillers since the results last longer. Patients would need to come in for a repeat session only in 2.5 years while with fillers one might have to repeat sessions.

Can Ultherapy damage your skin?

Ultherapy as such does not cause any major damage or risk to the skin or individual. However, if the procedure is done carelessly, it can result in permanent side-effects and damage and hence it is highly important to choose qualified cosmetologists.