Ultherapy Vs Thermage: Which Treatment is Best for You?

If you want to have smoother and younger-looking skin without surgery or downtime. Two popular options often stand out: Thermage® CPT and Ultherapy®. Both are great for skin tightening and lifting without having to go through surgery or any recovery time.

But if you take a closer look, you'll find some key differences between the two. They differ in the areas of the body they treat and the techniques they use to improve sagging, old, or wrinkled skin. In this article, we'll break down these similarities and differences to help you choose between Thermage and Ultherapy. Let's get started.

What is Skin Lifting and Tightening with Thermage as Compared to Ultherapy?

Thermage and Ultherapy are both treatments that help lift and tighten the skin without surgery. They're designed to make sagging skin look better and reduce aging signs. Let's look at what sets them apart:

Thermage:

• Uses radiofrequency energy to kickstart collagen renewal deep within the skin.

• Target skin layers using radiofrequency technology.

• Works by encouraging new collagen production at the treatment site by utilizing radiofrequency waves that send heat into the skin, treating the outer dermis first before moving inward.

• Can be effective in diminishing the look of bulges and wrinkles.

• Can be used to treat the skin in various areas of the body.

• FDA-approved for its clinically proven results

Ultherapy:

• Utilizes ultrasound technology to stimulate the collagen response.

• Targets deeper layers of the skin, including the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) area, which is typically addressed by surgery.

• FDA-approved for both tightening and lifting the skin, particularly on the muscles of the face and neck.

• Best suited for mild to moderate skin laxity.

• Particularly effective for skin tightening in the neck and décolleté area.

How Deep Do They Penetrate the Skin with Thermage and Ultherapy?

Both Thermage and Ultherapy use heat to firm up the skin, but they work at different levels. Thermage uses radio waves and goes about 1.5 to 3 millimeters deep into the skin. On the other hand, Ultherapy uses sound waves and dives deeper, around 4.5 to 5 millimeters. This means Ultherapy can target the deeper parts of the skin like collagen and elastin fibers, which help keep our skin bouncy and tight.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from Thermage and Ultherapy?

The results of Thermage and Ultherapy are gradual and typically take several months to fully develop.

Thermage: Most people see gradual results over 2 to 6 months following one Thermage session. Depending on your skin, results can last 1 to 2 years.

Ultherapy: Results appear over 2 to 3 months as new collagen lifts skin on the neck and chin. Results may improve over 3 to 6 months and can last a year, though multiple treatments may be required.

What is the Cost of Thermage and Ultherapy?

In general, Thermage is less expensive than Ultherapy. The cost of a Thermage treatment typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, while the cost of an Ultherapy treatment typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.

What are the Treatment Areas with Thermage and Ultherapy?

Both Thermage and Ultherapy are non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures that can reduce the signs of aging on the skin. They are both safe for all skin types and can be combined with other procedures, such as Botox with ultherapy, dermal fillers, or CoolSculpting, for a revitalizing treatment plan that can act as a non-invasive “facelift.” Here are the treatment areas for each procedure:

Thermage:

• Face

• Neck/double chin

• Décolletage

• Abdominal area

• Thighs

• Eye area

Ultherapy:

• Brow areas

• Chin and neck

• Chest

• Neck and décolleté area

Can You Do Thermage and Ultherapy at the Same Time?

Yes, Thermage and Ultherapy can be done together. Some skin experts even suggest doing both for better outcomes. While Thermage works on the deeper parts of the skin, Ultherapy focuses on the outer layers. This combination helps treat both deep wrinkles and surface-level sagging, giving a more complete skin makeover.

The combination of Thermage and Ultherapy is often referred to as "Thermage Ultherapy" or "Thermal Ultherapy." It's a favorite choice for those wanting a significant boost in their skin's look.

Here are some of the benefits of combining Thermage and Ultherapy:

More comprehensive treatment: Thermage targets the deeper layers of the skin, while Ultherapy targets the superficial layers. This allows for a more comprehensive treatment that can address both wrinkles and sagging skin.

Dramatic results: The combination of Thermage and Ultherapy can produce dramatic results in the appearance of the skin. Many people see a noticeable improvement in their skin tone and texture immediately after treatment.

Long-lasting results: The results of Thermage Ultherapy can last for up to two years, but they may need to be repeated after that time.

Are there any Risks or Side Effects Associated with Thermage and Ultherapy?

Indeed, there are potential risks and side effects with Thermage and Ultherapy treatments. Generally, they're mild and fade in a few days. However, it's essential to know about them before undergoing the procedures.

Thermage:

• Temporary redness

• Minor swelling

• Tingling

• Blistering

• Bruising

• Numbness

• Skin sensitivity

• Rarely, changes in skin texture or pigmentation

Ultherapy:

• Swelling

• Tingling

• Bruising

• Temporary numbness

• Skin sensitivity

• Transient nerve injury

• Transient thermal injury

• Fullness under the chin

What are Treatment Sessions Takes with Thermage and Ultherapy?  

The duration of treatment sessions for Thermage and Ultherapy can vary depending on the areas being treated and the specific clinic or practitioner.

Thermage:

• Treatment sessions typically last from 30 to 90 minutes.

• Can be delivered in a single session.

• Results can last for years.

Ultherapy:

• Treatment sessions for the face typically last between 60 to 90 minutes.

• Treatment sessions for the chest can be delivered more quickly, in approximately 30 minutes.

• In most cases, only one treatment session is required to produce noticeable lifting and skin-tightening results.

Which Treatment is Best for You Thermage or Ultherapy?

Deciding between Thermage and Ultherapy depends on your specific needs and goals. Here are some key factors to consider.

Thermage:

• Uses radiofrequency technology to target skin layers, which can be effective in diminishing the look of bulges and wrinkles.

• Can be used to treat the skin on various areas of the body, including larger areas like the thighs and abdomen.

• Treatment sessions typically last from 30 to 90 minutes, and results can last for years.

• Best suited for patients who care more about addressing the texture and quality of sagging skin.

Ultherapy:

• Uses ultrasound technology to strengthen the skin from the inside out, which can be particularly effective for skin tightening in the neck and décolleté area.

• Targets deeper layers of the skin, including the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) area, which is typically addressed by surgery.

• Treatment sessions for the face typically last between 60 to 90 minutes, and in most cases, only one treatment session is required to produce noticeable lifting and skin-tightening results.

• Best suited for patients looking to target the neck and décolleté area, and those with mild to moderate skin laxity.

Always talk to a professional dermatologist or plastic surgeon to figure out the best treatment for your unique needs. They'll check your skin and advise on the best approach, be it Thermage, Ultherapy, or both, to get the best results.

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