Non-surgical treatments for significant skin tightening | Genius RF | Ultherapy/Ulthera | Thermage |
What it is and how it works | Microneedles pierce the skin then deliver RF energy resulting in collagen formation at the dermal level. (deepest reach) | Ultrasound waves penetrate deeply deeply to the dermal level; up to the fat and Superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) | Radiofrequency waves (RF) heat up skin superficially; cooling spray |
Collagen induction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
FDA cleared | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best Areas Treated | - Brow
- Upper face including the corners of the eyes
- Eyelids
- Lower face & jowls
- Under the chin
- Neck
- Decolletage
- Nasolabial & marionette lines
- Upper lip
- Body
| - Brow
- Upper face including the corners of the eyes
- Lower face & jowls
- Under the chin
- Neck
- Decolletage
- Body
The best candidates are those in their 30s with mild-moderate skin laxity. | - Facial wrinkles
- Undereye wrinkles
- Body
Not recommended for those with a lot of fat or slack muscles. It is not advisable for those over 50 years old. |
Expected results | - Dramatic results
- Extensive skin tightening
- Long-term
- Deepest penetration
| - Affects many layers; more focused
- Significant skin tightening
- Long-term results
| |
Comfort level | Some discomfort; May require topical anesthetic creams, nerve block etc. | Less pain and discomfort; may use mild pain killers | Some discomfort;May require topical anesthetic creams, nerve block etc. |
Target & depth | Precise targeting | Targeted; not as deep as Genius RF | Less targeted and more widespread; not guided; not as deep as Ultherapy |
Safety monitoring | Yes; with display monitor to show the depth being reached, the treatment area, the amount of energy delivered etc. | Yes, with display monitor | No monitor |
Downtime and adverse effects | There may be redness and some swelling until 48 hours after the procedure. May go back to work on the same day. | Tight feeling,tingling, redness, swelling, and discomfort lasting for a few hours upto 2 days. May go back to work immediately. | Redness, swelling, blistering which goes away after 2-3 days. May go back to work on the same day. |
Onset of visible results | Depending on the condition of the skin, results may be seen shortly after the first treatment or after 3 months onwards. | 2-6 months | 2-6 months |
Recommended number of sessions | This would depend on your condition. It usually takes 1-5 sessions at least one month apart. | 1 or more treatments; maintenance | 1 or more treatments; maintenance |
Duration of effects | Longest-lasting; may be longer than 4 years | Long-lasting; 4 years | Shorter; 4 months-2 years |
Non-invasive/Minimally invasive | Minimally invasive | Non-invasive | Non-invasive |