A Clearer Look at Two Skin Tightening Technologies
Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX are both non-surgical skin tightening treatments, but they are designed to work in different ways. Both may be considered for concerns involving skin firmness, laxity or visible changes in skin quality, although the way each treatment approaches those concerns is different.
In this latest blog, we explain the key differences between Ultherapy Prime vs Thermage, including how each technology works, what each treatment may be used to address, and why one option may be more suitable than the other depending on the skin concern being assessed.
What Ultherapy Prime Is Designed to Do
Ultherapy Prime is designed to deliver focused ultrasound energy to selected tissue layers beneath the skin. It also uses real-time imaging, allowing the practitioner to view tissue layers during treatment planning and guide energy placement during the procedure.
Ultherapy Prime may be considered where treatment planning involves:
- Supporting visible firmness in suitable areas
- Addressing selected skin laxity concerns
- Treating areas such as the face, neck, chin or décolletage
- Delivering focused ultrasound energy to selected depths
- Using ultrasound imaging to guide treatment delivery
- Supporting a gradual collagen response where suitable
What Thermage FLX Is Designed to Do
Thermage FLX is designed to deliver radiofrequency energy to heat selected layers of the skin. It may be considered where the concern involves visible firmness, surface texture or changes in the skin’s appearance, and when radiofrequency-based treatment is suitable.
Thermage FLX may be considered where treatment planning involves:
- Supporting visible skin firmness
- Treating selected eye area concerns where suitable
- Treating selected areas of dimpled skin appearance
- Supporting skin surface smoothness where suitable
The Main Differences Between Ultherapy Prime and Thermage
Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX both sit within the broader category of non-surgical skin tightening, but the way they work is not the same. Their main differences relate to the type of energy used, how treatment is planned, how energy is delivered and the kinds of concerns each option may be considered for.
Energy Type
Ultherapy Prime uses focused ultrasound energy, while Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy. Ultrasound energy can be directed to selected tissue depths, while radiofrequency energy is used to heat selected skin layers. This difference affects how each treatment is planned and why the same concern may not always be approached with the same technology.
Imaging
Ultherapy Prime uses real-time ultrasound imaging during treatment, allowing the practitioner to view the tissue layers being treated and guide energy placement. Thermage FLX does not use the same ultrasound imaging process. This makes treatment planning different, particularly where tissue depth and targeted energy placement are important considerations.
Treatment Depth
Ultherapy Prime is designed to deliver focused ultrasound energy to selected depths beneath the skin. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy to heat selected layers of the skin more broadly. This may influence how each option is considered when assessing laxity, firmness, texture or overall skin quality.
Treatment Focus
Ultherapy Prime may be considered when the concern involves selected skin laxity, visible firmness, or support in areas such as the face, neck, chin, or décolletage.
Thermage FLX may be considered when the concern involves visible firmness, uneven texture, dimpled skin appearance, or selected eye area concerns. Some concerns may overlap, but the treatment focus is not identical.
Treatment Areas
Ultherapy Prime may be discussed for areas such as the face, neck, chin and décolletage. Thermage FLX may be discussed for suitable areas where radiofrequency treatment is appropriate, including selected eye area concerns. The treatment area can guide the discussion, but the skin itself, the degree of laxity and the expected response also need to be considered.
How These Differences Affect Treatment Planning
The differences between Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX matter because skin concerns do not all sit at the same depth or present in the same way. A concern involving laxity around the lower face or neck may need a different discussion from a concern involving texture, fine lines or general surface firmness.
During consultation, we consider the treatment area, skin thickness, degree of laxity, skin quality, treatment history, sensitivity, pigment risk and recovery expectations. One option may be more appropriate than the other depending on what is being treated and whether the expected response is realistic.
Choosing Between Ultherapy Prime and Thermage
Choosing between Ultherapy Prime vs Thermage should come back to the skin concern, the treatment area and the treatment approach being considered. The most suitable option depends on what is being treated, where the concern appears, how the skin presents and what kind of response can reasonably be expected.
At EST Clinic, we assess your skin before discussing suitable non-surgical skin tightening options. If you are considering Ultherapy Prime, Thermage FLX or another skin tightening treatment in Melbourne, contact us to arrange a consultation and learn which approach may be appropriate for your skin.
How to book a consultation
Please contact our friendly staff by phone, via our online form, or by email to organise a consultation at one of our convenient locations.
FAQs
If you have any more questions about Ultherapy Prime vs Thermage, please don’t hesitate to contact us. In the meantime, you can find our FAQs below, which may provide the additional information you’re looking for.
Is Ultherapy Prime or Thermage better for skin tightening?
There is no single better option for every person. Ultherapy Prime and Thermage FLX use different forms of energy, so suitability depends on the treatment area, degree of laxity, skin thickness, skin quality and what the treatment is intended to address.
How does ultrasound skin tightening differ from radiofrequency?
Ultrasound-based treatment can deliver focused energy to selected tissue depths, while radiofrequency treatment uses heat within selected skin layers. These differences can affect how treatment is planned, which concerns may be discussed and what kind of skin response may be expected.
Can Ultherapy Prime and Thermage be used for the same concerns?
There may be some overlap, particularly where visible firmness or mild to moderate laxity is part of the concern. However, the treatments are not interchangeable, and the most suitable option depends on the skin, treatment area, treatment history and consultation findings.
How long does non-surgical skin tightening take to show visible changes?
Visible changes may develop gradually, as skin response takes time. The timing can vary depending on the treatment used, the area treated, skin quality, age, aftercare and individual response. This should be discussed during consultation before treatment is planned.
What should I consider before choosing Ultherapy Prime or Thermage?
Before choosing Ultherapy Prime or Thermage FLX, it is important to understand what concern is being treated, whether the area is suitable, what recovery may involve and what level of visible change is realistic. A consultation helps determine whether either treatment is appropriate.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
