What is the Difference Between Ultherapy and Thermage?

Thank you for the question. Thermage and Ultherapy both use energy to restore and rebuild collagen production in the dermal layer of the skin. But Ulthera uses ultrasound energy that can usually reach deeper into the dermal layer, even down to the fat and SMAS, to provide more dramatic and noticeable skin tightening. Thermage uses radio frequency energy at only one depth. Both create heat, which tightens the skin from under the surface. The person performing Ultherapy often has more control over the depth of treatment than a person performing Thermage therefore choosing a qualified technician is key.

Ultherapy uses ultrasound. Thermage uses radio frequency. Thermage has not really had proven efficacy. Ultherapy is FDA cleared for skin tightening on face and neck. 

Both devices can cause collagen formation in the dermis to help tighten the facial features. Thermage has applicators that are very small for use on eyelid skin and large ones for body sites such as arms, legs and abdomens. Its medium applicator is used for the face.  Ultherapy has smaller and medium applicators but off facial sites are off-label and studies are ongoing.  Thermage uses radiofrequency energy and Ultherapy uses focused deep ultrasound energy. Both hurt but the discomfort is over when the energy is stopped from being delivered.  These non-invasive techniques can help rejuvenate the skin tone but are not expected to give the same result as a facelift.  They also do not improve the skin surface so don't expect wrinkles to be better. Overall, we have had higher patient satisfaction with improvement in facial jowl lifting, cheek lifting, forehead lifting and neck lifting with Ultherapy than Thermage. I still find Thermage very useful on the loose skin of abdomens and the loose skin of thighs.

Thermage and Ultherapy both use energy to restore collagen production in the dermal layer of the skin. But the type of energy each treatment uses is different. Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy while Thermage uses radiofrequency energy.Ultrasound energy usually reach deeper into the dermal layer, even down to the fat and SMAS layer, to provide more dramatic and noticeable skin tightening and lifting.

Thank you for your question, the answer to your question is Ultherapy uses pulses of ultrasound  under direct visualisation to create a thermal effect that encourages the production of collagen to generate lift of the skin and muscle. It is very effective to reduce jowls, improve the jawline and lift eyelids and give a brow lift. We are also able to treat a lined crepey décolletage. Thermage targets collagen in a similar fashion but employs radio frequency waves to stimulate collagen tightening in the skin. The Thermage procedure tightens existing collagen and prompts the production of new collagen. We especially like the results of Thermage for the eyes (for crepey and hooded lids) and for skin tightening on the abdomen arms and thighs.  I hope this has helped.

Thermage and Ulthera use radiofrequency and ultrasound respectively to deliver heat to stimulate collagen remodeling.  Thermage targets the skin dermis and is therefore most effective for patients with good skin quality and density.  Using the newest tips and protocols, treatment is painless without anesthetic or pain medication and there is no down time.  Ulthera has the option to target different depths, most commonly the fibrous tissue within the fat and beneath the dermis, but the dermis can also be targeted.  Because the heat can be targeted more deeply, it wiill work even if the skin quality is poor and there is significant laxity.  Ulthera is uncomfortable - it requires either injectable anesthetic or oral pain medication (some physicians actually use sedation).  After ulthera patients can experience mild swelling for a few days, a late onset bruise even the following week and  numbness for several weeks.In my practice, I use thermage primarily for anyone with good skin quality trying to maintain or improve their skin tone.  It is an excellent full face treatment and can be done annually or every few years as needed.  Although ulthera can be used for full face treatment, I tend to use it more targeted for patients with greater laxity who have had thermage previously or for whom thermage is not appropriate.Although some results are seen immediately for Thermage and at a month for Ulthera, final results of both are seen at 3 to 6 months after treatment. I hope this helped answer your question. Best wishes.

While both treatments are effective non-surgical options for lifting and tightening skin, they utilize different forms of energy. Ultherapy uses safe, ultrasound energy and is indicated for the treatment of sagging skin on the brow, neck, décolletage, and under-chin. Thermage uses radiofrequency to address the look and feel of aging skin of the eyes, neck, jawline and body. Speak with your physician to understand which treatment option is best for you.

Thank you for your question. Both technologies can stimulate collagen. However
Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology (treating inside out) and Thermage uses RF
(radio frequency – treating outside in). Ultherapy is the only FDA approved
device to clinically tighten the face, neck and décolletage. Ultherapy is also
the only proven device with a visual aide to help the treatment provided treat
a precise area zone, unlike Thermage where the control of temperature and
treatment area can be inconsistent.

Ultherapy is FDA cleared for non invasive tightening of the skin for the face, neck, jowls, under eyes, lips, decolletage as well as non surgical brow lift. It has a great track record and is FDA cleared and has little or no downtime in most patients. Thermage uses RF energy. Ultherapy uses high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and was the first company and procedure that started the revolution in noninvasive tightening of the skin as an alternative to surgical face lifting. Read the Ultherapy ebook provided on the link below. 

Thank you for your question. Ultherapy and Thermage both work to stimulate collagen to create lifting and tightening of the skin. Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology, whereas Thermage uses radiofrequency.