If you’ve delved into the world of anti-ageing lately, you might have noticed that there are so many different treatments out there to prevent or rectify signs of ageing. There are the ever-popular Botox injections, surgical facelifts, or even chemical peels. But there’s always a catch to these kinds of skin tightening treatments: there are a lot of risks and side effects, the downtime required, or the fact that visible results might take a while to show up post-treatment.
But skin tightening treatments like these are not one-size-fits-all. You may not be a suitable candidate for a plethora of reasons, and plus, most people don’t realise that people age differently, too. Thus, different people may require different types of treatments to best suit their ageing style.
Of course, ageing is inevitable, and it should be embraced not ashamed of. But there’s also nothing wrong with taking a few steps to look youthful for a little while longer, and there are so many skin tightening treatments out there that can help you with looking younger, like Thermage and HIFU.
But what exactly are Thermage and HIFU, how are they different, and which is more suitable for you?
Thermage vs HIFU: Which One Should I Choose?
There are lots of things to consider when choosing a skin tightening treatment, like what type of ageing signs you’re showing. If you’re thinking of choosing between Thermage and HIFU, carry on reading to find out which is the best option for you.
What is Thermage?
Thermage is a radio frequency therapy that can help to smooth, tighten, and contour the skin to create a more youthful appearance. It’s non-invasive and non-surgical, and can be used on both the face and the body. The Thermage treatment works by delivering heat into the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates the production of collagen. The heat also separates the water molecules from the fibrous collagen, which causes the skin to immediately contract, resulting in firmer skin and a more contoured appearance.
Collagen continues to deposit over time, and results will be even more visible after two to six months. A single Thermage treatment may last for one to two years, depending on the individual’s own skin condition and ageing process.
The procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour, and is relatively pain-free. There is also minimal downtime with this procedure, and you can resume your normal activities as soon as you’re done with the treatment.
What is HIFU?
HIFU stands for High Frequency Focused Ultrasound. As the name suggests, this treatment uses ultrasound energy that emits heat in targeted areas deep in the skin, which stimulates collagen production in the body. This happens because once the skin cells reach a specific temperature, they experience cellular damage, which triggers the cells to produce collagen to repair itself. Collagen is a form of protein which provides structure and elasticity to the skin, leading to firmer and tighter skin.
A HIFU session may last between 30 and 90 minutes, and it’s completely non-invasive and non-surgical. Patients may require up to six sessions, depending on the results that they want to achieve. HIFU works best to improve the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, jaw, and cheeks, but it can also be used around the eye area. Results may last up to a year.
How Do I Choose Between Thermage and HIFU?
Thermage is best suited for those who are middle-aged, don’t require any surgical facelift, and have mild to moderate sagging in the neck, jowls, cheek, brows, and eyelids, as well as larger areas such as the thighs and abdomen. If you experience loss in volume, you should consider Thermage. Unlike HIFU, Thermage can also be safely used in delicate areas such as the upper and lower eyelids.
On the other hand, HIFU is typically best for patients who are over 30 years old, and have mild to moderate skin laxity and sagging. HIFU is also suitable for those who want to treat specific areas of the face, like the neck, jowls, and eyebrows. If you have sagging skin, you should consider getting HIFU.
What are the Pros & Cons of Thermage and HIFU?
The pros of both Thermage and HIFU is that they both stimulate the natural collagen production in the body, and both treatments are non-surgical and non-invasive. Furthermore, both Thermage and HIFU require no downtime, and minimal preparation is required.
Thermage has the advantage of showing results immediately after the first session. HIFU patients may require up to six sessions to see desired results.
However, HIFU is considerably much cheaper than Thermage. In Malaysia, HIFU will cost between RM 500 to RM 3,500, whereas Thermage will cost around RM3,000 to RM 13,000. The price will depend on a number of factors, such as the number of treatments, the number of shots, and other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any side effects of Thermage and HIFU?
For Thermage, minor swelling or redness may be experienced after the treatment. Other side effects may include bruising, blisters, indentations, or temporary sensation changes. Mild discomfort and slight pain may also be experienced during the treatment.
As for HIFU, the treatment may feel slightly uncomfortable and painful too. Side effects include swelling, numbness, redness, or purple rashes.
- Is there any downtime for Thermage FLX and HIFU?
The great advantage for both Thermage and HIFU is that no downtime is required. You will not be required to stay in the clinic after the treatment, and you can resume your daily activities as usual.
- How much do Thermage and HIFU treatments cost?
The average cost of getting Thermage treatment in Malaysia is around RM 3,000 to RM 13,000. The average cost of getting HIFU in Malaysia is between RM 500 to RM 3,500. The price for both treatments depends on factors like the number of sessions and shots.
- How many sessions of Thermage and HIFU do I need?
You will see improvements in your skin after a single session of Thermage FLX. Results of the Thermage skin tightening treatment will continue to improve over time as collagen develops in your body.
On the other hand, HIFU requires patients to undergo between one and six sessions with intervals of one to three months, depending on the skin condition. People who have sun damage may require more sessions. As a result, it may take several months for optimal results.
- Who are good candidates for Thermage FLX and HIFU treatments?
Typically, Thermage is best suited for those between the ages of 30 and 65, who are showing signs of ageing like sagging skin in areas like the forehead, neck, and around the eyes.
The Thermage treatment is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Neither is it suitable for those who have broken capillaries, or electrical devices like pacemakers as it may disrupt the radio frequency radiation. This skin tightening treatment may also not be suitable for those who are sensitive to heat, and experience skin conditions such as rosacea.
On the other hand, good candidates for HIFU are typically those who are over 30 years old, with mild to moderate skin laxity. Suitable candidates may also have crow’s feet, sagging cheeks, laugh lines, and wrinkles.
However, patients who have sun-damaged skin or very loose skin may require several treatments to see optimal results. HIFU is also not suitable for those who have lesions, infections, severe or cystic acne, or metal implants in the treatment area.
Those who have extensive sun damage, extreme skin laxity, or saggy skin may require surgery instead of HIFU or Thermage.
Where To Get Thermage and HIFU in Malaysia?
At Dr Alice Medispa, we are prepared to deliver desired results while making your safety and comfort our main priority. Our Thermage treatment and HIFU treatment are among the many treatments offered at our clinic that have seen many satisfied clients that will vouch for our competence. We believe in each patients’ unique wants and needs which is proven through our development of individualised treatment plans for every patient that walks through our doors.
Our Locations
Dr Alice Clinic
62-1 Jalan Maarof,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2282 0994
Dr Alice Klinik
Klang 46 Lorong Batu Nilam 21-A,
Bandar Bukit Tinggi 2,
41200, Klang.
Tel: 03 3324 6994
Dr Alice Ageless Medispa
257, Jalan Maarof,
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2095 0458
010 3683521
