As we age, our skin loses elasticity. The appearance of skin laxity may cause patients to feel self-conscious.
Thankfully, with advancements in medical research, there are safe and effective non-invasive facelift treatments such as Thermage FLX and Ultraformer 3 HIFU. These non-invasive treatments increase collagen synthesis to lift the skin and reduce sagging, wrinkles, and skin laxity,
Read on to find out more about these non-surgical alternatives to facelifts.
What is Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology. A handheld device is pressed onto the treatment area to deliver heat to the inner layers of your skin while keeping the external layer of the skin cool. In turn, the heat sensation stimulates natural collagen production in the body. It breaks down old collagen and replaces it with new collagen, resulting in increased collagen production. The new collagen growth tightens the skin further over time.
Collagen is an essential protein that helps us to create firm and younger-looking skin. However, as we age, collagen levels start to decrease. By stimulating new collagen production, Thermage FLX can improve ageing skin, leading to firmer and smoother skin at and around the treatment area. This also allows it to treat superficial skin issues such as early fine lines or light scarring.
Over the years, Thermage technology has continued to increase in precision and sophistication. The latest treatment tool for RF skin rejuvenation, Thermage FLX, comes with enhanced technology, allowing more heat energy to be delivered within a shorter time frame. Compared to its predecessor, the Thermage CPT (Comfort Pulsed Technology) – the Thermage FLX has larger treatment tips allowing for faster treatment times and greater patient comfort. It also comes equipped with algorithmic technology (AccuREP™) that maximises precision through pulse adjustments in real-time. Patients benefit from a quicker and more comfortable treatment.
After just one treatment, results are highly visible, with firmer and smoother skin, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and an improved facial contour.
Thermage FLX is a versatile skin rejuvenation treatment as it can be used virtually anywhere on the body for skin tightening. It can also be performed in conjunction with other non-invasive procedures for maximum results. Clients looking for a facelift alternative that can also fix superficial wrinkles and fine lines may want to consider Thermage FLX for optimal results.
What is HIFU, Ultraformer 3?
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), on the other hand, uses precise ultrasound energy to deliver heat to deep facial tissue. One of the more popular brands for HIFU is Ultraformer III.
Ultraformer 3 works by heating up and stimulating existing collagen fibres. This causes the collagen fibres to thicken and shorten, resulting in long-term lifting and tightening effects. Over time, new collagen fibres are built, and existing collagen fibres are remodelled to eliminate wrinkles and lift the sagging skin. During the treatment, the medical-grade HIFU handpiece is placed at precise positions of your face, depositing precise beams of high intensity focused energy to multiple depths of your skin at 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm. Hence, Ultraformer 3 can address ageing at different skin layers – the superficial dermis, deep dermis, Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) and subcutaneous fat layer.
Ultraformer 3 can target the same fibromuscular layer that a typical surgical facelift would target – the SMAS layer. Thus, HIFU has deeper lifting capabilities as compared to Thermage FLX. This makes it suitable for lifting saggy lower face and neck tissues, making it attractive to clients who wish to achieve a V-shaped jawline. The focused ultrasonic waves also allow for targeting stubborn fat to destroy subcutaneous fat tissue. Post-treatment, the treated cells will gradually be flushed out via the body’s natural removal process.
In summary, Ultraformer 3 is a versatile non-surgical facelift alternative that results in lifted skin, improved jawline definition, with the added capabilities of deep skin fat removal and face contouring.
To find out more about the two major ultrasound skin tightening treatment Ultherapy and Ultraformer 3, click here!
Do treatment results last?
As Thermage FLX and Ultraformer 3 work by naturally stimulating your body’s collagen production, the results are beneficial, natural, and long-lasting. This is unlike fillers, which are soft, gel-like substances that dissolve after a while. Click here to find out more about Fillers.
As part of the human body’s natural ageing process, our collagen levels will decrease after some time. The mentioned treatments will slowly start to fade off, usually around 12-18 months. This is when clients may want to consider doing a second treatment.
How do I choose?
Here is a comparison of key differences between the two treatments:
| Thermage FLX | Ultraformer 3 | |
| Technology | Radiofrequency | High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound |
| Precision | Bulk Heating with a wider coverage | Precise and Fractional |
| Level of Penetration | Up to 3.0 mm deep into the skin The epidermis, lower dermis, and some subcutaneous fat layers. |
1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm deep into the skin. All layers of the skin |
| Results | Results last for 1 – 2 years. Mild result immediately after treatment, improvement over the course of 2 – 6months |
Results last for 9 months – 1 year. Mild result immediately after treatment, 3 – 6 months for full effect |
| Side Effects | No downtime, mild redness | No downtime, mild redness, chances of swelling |
| Ideal For | Skin tightening, fine lines, wrinkles, pores | Face contouring and lifting, Saggy skin, Localised fat |
| Suitability | Less facial fat, early signs of ageing | Deep wrinkles, severe signs of ageing, |
Am I suitable for this procedure?
Everyone has different skincare, genes, and lifestyle habits that all culminate in a unique skincare profile. No patient will have the same profile as another patient. Hence, it is best to consult a doctor experienced in facelift procedures and advise you on choosing a suitable facelift treatment that best addresses your skincare needs. To explore other non-surgical face lifting and tightening treatment available at Zoe Medical, click here. Our medical team strives to build a long-term relationship with every patient, customising a treatment plan based on your needs and lifestyle.
Reach out to Zoe Medical to find out more! Whatsapp us here!
Address: #03-07/08 Camden Medical Centre, One Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 248649
Telephone: 6836 6035 or 9147 6430
Email: info@zoemedical.sg
All information provided is purely for educational purposes only and does not constitute as medical advice.
