Ultherapy vs Thermage: Which Skin Tightening Treatment is Right for You?
Saggy skin…lost volume…wrinkles…droopy jowls…These are the tell-tale signs of aging that we’ve been taught are a natural part of losing our youth. But looking your age is so last year! Ultherapy and Thermage are two nonsurgical options available to effectively rejuvenate the skin. So, if you’ve narrowed down treatment to Ultherapy or Thermage, which one is right for you? Our Ultherapy vs Thermage Guide has everything you need to know:
What is Ultherapy? What is Thermage? How do Ultherapy and Thermage Work Similarly?
Let’s start with how Ultherapy (also called Ulthera) and Thermage are similar. Both treatments:
- Are indicated for use on the face, including eyes, jowls, brow and neck
- Are a noninvasive alternative to cosmetic surgery
- Employ a thermal effect at the dermal layer of the skin to stimulate collagen production, cellular turnover and blood circulation to the face
- Are quick, in-office, “lunchtime” treatments that have few side effects and require little downtime
- Offer immediate, visible results that continue to improve gradually over a two-six month period.
This is where the similarities between Ultherapy and Thermage effectively end.
Ultherapy vs Thermage: What’s the Difference between Ultherapy and Thermage?
The main difference between Ultherapy and Thermage is the type of energy each treatment employs to promote skin renewal. The source of energy has implications for treatment and outcomes, including:
- where the energy goes under the skin,
- how targeted the energy is,
- the depth of skin the energy reaches,
- and, as a result, what types of aging concerns each treatment can effectively treat.
Here’s more detail:
How Does Ultherapy Work? What Ultherapy Results Can I Expect?
Ulthera is able to go deeper than Thermage to lift and tone the face at the foundational levels of the skin. That’s because it employs Ultrasound energy. Specifically, Ultrasound has the advantage of being able to bypass the surface of the skin and deposit tiny amounts of energy to three clearly-defined depths — 1.5 mm, 3 mm and 4.5 mm — under the skin. The 1.5 mm Ultherapy transducer works to soften surface wrinkles, while the 3 mm and 4.5 mm lift and tighten the skin. In fact, Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared procedure for skin-tightening and lifting. It’s able to actually lift the musculature from within the SMAS (subcutaneous musculoaponeurotic system) layer (where cosmetic surgeons cut), as it tones and tightens skin on the face.
How Does Thermage Work? What Thermage Results Can I Expect?
Thermage uses radiofrequency, which is a much more diffuse energy source. Called bulk heating, the radio waves heat the surface of the skin before radiating inward to the dermal layer. As a result, much of the radiofrequency energy gets absorbed at the superficial layers of the skin and cannot reach the deep layers of skin that Ultherapy does. Because of this, Thermage is indicated for wrinkle relief, as well as tightening and toning at more superficial layers of the skin.
To sum it up, the difference in energy source is how Ultherapy provides more consistent and superior anti-aging results than Thermage. There are many Ultherapy vs Thermage reviews online, which can corroborate the unmatched ability of Ulthera to lift and tighten mature skin.
Ultherapy vs Thermage Pain: What Can I Expect?
Ultherapy Pain: Does Ultherapy Hurt? Is Ultherapy Safe?
Unlike traditional surgical facelifts, Ultherapy lifts and tightens skin naturally, with no scarring and no recuperation time. Ultherapy risks, bad results and problems are less common than a cosmetic facelift. Any pain or discomfort during treatment usually dissipates quickly, although it’s important to note that individual pain tolerances vary. Most patients report that any mild discomfort experienced due to the heat of the Ultrasound energy is worth the benefit that Ultherapy treatment provides for the skin.
Thermage Pain: Does Thermage Hurt? Is Thermage Safe?
Like Ultherapy, Thermage is a noninvasive treatment, which makes it safer than cosmetic surgery with less downtime or risk of complication. However, Thermage has a reputation for being painful, due to the bulk heating at the surface of the skin.
Ultherapy vs Thermage: How Long Will Thermage and Ultherapy Last?
Both Thermage and Ultherapy results can last up to five years. However, how long treatment lasts depends on the genetic predisposition to aging and lifestyle factors of the patient. Likewise, there’s no permanent skin tightening solution, due to the aging process. As a result, maintenance treatments are recommended to account for the natural aging of the skin.
Cost of Thermage vs Ultherapy: What Ultherapy or Thermage Price Can I Expect?
How much Thermage or Ultherapy costs depends on the laxity of the skin to begin with, as well as the extent of the treatment area. For example, the Ultherapy cost for full face will be more than for an Ultherapy brow lift. To find out the Ultherapy cost in NYC, come into Smooth Synergy for a consultation.
Where to Find Ultherapy Near Me? Where to Get Ultherapy in NYC?
Smooth Synergy Medical Spa in NYC offers a comprehensive menu of treatments to address the signs of aging. Ultherapy is the gold standard of these noninvasive options. Call us at 212-397-0111 to speak with an Expert in Beauty to find out how Ultherapy can rejuvenate your skin.
