Which is better for skin tightening - Ulthera or Thermage?
Answer: Skin tightening with Ulthera, thermage and others
Keep in mind these are only tools and by themselves are neither good nor bad. A scalpel is neither good nor bad but can be used to perform beautiful surgery or make a terrible mess. That being said, these devices are commonly used by practitioners with no formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and thus no understanding of what interventions, forces structures and vectors make a beautifully rejuvenated face. Now that Thermage has a long history, people are begining to understand that the patients are nearly universally displeased to enraged with their results. I have seen several difficult reconstructve cases resulting from them paying for aesthetic enhancement with Thermage.
Now comes Ulthera the new better thermage and can you guess what is happening. . . the same thing. I personally do not like deep heating of the face. it causes the absorbtion and atrophy of fat which over time makes patients look aged and there is no control of vectors. When a plastic surgeon restores a face with a facelift, there are multiple different vectors created with different forces to create a natural concavity and convexity. The contraction forces created by these technologies are concentric and pull equally in all directions, flattenening the faces- a very undesirable form.
I use infrared energy(Sciton SkinTyte) mostly when skin and tissue tightening is the goal, I like it because it is gentler and not as deeply penetrating. I really dont think there is anything wrong with a well trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon using any of these devices in a responsible manner after explaining the risks and benefits to their patients. I think these technologies are applicable for moderate correction of neck laxity but should really be of limited application in the face because of the inability to control form. Aesthetic form with wrinkles and laxity is much preferable to unaesthetic form with smooth skin. There is no question that significant tightening can be achieved, but at what cost? Remember whether a scalpel, thermage or ultherapy, the hands holding the device are much more important than the device. Make sure the hands are connected to an experienced and well trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon so that you can benefit from their experience, knowledge and insight.
All the best,
Rian A. Maercks M.D.
Helpful 54 people found this helpful
Answer: Skin tightening with Ulthera, thermage and others
Keep in mind these are only tools and by themselves are neither good nor bad. A scalpel is neither good nor bad but can be used to perform beautiful surgery or make a terrible mess. That being said, these devices are commonly used by practitioners with no formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and thus no understanding of what interventions, forces structures and vectors make a beautifully rejuvenated face. Now that Thermage has a long history, people are begining to understand that the patients are nearly universally displeased to enraged with their results. I have seen several difficult reconstructve cases resulting from them paying for aesthetic enhancement with Thermage.
Now comes Ulthera the new better thermage and can you guess what is happening. . . the same thing. I personally do not like deep heating of the face. it causes the absorbtion and atrophy of fat which over time makes patients look aged and there is no control of vectors. When a plastic surgeon restores a face with a facelift, there are multiple different vectors created with different forces to create a natural concavity and convexity. The contraction forces created by these technologies are concentric and pull equally in all directions, flattenening the faces- a very undesirable form.
I use infrared energy(Sciton SkinTyte) mostly when skin and tissue tightening is the goal, I like it because it is gentler and not as deeply penetrating. I really dont think there is anything wrong with a well trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon using any of these devices in a responsible manner after explaining the risks and benefits to their patients. I think these technologies are applicable for moderate correction of neck laxity but should really be of limited application in the face because of the inability to control form. Aesthetic form with wrinkles and laxity is much preferable to unaesthetic form with smooth skin. There is no question that significant tightening can be achieved, but at what cost? Remember whether a scalpel, thermage or ultherapy, the hands holding the device are much more important than the device. Make sure the hands are connected to an experienced and well trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon so that you can benefit from their experience, knowledge and insight.
All the best,
Rian A. Maercks M.D.
Helpful 54 people found this helpful
January 15, 2019
Answer: Ulthera is Effective for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Ulthera™ has only recently been approved by the FDA for use in the US. It has, however, been available in Asia and in Europe for several years, and preliminary results have been impressive. Ulthera™ is currently only being offered to select physicians within the US who have significant facial aesthetic practices, many of whom are involved in research and clinical studies as well. To refer to Ulthera™ as a "gizmo" is to discredit the technology behind the device. Unlike Thermage ™ , which many doctors and patients have found to be disappointing, Ulthera is the first device that uses ultrasound technology to stimulate the body's own collagen response for lifting and tightening the skin and underlying soft-tissue of the face. This system also uses acoustic imaging to enable the physician to see the layers of soft tissue beneath the skin prior to treatment to ensure a uniform and accurate application of the ultrasound waves. This differs significantly from any other device that is currently on the market which typically use radio frequency or lasers to stimulate the skin. While Ulthera is not going to yield the dramatic results of a surgical face-lift, many patients in my practice prefer the subtle, yet significant tightening and lifting of the skin that Ulthera provides. It is less expensive than a traditional facelift or MACS lift, has no downtime, and no bruising or swelling. I see Ulthera™ as one tool in a full spectrum of options we have available to help patients achieve their desired outcome for facial rejuvenation. Physician credentials and experience, communication, education and expectation of the patient are all key to having an optimum outcome, regardless of whether the procedure is surgical or non-surgical.
Helpful 20 people found this helpful
January 15, 2019
Answer: Ulthera is Effective for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Ulthera™ has only recently been approved by the FDA for use in the US. It has, however, been available in Asia and in Europe for several years, and preliminary results have been impressive. Ulthera™ is currently only being offered to select physicians within the US who have significant facial aesthetic practices, many of whom are involved in research and clinical studies as well. To refer to Ulthera™ as a "gizmo" is to discredit the technology behind the device. Unlike Thermage ™ , which many doctors and patients have found to be disappointing, Ulthera is the first device that uses ultrasound technology to stimulate the body's own collagen response for lifting and tightening the skin and underlying soft-tissue of the face. This system also uses acoustic imaging to enable the physician to see the layers of soft tissue beneath the skin prior to treatment to ensure a uniform and accurate application of the ultrasound waves. This differs significantly from any other device that is currently on the market which typically use radio frequency or lasers to stimulate the skin. While Ulthera is not going to yield the dramatic results of a surgical face-lift, many patients in my practice prefer the subtle, yet significant tightening and lifting of the skin that Ulthera provides. It is less expensive than a traditional facelift or MACS lift, has no downtime, and no bruising or swelling. I see Ulthera™ as one tool in a full spectrum of options we have available to help patients achieve their desired outcome for facial rejuvenation. Physician credentials and experience, communication, education and expectation of the patient are all key to having an optimum outcome, regardless of whether the procedure is surgical or non-surgical.
Helpful 20 people found this helpful
Answer: A combination of Ultherapy and Morpheus8 can help tighten the skin Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. As we age, collagen breaks down, resulting in loss of skin strength and elasticity. For tissue tightening, Ultherapy is ideal for the lower face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Morpheus8 to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Realself100 Surgeon
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Answer: A combination of Ultherapy and Morpheus8 can help tighten the skin Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. As we age, collagen breaks down, resulting in loss of skin strength and elasticity. For tissue tightening, Ultherapy is ideal for the lower face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Morpheus8 to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Realself100 Surgeon
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January 15, 2019
Answer: Ultherapy or Thermage-which one is more effective I want to start by mentioning that this question was posed 6 years ago! the answer to this question has certainly changed over this time span. Allow me to explain. Thermage was introduced 10 years ago. I had one of the first units in Los Angeles. The origional Thermage was very painful and occasionally resulted in burns or slight indentations. Some patients got amazing results and others benefited marginally. A few years later Thermage NXT was introduced. It was less painful and more consistent. Finally Thermage CPT became even more reliable and 2-3 times more effective. I have used all 3 machines and still have patients who come for skin tightening on a yearly basis. Once you have a great result with a machine you want to continue using the same modality. Ultherapy was introduced 6 years ago. We nor have the 3rd generation machines with the deep-see hand piece. It is powerful and consistent. I find that patient do better with mild oral sedation. Yes- it is very uncomfortable. I personally perform both procedures and get great results. Both machines are tools and the results are very operator dependent. It all depends on how many pulses (line) and what settings and how the pulses are applied. generally speaking I prefer Ulthereapy a little more. I am able to physically see the tissue that is being treated on my screen. please look for an experienced physician and have realistic expectations.
Helpful 8 people found this helpful
January 15, 2019
Answer: Ultherapy or Thermage-which one is more effective I want to start by mentioning that this question was posed 6 years ago! the answer to this question has certainly changed over this time span. Allow me to explain. Thermage was introduced 10 years ago. I had one of the first units in Los Angeles. The origional Thermage was very painful and occasionally resulted in burns or slight indentations. Some patients got amazing results and others benefited marginally. A few years later Thermage NXT was introduced. It was less painful and more consistent. Finally Thermage CPT became even more reliable and 2-3 times more effective. I have used all 3 machines and still have patients who come for skin tightening on a yearly basis. Once you have a great result with a machine you want to continue using the same modality. Ultherapy was introduced 6 years ago. We nor have the 3rd generation machines with the deep-see hand piece. It is powerful and consistent. I find that patient do better with mild oral sedation. Yes- it is very uncomfortable. I personally perform both procedures and get great results. Both machines are tools and the results are very operator dependent. It all depends on how many pulses (line) and what settings and how the pulses are applied. generally speaking I prefer Ulthereapy a little more. I am able to physically see the tissue that is being treated on my screen. please look for an experienced physician and have realistic expectations.
Helpful 8 people found this helpful
January 15, 2019
Answer: Ultherapy or Thermage for skin tightening Ultherapy procedure delivers consistent energy to the SMAS layers or deep layers of skin by using ultrasound technology under direct visualization to lift the sagging skin.Where as Thermage is a radiofrequency device which delivers the energy into the tissue layer with out direct vision. Both procedures can be effective, but have many limitations, the results are usually seen after 6 months. The Ultherapy results depends upon multiple factors such as the degree of sagging, age of the patient, the knowledge of anatomy and the experience of the person who performs. In our office all Ultherapy procedures are performed by a Board Certified physician. I firmly believe Ultherapy is a better choice since I can see all the tissue layers before delivering the energy. Best Dr. Shanthala
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
January 15, 2019
Answer: Ultherapy or Thermage for skin tightening Ultherapy procedure delivers consistent energy to the SMAS layers or deep layers of skin by using ultrasound technology under direct visualization to lift the sagging skin.Where as Thermage is a radiofrequency device which delivers the energy into the tissue layer with out direct vision. Both procedures can be effective, but have many limitations, the results are usually seen after 6 months. The Ultherapy results depends upon multiple factors such as the degree of sagging, age of the patient, the knowledge of anatomy and the experience of the person who performs. In our office all Ultherapy procedures are performed by a Board Certified physician. I firmly believe Ultherapy is a better choice since I can see all the tissue layers before delivering the energy. Best Dr. Shanthala
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
December 28, 2017
Answer: Ultherapy Vs Thermage for Skin Tightening Ultherapy is a more effective treatment for skin tightening. Ulthera allows us to use a monitor to visualize and concentrate on the desired area. Ulthera also allows us to target deeper layers of the skin, giving us better results.
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December 28, 2017
Answer: Ultherapy Vs Thermage for Skin Tightening Ultherapy is a more effective treatment for skin tightening. Ulthera allows us to use a monitor to visualize and concentrate on the desired area. Ulthera also allows us to target deeper layers of the skin, giving us better results.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful