Hello. This is Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon.
When it comes to representative procedures in dermatology for improving wrinkles and skin elasticity, many people probably think of Ulthera, an ultrasound lifting procedure. So today, we will take the time to answer your questions about the differences between Ulthera and Thermage, as well as their effects, side effects, and treatment cycles with sleep anesthesia.
The skin has the epidermis as the outermost layer, followed by the dermis, then the subcutaneous fat layer, and beneath that, the fascial layer.
For lifting, it is necessary to stimulate the fascial layer, and only Ulthera can reach this depth. Compared to other treatments, Ulthera delivers higher energy, which may result in superior effects and longer duration.
Some people compare the differences between Ulthera and Thermage; first, Ulthera and Thermage generate energy in slightly different ways. Ulthera uses ultrasound to create energy, while Thermage uses radiofrequency.
Thermage primarily targets the dermal layer of the skin, whereas Ulthera targets the deeper fascial layer. Therefore, rather than comparing Ulthera and Thermage and saying one is definitively better, it is advisable to choose based on your specific skin concerns.
For example, if skin elasticity is a concern, Thermage is often used. If skin sagging is severe or if there is a lot of cheek fat, Ulthera might be more suitable. This is how we can explain the differences between Ulthera and Thermage.
During Ulthera procedures, some patients request sleep anesthesia due to pain. However, if sleep anesthesia is administered, Ulthera and Thermage, which use energy, carry the risk of burns as a side effect of that energy.
Without sleep anesthesia, if there is pain, you can turn your head to protect your skin from burns. However, with Ulthera sleep anesthesia, you may not detect the pain, making the skin more susceptible to burns.
Therefore, the guidelines from the company advise against sleep anesthesia, generally recommending only topical anesthetics or taking painkillers before the procedure.
The number of Ulthera shots primarily depends on the degree of the individual's skin elasticity or sagging.
Secondly, the number of shots varies depending on whether the skin concern is elasticity or lifting, and thirdly, on the size of the face. Naturally, individuals with larger faces will require more shots, while those with smaller faces may need fewer shots.
Occasionally, some people report that their cheeks appear hollow after Ulthera. Ulthera penetrates deeper than other procedures, and if the target area is the fat layer, the fat may break down, potentially causing a slight hollowing. Therefore, if the location is precisely targeted, you may not need to worry excessively about the side effect of cheek hollowing.
Today, we explored the differences between Ulthera and Thermage, including their effects, side effects, number of shots, and considerations for sleep anesthesia. Ulthera is effective for elasticity and lifting, and it is crucial to proceed with the treatment tailored to your specific skin concerns. Thank you for reading.
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