Ultherapy vs. Thermage – which is right for you?
Ultherapy and Thermage are two of our most popular non-invasive skin treatments at DSC, and for good reason. They’re both non-invasive skin treatments with almost no downtime and offer natural results that get better with time. They build and restore collagen non-invasively, giving skin a refreshed, tightened, and contoured appearance. Think of these treatments as long-term investments for your skin’s “collagen bank”: returns may take a while to be noticeable, but they compound with time. So if you are considering a skin tightening treatment like Thermage or Ultherapy, how do you pick between the two and which one is more suitable for you?
Thermage
Thermage is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) treatment that is designed to tighten, tone, and contour skin. RF energy contacts the skin from the handpiece and is converted to heat via impedance. Akin to cracking an egg in a hot pan, immediate collagen contraction occurs along with denaturation of collagen for regeneration and regrowth. This treatment induces the wound healing response to remodel and grow new collagen in specific areas (treatment locations). Without external stimulation, large-scale remodeling of the skin generally does not happen spontaneously as an adult.
Thermage is a great treatment option for building collagen and tightening, toning, and contouring crepe-y skin. Because it has various treatment tip sizes, Thermage can treat the face and neck, eye contour and mobile eyelids, and even large areas of the body like the abdomen, thighs, knees, or arms.
The RF energy passes out of the body via the return pad, which is a sticky pad adhered to the back or thigh. The return pad directs energy back to the Thermage device. Because of this monopolar design, Thermage is not appropriate for those with pacemakers or any other implanted electrical devices. Bipolar or multipolar RF treatments may possibly be suitable for those with pacemakers, but all such treatments should be first cleared by a doctor or medical professional. For these instances, non-RF treatments like Ultherapy may therefore be more appropriate for those with pacemakers.
See More About Thermage
Ultherapy
Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin noninvasively. It features real-time visualization like an ultrasound scan and treats skin at three different depths to build collagen, lift, and improve skin laxity and loss of elasticity. Ultherapy can treat the face, neck, and décolletage. While the mechanism of action is different from Thermage, they both rely on the same principle of kickstarting the wound healing process to induce collagen growth. In fact, most collagen-stimulating devices and treatments rely on this principle. Ultherapy is a great non-surgical option for treating laxity and sagging skin to give lift. This is probably the main difference between Ultherapy and Thermage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Ultherapy and Thermage for skin tightening?
Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin at three different depths, making it particularly effective for treating laxity and sagging on the face, neck, and décolletage. Thermage, on the other hand, uses monopolar radiofrequency energy to tighten, tone, and contour skin. Both treatments stimulate collagen production through the wound healing response, but Ultherapy is better known for lifting while Thermage excels at contouring crepe-y skin across larger body areas.
2. How does Thermage work to rebuild collagen in the skin?
Thermage delivers monopolar radiofrequency energy through a handpiece, which is converted to heat via impedance as it contacts the skin. This triggers immediate collagen contraction followed by collagen denaturation, prompting the body’s wound healing response to remodel and regenerate new collagen in the treated area. Without this kind of external stimulation, significant collagen remodeling does not naturally occur in adult skin, making Thermage a reliable way to prompt the skin’s own repair process.
3. Can I get Ultherapy or Thermage if I have a pacemaker in Los Angeles?
If you have a pacemaker or any implanted electrical device, Thermage is not suitable for you because its monopolar design requires a return pad to direct energy back through the body. Ultherapy, which uses micro-focused ultrasound rather than radiofrequency, may be a more appropriate alternative in these cases. That said, any skin tightening treatment should be cleared by your doctor beforehand. DSC Laser & Skin Care Center in San Gabriel offers complimentary consultations to help find the safest option for your specific medical history.
4. Is it worth combining Ultherapy and Thermage treatments for better results?
Combining both treatments is a popular option at DSC because each targets different concerns and areas. Ultherapy is ideal for lifting the face and neck, while Thermage’s range of tip sizes allows it to treat the eye contour, mobile eyelids, and body areas like the abdomen and thighs. Some patients alternate between the two treatments over time to benefit from both lifting and contouring. A personalized plan from an experienced consultant can help you decide whether a combined or alternating approach suits your goals.
5. How long does it take to see results from Ultherapy or Thermage?
Both Ultherapy and Thermage are best considered long-term investments for your skin rather than instant-result treatments. Results improve gradually as the collagen-building process takes effect, and the full outcome may take several weeks to months to become visible. The article describes this as adding to your skin’s “collagen bank,” where returns compound over time. Both treatments involve almost no downtime, so you can return to daily activities immediately while the skin continues to improve beneath the surface.
6. Which skin tightening treatment in San Gabriel is right for my skin concerns?
The best choice depends on your primary concern. If loose, sagging skin on the face or neck is your main issue, Ultherapy’s lifting ability may be the better fit. If you are dealing with crepe-y texture, body contouring, or want to treat the delicate eye area, Thermage offers more versatility across different body zones. DSC Laser & Skin Care Center in San Gabriel provides complimentary consultations where their team can assess your skin and recommend the most suitable treatment or a personalised combination plan.
Because Ultherapy is more limited in treatment areas, many may choose to combine treatments, e.g. Ultherapy for the face/neck and Thermage for the eye area. Some may also choose to alternate treatments in order to get the best of both worlds.
Ultherapy PRIME: the latest Ultherapy Treatment
If you are interested in Ultherapy, Ultherapy PRIME, or Thermage FLX treatments in Los Angeles, give DSC a call! We offer complimentary consultations and our experienced consultants can help you pick a treatment or design a personalized treatment plan.
DSC Laser & Skin Care Center
www.dscbeauty.com
(626)285-0800
info@dscbeauty.com
889 S. San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776
