XERF vs Thermage and Ulthera: The Comparison You Need to See
When comparing XERF vs ulthera vs thermage, it is easy to see the key differences between the three skin tightening methods. XERF stands out as one of the newest innovation in radiofrequency skin tightening. Its exceptional properties, technology, and natural skin lifting results distinguish it from traditional RF treatments, but in what ways does it compare against thermage or ulthera?
If you are considering XERF vs ulthera or XERF vs thermage for your anti-aging regimen, it is critical to take into account its unique points and longevity of results. This helpful guide highlights the broad differences of the three anti-aging treatments.
Key Differences Between XERF vs Ulthera vs Thermage
The Legacy Treatments: Thermage and Ulthera
Ultherapy is a noninvasive skin tightening treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to target the SMAS or superficial layers of the skin. It stimulates the growth of collagen fibers and skin elasticity deep into the skin. This procedure also uses imaging technology, which allows your dermatologist to visualize the target tissue layer in real time.
On the other hand, thermage emits monopolar radiofrequency energy into the subcutaneous fat and tissues to stimulate collagen and elastin growth. Thermage uses 6.78 Mhz frequency, the best energy level for anti-aging. Patients may feel slight discomfort due to the heating technology; however, heated skin is immediately soothed through the built-in cooling technology in thermage devices.
The two legacy treatments have grown into the most popular choices for patients who want to reduce imperfections around the jaw and neck area, like sagging skin or double chin.
The Latest RF Innovation: XERF Skin Tightening
XERF steals the show as the most advanced type of radiofrequency skin tightening technology so far. It combines 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz frequencies, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin and treat varying depths (shallow, middle, or deep).
Besides its dual frequency technology, XERF also uses simultaneous heating and cooling to protect the skin, as well as a wider, specialized applicator to ensure that RF energy is delivered more efficiently across the skin. XERF is also highly customizable, allowing dermatologists to create personalized treatment plans according to a patient’s needs.
XERF vs Thermage vs Ulthera
Comfort and Cooling Technology
Topical anesthesia is a must for ultherapy because ultrasound energy can cause pain and redness on the skin. XERF vs thermage share similarities in cooling technology, but differ in precision and efficiency. Thermage only operates on fixed cooling cycles, which means its temperature control mechanisms are less customizable. XERF uses the Wave Fit pulse cooling technology, developed to accompany each heat pulse with a cooling gas, which steadies the temperature rise and provides immediate relief to the skin.
Target Skin Depth
It makes sense to compare XERF vs ultherapy when it comes to the depth of skin treatment, because both procedures can penetrate into the fatty and subcutaneous layers. Although they both deliver deep skin tightening, ultherapy focuses precisely on the SMAS layer, the singular point that receives the stimulating energy. Meanwhile, XERF can target each and every layer it passes through. There are three depth settings to choose from, which all encourage collagen and elastin fiber growth across different layers:
Shallow - Epidermis and dermis layers
Middle - Subcutaneous fascia layer (fat)
Deep - SMAS layers and muscle boundary
Treatment Visualization
Devices used for anti-aging treatments include monitoring tools to aid in application. Ultherapy uses real-time ultrasound imaging, while XERF vs thermage use built-in software to identify the target areas, track, and control the applicator. XERF was designed with a more intuitive and modern interface, where your doctor can easily adjust heat energy levels and skin depth.
Applicator Tips and Treatment Area
All three types of anti-aging skin treatments use specialized handheld applicators to treat the skin. Applicator tips usually come in various sizes for different treatment depths and skin area coverage. For instance, ultherapy uses a transducer tip that sees and treats the skin layers. Thermage uses a rectangular, slightly raised tip, where heat accumulates at the edges. To distribute energy more efficiently throughout the entire applicator tip, creators of XERF split energy distribution using the innovative 3-way Spider Tip effector tip pattern.
Total RF Energy Delivered
When weighing the differences between XERF vs thermage, it is critical to consider the total distributed energy required to achieve significant skin lifting during your session. A thermage session that uses a monopolar RF 40 tip can deliver just around 30 to 35 kJ per 600 shots; whereas a XERF Effector 60 tip distributes 60-80 kJ, or up to 150% more energy in the same 600 shots. This means that XERF treatment only requires as little as 300 shots to 600 in a single session.
Risks and Complications
Ulthera’s focused ultrasound energy is often associated with a slightly more painful process and in rare cases, unintentional fat loss or nerve damage. Meanwhile, thermage can cause temporary redness, mild discomfort, or swelling symptoms that typically last for around the first 24 hours. Among the three skin tightening treatments, XERF has proven to be the most soothing, pain-free procedure, causing only a slight temporary redness during the first 10 to 20 minutes after your session.
Longevity of Results, Downtime, and Recovery
Non-invasive anti-aging skin tightening procedures often show initial results instantly after a session; but XERF does it better than others. Right after your session, fine lines and wrinkles on the skin are immediately smoothed out. Sagging skin is lifted to follow the natural contours of your face, neck, or body. In as fast as three months, and with the right post-treatment skin care routine, you can enjoy the full extent of its results. It only takes 1 session a year.
Ultherapy produces subtle lifts immediately, yet takes 3 to 6 months to produce significant changes. The same goes for thermage, which can produce subtle tightening right away, yet take full effect after 6 months and repeat sessions (usually 1 or 2 visits).
It can be confusing or intimidating to choose between XERF vs thermage vs ultherapy, but it doesn’t have to be. The best step to take is to speak with a board-certified dermatologist who can assess your skin profile, lifestyle habits, and treatment priorities to design a personalized treatment plan for you. This is one proactive way to become better informed of the benefits and effects of XERF vs thermage or XERF vs ulthera.
ALSO READ: 5 Types of Non-Invasive Skin Tightening Treatments You Need to Explore for Ageless Beauty
Talk to a Board Certified Dermatologist Near You
Skin MD is a dermatology clinic in Pasig that delivers compassionate, world-class skin care. Our anti-aging skin treatments are performed by knowledgeable, board certified dermatologists in the Philippines. We also design customized skin treatment plans for patients who want guaranteed safe, specialized anti-aging. Skin MD now offers XERF, the most advanced RF skin tightening procedure; easy, soothing, and quick firming in just a single session.
Get in touch with us to book your consultation with us today.