Understanding Lifting
How Ultherapy Prime, Thermage FLX, Onda and Shurink work, shots, pain, timing.
9 questions
Q8. How does HIFU (ultrasound) lifting work?
HIFU (ultrasound) lifting is a non-invasive treatment that focuses ultrasound energy on a single point at a specific depth beneath the skin to create tiny thermal coagulation points (TCPs). This heat is described as contracting collagen in the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and deep dermis and stimulating new collagen production. Moderate pain during treatment and reactions such as redness, swelling and bruising have been reported, and their degree varies from person to person.
Read more: How does HIFU (ultrasound) lifting work?Q9. What is Ultherapy PRIME and how does it work?
Ultherapy PRIME is a lifting device that focuses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy at set depths beneath the skin to create thermal coagulation points, and it allows the area beneath the skin to be viewed on ultrasound imaging during treatment. The manufacturer explains that the final result appears over 2 to 3 months, and results differ from person to person. Side effects such as redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising and temporary nerve symptoms have been reported.
Read more: What is Ultherapy PRIME and how does it work?Q10. What is Thermage FLX and how does it work?
Thermage FLX is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device from Solta Medical, and the manufacturer explains that it is designed to deliver RF energy to the skin to help with collagen remodeling. The manufacturer explains that after one treatment, improvement occurs over 2 to 6 months and may last 1 to 2 years, but results depend on skin condition. Mild to moderate pain during treatment and redness and swelling afterwards are common, and burns or blisters are rarely reported.
Read more: What is Thermage FLX and how does it work?Q11. What is Onda lifting and how does it work?
Onda lifting is a non-surgical treatment using a device made by the Italian company DEKA that delivers 2.45 GHz microwaves (Coolwaves) beneath the skin. The manufacturer explains that this energy acts on the subcutaneous fat layer and dermal collagen, and it is used on both the face and body. Research evidence is still small in scale and reactions vary from person to person, so suitability and the recovery process are checked during the consultation.
Read more: What is Onda lifting and how does it work?Q12. What is Shurink Universe and how does it work?
Shurink Universe is a non-invasive high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) lifting device made by the Korean company CLASSYS. The manufacturer explains that it focuses ultrasound energy at set depths beneath the skin to create tiny thermal coagulation points, and that this heat helps collagen regeneration. Reactions such as redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness can occur and vary from person to person, so suitability is checked during the consultation.
Read more: What is Shurink Universe and how does it work?Q13. How is the number of shots for a lifting treatment decided?
There is no fixed number of lifting shots; the number is set individually by considering skin firmness, the size of the treatment area and the result you hope for. At CELITA Clinic, objective measurement data such as AI skin analysis and ultrasound findings are used as a reference, and the depth and number of shots for each area are explained during the consultation. More shots do not mean proportionally greater results, and reactions vary from person to person.
Read more: How is the number of shots for a lifting treatment decided?Q14. Does a lifting treatment hurt a lot, and how is numbing done?
Pain during lifting treatment is generally reported as moderate in studies, and it varies greatly with the area, the device and individual sensitivity. CELITA Clinic does not routinely offer sedation, and applying numbing cream is considered depending on the type of treatment. The medical team explains ways to reduce pain before treatment.
Read more: Does a lifting treatment hurt a lot, and how is numbing done?Q15. When do lifting results appear and how long do they last?
Some effects of lifting may be felt right after treatment, but most appear over several months as new collagen forms. According to manufacturer descriptions, Ulthera improves over 2 to 3 months and Thermage FLX over 2 to 6 months, and how long results last differs from person to person depending on skin condition and the pace of aging. Results vary between individuals and reactions such as redness and swelling can occur, so these are checked together during the consultation.
Read more: When do lifting results appear and how long do they last?Q16. How is a thread lift different from device-based lifting?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive treatment in which absorbable barbed threads are placed beneath the skin to lift tissue mechanically, while device-based lifting is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound, radiofrequency or microwave energy to induce changes in collagen. A thread lift shows a change right after treatment, but swelling and bruising are reported more often, and data on long-term effects are still limited. CELITA Clinic offers MINT and APTOS thread lifts, and the method that suits you is determined during the consultation.
Read more: How is a thread lift different from device-based lifting?