What is better for me, Thermitight vs. Ultherapy?

Question

I'm 37 yro with pretty decent skin tone, but would like more definition around my jawline. Which procedure gives you better results? Do they stimulate collagen for on going results? How long do the results typically last? What are the negative affects? I have read some scary outcomes for both. Rippling in the skin, sagging, paralysis, indentations, distortion...loss/melting of fat??? Is that even possible??? Thank you.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

When I evaluate my patient's during their consultation, I look at their skin quality, the amount of deep sundamage, looseness of skin, amount of jowl formation, the amount of fat in the cheeks and neck and whether they have overactive masseter (chewing) muscle thickness or a droopy salivary gland. Only then can I determine if an in-between procedure such as Thermi, would be suggested over Ultherapy.  Thermi can produce greater lifting than Ultherapy in a patient with more sagging or somewhat older but young healthy patients in their late 30s to 50s, and older, can obtain very good results with Ultherapy, and as Ultherapy is non invasive, it is wiser to choose this treatment if someone doesn't need ThermiTight yet.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's
answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended
to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should
not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified
health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

For this area, I frequently use either Ultherapy or ThermiTIght. Both of these energy devices work by delivering heat deep into the dermal layers and connective tissue. ThermiTIght uses radiofrequency energy, while Ultherapy uses targeted ultrasound energy. ThermiTIght delivers the RF energy via tiny probes that can work deep into the tissue to stimulate collagen production. Ultherapy is delivered through the skin's surface, and also stimulates collagen production for long-lasting, natural results.

The right treatment for you will depend on your treatment area, the amount of laxity that needs to be addressed, and your goals for the procedure. If you have fat under the chin obscuring the jawline then ThermiTight is best because after the tightening probe, I remove the fat with a tiny cannula. If the problem is just loose skin, then I like Ulthera because it can tighten deeper to the level of the fascia. Sometimes a little filler along the jawline completes the look! I encourage you to schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist with expertise in nonsurgical skin tightening for further assessment and a customized treatment plan.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend a combination of procedures for optimal results.
  
ThermiTight utilizes a small electrode inserted under the skin to heat tissue to a selected therapeutic temperature.  Literature has shown that elevating skin to a therapeutic temperature level can contract collagen molecules and stimulate collagen production, which may give the appearance of lifting or tightening.   Fat reduction is rare, unless set to high temperatures and kept at high temperatures for a significant amount of time .
  
To best answer your question,  it  depends on how much skin laxity you have.   ThermiTight can work well in the thigh area to tighten skin that is mild to moderately laxity.  Surgery may be a better option, if you have excessive laxity.   Results with ThermiTight vary from patient to patient.  You should experience some overall improvement.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.
  
Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Bradley Bengtson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! 
Ultherapy and ThermiTight are two excellent treatment options and the decision
regarding which treatment is made based on several factors including area of
concern, skin integrity, patient age, etc.  Ultherapy and ThermiTight both
work to deliver heat to tissue to achieve desired outcome.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

Both treatments work on the theory that energy placed in the deep dermis can cause neocollagenesis and collagen stimulation/formation. The goal is to heat the lower skin tissue to 60+ degrees Celsius for collagen formation . Ultherapy uses ultrasound , whereas Thermitight uses radio frequency.  In general, ultherapy may not provide as much tightening needed for someone in their mid 50s to 70s , which Thermitight can provide . Thermitight also provides heating to 100% of the treated tissue and tempeture can be increased higher than 60 degree C ( 70 degrees if desired, which will cause fat lipolysis which is beneficial if used in neck/submental area) whereas ultherapy " skips" small areas similar to the way Fraxel works, does not fully cover 100% of the treated tissue and remains at 60 degrees C . So to summarize : 
In general ( I stress generalizations)  : 
Ultherapy : younger age 40s to mid 50s , less collagen stimulation , mild to moderate results , results lasts 1-1.5 years , no downtime, minimal side effects though very rare  cases of fat atrophy reported. Treatment pain tolerance is a full spectrum that can be well tolerated in most individuals to painful for some individuals. Local anesthetic used by some physicians but not studied by the Ulthera company .
Thermitight : (any age)  but recommended when more tightening is needed ages 50s to 70s, more collagen stimulation as temps can be higher , results can be moderate to dramatic , few days  to 1 week swelling  with need for facial compression garment for 1-2 days , local anesthetic is virtually painless with minimal to zero post op discomfort ( no pain meds needed) , results can last 3+ years , fat melting in certain areas like neck if physician chooses to use energy for lipolysis. 
Of course patient expectations will also  better determine which method maybe best

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