Comparing Treatments
Ultherapy vs Thermage, HIFU vs RF, lifting vs boosters, choosing by age.
6 questions
Q40. What is the difference between Ultherapy and Thermage?
Ultherapy (Ultherapy PRIME) is a focused ultrasound (HIFU) device that concentrates ultrasound energy on a single point at a set depth beneath the skin to create thermal coagulation points, while Thermage FLX is a monopolar radiofrequency device that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the skin. Because the type of energy and how it is delivered differ, the sensation during treatment, the timing of results described by the manufacturers and the pattern of side effects also differ. A small study comparing the two approaches reported no statistical difference, so rather than one being superior, the choice is made at consultation to suit your skin condition and goals.
Read more: What is the difference between Ultherapy and Thermage?Q41. What is the difference between HIFU lifting and RF lifting?
HIFU (ultrasound) lifting concentrates ultrasound energy on a single point at a set depth beneath the skin to create small thermal coagulation points, while radiofrequency (RF) lifting delivers energy based on electrical current, not light, to the skin to generate heat. They differ only in the type of energy and how it is delivered, and studies have reported improvement in facial and neck laxity with both. Which approach suits you depends on your skin condition and concerns and is confirmed at consultation.
Read more: What is the difference between HIFU lifting and RF lifting?Q42. Onda or Shurink: which lifting treatment suits me?
Whether Onda or Shurink suits you depends on your skin condition and concerns and is decided at consultation. Onda is a device that its manufacturer describes as acting on the fat layer and dermis with microwave (Coolwaves) technology, while Shurink Universe is a HIFU device that concentrates ultrasound energy on a single point to create thermal coagulation points. Both approaches can cause temporary side effects, and results vary between individuals.
Read more: Onda or Shurink: which lifting treatment suits me?Q43. Should I get lifting or a skin booster first?
There is no fixed order for whether to have lifting or a skin booster first; it is decided at consultation based on the concern you most want to address and your schedule. Lifting devices mainly target laxity of the skin and soft tissue, while skin boosters target skin changes such as dullness, dryness and loss of firmness. Both can cause temporary reactions that vary between individuals, so the plan also takes recovery time into account.
Read more: Should I get lifting or a skin booster first?Q44. How should I choose a lifting treatment for my age?
Rather than choosing lifting by age group alone, the choice is made after checking the degree of skin laxity, the area and your health. Skin condition differs from person to person even at the same age, so at CELITA Clinic the Director suggests an approach at consultation based on AI skin analysis and ultrasound findings. The age-related points that have been established are the consent rules for minors, the limits for severe laxity and reported complication risks with thread lifts.
Read more: How should I choose a lifting treatment for my age?Q45. How is the order decided when having several skin treatments together?
When having several treatments together, the order differs by treatment, and the Director decides it at consultation after checking your priorities, schedule and previous treatments. For example, treating directly over filler has not been evaluated for some devices, so information about treatments you have already had affects decisions about order and area. The more treatments you have, the more reactions such as swelling and bruising and your recovery schedule need to be considered.
Read more: How is the order decided when having several skin treatments together?