Face lifting

Thermage vs. Ulthera: What are the differences? Do they really work? Read here!

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Thermage vs Ulthera

Nowadays, there are various technologies developed to help tighten facial skin without surgery. One of the most commonly seen devices is... Thermage Ultherapy So, Thermage vs. Ulthera: which is better? Answering this question depends on the severity of your wrinkles and the individual's skin condition.

In this article, Romrawin has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the machine. Thermage Ulther This guide covers the differences between Thermage and Ultherapy, whether Ulthera and Thermage cost the same, and answers to other frequently asked questions about Ulthera vs. Thermage, providing information for anyone interested in skin tightening procedures.

What are the differences between Thermage and Ulthera?

The main differences between Thermage and Ulthera, which are non-surgical facial skin tightening devices, lie in the energy used for skin tightening, the depth to which the energy is delivered, and the effectiveness of the tightening effect, etc. These differences can be shown in the following table:

ThermageUltherapy
It uses monopolar radio frequency (RF) energy to help lift and tighten the skin. It uses specific high-intensity focused ultrasound energy to help lift and tighten the skin.
It can transmit energy to the dermis layer of the skin.It can deliver energy to the SMAS layer of the skin, the same layer targeted in facelift surgery.
Helps reduce minor to moderate wrinkles.Helps reduce moderate to severe wrinkles.
The treatment heads are divided according to the size of the area, allowing for skin tightening throughout the body.The treatment is divided into heads based on depth, helping to lift and tighten the skin from the upper layers down to the SMAS layer. 

Before we delve into the Thermage vs. Ulthera comparison in other sections, we should first familiarize ourselves with each device. You can read information about each Thermage and Ulthera machine below!

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a skin tightening device that uses monopolar radio frequency (RF) energy to lift and tighten the skin down to the dermis layer. Thermage works by generating heat beneath the skin, stimulating collagen production and strengthening elastin to increase skin elasticity. Thermage has four different treatment heads:

  • The Total Tip 3 cm2 is an energy delivery tip suitable for use on the face and neck. It is specifically designed for the Thermage CPT machine.
  • The Total Tip 4 cm2 is also a suitable energy delivery tip for use on the face and neck, but it is for use with the Thermage FLX machine.
  • The Body Tip 16 cm2 is an energy firing head suitable for use on the torso, such as the arms, legs, or abdomen.
  • The Eye Tip 0.25 cm2 is a power delivery tip suitable for use on small areas or areas requiring precision, such as under the eyes.

What is Ulthera? 

Ulthera or Ultherapy is a skin tightening device that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to deeply and precisely reduce wrinkles. The energy penetrates to the SMAS layer, the same layer targeted in surgical facelift procedures. Ulthera devices come with three different energy-driving heads:

  • The 1.5 mm applicator head can deliver energy 1.5 mm deep into the upper dermis.
  • The 3.0 mm applicator head can deliver energy 3.0 mm deep into the skin, reaching the lower dermis and subcutaneous fat layer.
  • The 4.5 mm applicator head can deliver energy 4.5 mm deep into the skin, specifically the SMAS layer.

The working process of Thermage and Ulthera.

Ulthera and Thermage are skin tightening devices that can help reduce wrinkles without surgery. There are slight differences in the working processes of Thermage and Ulthera, as follows:

  • Thermage
    • It uses monopolar radio waves (Monopolar RF) to generate heat beneath the skin's surface.
    • Delivering energy to the dermis layer of the skin.
    • Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
  • Ultherapy
    • Uses specific high-intensity focused ultrasound energy. 
    • Delivers energy to the SMAS layer of the skin. 
    • Stimulates collagen production and reduces fat.

How many models of Thermage vs Ulthera machines are there? Are the usage methods different?

How many models of Altera Thermage are there?
How many models of Altera Thermage are there?

What are the differences between Ulthera and Thermage machines? These two machines come in different models, and the machines used in Thailand can be categorized as follows:

  • Thermage
    • Thermage CPT is a device that has been manufactured since 2009. It can precisely focus on wrinkle reduction, takes little time, and provides results that last 1-2 years.
    • Thermage FLX, a device launched in 2018, can precisely focus wrinkle reduction in real-time, taking 25% less time than previous methods, and delivering results that last 1-2 years.
  • Ultherapy
    • There is only one model of the Ulthera machine, but it may also be called Ulthera SPT. It effectively reduces deep wrinkles.

How much do Thermage and Ulthera treatments cost?

The price difference between Thermage and Ulthera treatments may not be significant, but when comparing the same number of shots, for example, a Thermage treatment with 900 shots starts at 65,000 baht, while an Ulthera treatment starts at 60,000 baht.

The price may vary depending on the area to be worked on and the model of equipment required. You can find more information about the different pricing options here. How much does Thermage cost? For those who wish to undergo treatment with the Thermage machine, How much does Ulthera cost? For those interested in the Ulthera machine.

What are the advantages of Thermage and Ulthera? 

What are the key advantages of Thermage vs. Ulthera? Many people may want information to help them decide between skin tightening procedures using Thermage vs. Ulthera. Therefore, Romrawin has compiled the advantages of both machines as follows:

  • Thermage
    • No wounds or needle marks.
    • No surgery required. No recovery time needed.
    • The procedure takes only 40-90 minutes.
    • The energy penetrates deep into all layers of the skin, including the fat layer.
    • It can be used for lifting and firming both the face and body.
  • Ultherapy
    • No wounds or needle marks.
    • No surgery required. No recovery time needed.
    • The procedure takes only 30-45 minutes.
    • The energy penetrates deep into the SMAS layer of the skin.
    • It can be used for lifting and firming both the face and body.

Between Thermage and Ulthera, which one is right for you?

Thermage vs. Ulthera: Who is it right for? Are they different? Both Thermage and Ulthera are skin tightening procedures, but they may produce different results for wrinkles. Therefore, we've categorized who is best suited for Thermage and Ulthera as follows:

  • Thermage
    • Those with mild to moderate wrinkles.
    • People with wrinkles in the nasolabial folds.
    • People with excess fat under their chin, double chin, and neck.
    • For those with problems such as wrinkles around the eyes, crow's feet, and sagging eyelids.
    • People with orange peel skin and cellulite problems.
    • People who have excess fat in areas of the torso, such as the arms, legs, or waist.
    • Those who do not want surgery for skin tightening.
  • Ultherapy
    • Those with moderate to severe wrinkles.
    • People with wrinkles in the nasolabial folds.
    • For those with wrinkles around the eyes and crow's feet.
    • People with sagging neck and facial contours.
    • People who have sagging skin on their torso, such as the upper arms, abdomen, or décolletage.
    • Those who do not want surgery for skin tightening.

Thermage vs. Ulthera: Which provides better results? 

If you're wondering whether Thermage vs. Ulthera is better, or which machine provides more effective results, you need to first understand the type of wrinkles you have and their severity. Therefore, it's essential to consult with a specialist to develop a treatment plan that best suits your skin needs. 

To see initial reviews comparing Thermage vs. Ulthera to help you decide before treatment, Romrawin Clinic has compiled photos from our real patients below.

Before and after Thermage treatment.

Thermage facelift review.

Before and after Ulthera treatment.

Ulthera facelift review.

What are the differences between Thermage, Ulthera, and HIFU?

In addition to those two machines, there are other tools used in facial lifting procedures, such as... HIFU That's it. HIFU vs Ulthera Are there any differences between [Treatment Method] vs. [Thermage]? You can find the information in the table below! 

HIFUUltherThermage
It uses specific high-frequency ultrasound energy.Uses specific high-frequency ultrasound energy.Uses unipolar radio wave energy.
The energy can penetrate deep into the SMAS layer of the skin.The energy can penetrate deep into the SMAS layer of the skin.The energy can penetrate deep into the dermis.
Less painful, but the results don't last long.It's quite painful, and the results last 1-2 years.It's painful, and the results last 1-2 years.
Helps to lift and firm the skin on the face and body.Helps to lift and firm the skin on the face and body.It helps to lift and firm the skin on the face and body, as well as reduce excess fat.

Frequently asked questions about Thermage vs Ulthera.

How long does each session take?

The treatment time for Thermage vs. Ulthera differs: Thermage takes approximately 40-90 minutes, while Ulthera takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the area being treated. 

Between Thermage and Ulthera, which one is more painful?

Both Thermage and Ulthera treatments involve some pain during the procedure, but Thermage may be more painful.

How many days does it take to see results with Thermage and Ulthera?

The time frame for seeing results between Thermage and Ulthera may be similar, but Ulthera can show 30% results immediately after treatment and settle within 1-2 months, while Thermage can show 20% results immediately after treatment and settle within 2-3 months. 

How long do the effects of Thermage and Ulthera last?

The results from Thermage vs. Ulthera are generally similar in duration, 1-2 years, although this may depend on individual skin conditions. 

Summary of Thermage vs Ulthera

Thermage vs. Ulthera: These two devices are used for skin tightening procedures, targeting both the face and body to improve wrinkles and sagging. However, they differ slightly in aspects, such as the energy used for tightening, the skin layers the energy can reach, and more. Therefore, it's essential to consult a specialist doctor before deciding on a skin tightening procedure to achieve the best possible results.

According to foreign websites. 

Dermapure. (2022, April 12). THERMAGE® VS. ULTHERA®: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
https://www.dermapure.com/en/thermagemdversus-ultheramd-lequel-vous-convient-le-mieux/

Lindberg, S. (2021, March 16). Thermage vs. Ultherapy.
https://www.healthline.com/health/thermage-vs-ultherapy