HIFU vs RF 4 Popular Skin Tightening Procedures: Ulthera Prime, HIFU, Thermage, Oligio. Choose Wisely to Avoid Trial and Error.

HIFU vs RF : If you’re looking to tighten your skin—whether it’s your face, double chin, neck, upper arms, thighs, etc.—there are four technologies most frequently discussed in Thailand: Ulthera Prime, Ultraformer, Oligio, or Thermage. If you’re still undecided on which procedure is best, how each differs, and which is right for you, this article has the answers!

This article compiles essential information you should know about all four procedures (HIFU vs RF), along with a detailed comparison, to help you make the right decision in choosing the method most suitable for your skin and needs, without wasting money and time on trial and error.

HIFU vs RF : Comparing Ulthera Prime, Ultraformer III, Thermage, and Oligio

How Do HIFU vs RF Work Differently?

Although all four technologies share the same goal of tightening skin, they differ in the energy used and the depth of skin layer they reach.

• Ulthera Prime (HIFU) – Uses Microfocused Ultrasound (MFU-V) with Real-Time Visualization to deliver energy deep into the SMAS layer (4.5-8 mm). It provides precise, focused energy in small, fine points, offering deep lifting similar to a surgical facelift.
• Ultraformer III (HIFU) – Uses Micro & Macro Focused Ultrasound (MMFU) with more precise energy distribution than general HIFU. It can reach the SMAS layer (1.5-9.0 mm) and is suitable for tightening both the face and body.
• Oligio – Uses Monopolar RF (MRF) to deliver energy uniformly into the dermis (1.5-4.0 mm). It’s the least painful of all, focusing on wrinkle reduction and collagen regeneration, making it suitable for delicate skin.
• Thermage – Uses Radiofrequency (RF) to stimulate collagen in the dermis (1.5-3.0 mm). It excels at reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating the skin for a firmer appearance, but doesn’t offer deep lifting to the same extent as Ulthera or Ultraformer III.

HIFU vs RF : Pain Level and Duration of Results

HIFU vs RF : Which One to Choose?

Choose Ulthera Prime if:

• You have significant skin laxity, such as sagging cheeks or drooping eyelids.
• You desire results that last long, 12-24 months.

Choose Ultraformer III if:

• You have mild to moderate skin laxity, e.g., a blurring jawline.
• You want skin tightening at a more affordable price and don’t want much pain.
• You want fast results and are willing to repeat treatment every 6-12 months.
• You want to tighten both your face and body in one session.

Choose Thermage if:

• You want to reduce wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
• You want firmer skin but don’t need a drastic face lift.
• You prefer less pain and desire long-term results of 12-24 months.

Choose Oligio if:

• You want firmer skin and wrinkle reduction without much pain.
• You have delicate skin, such as around the eyes, or areas where high energy is not desired.
• You want fast results that last 12-18 months.
• You want gentle collagen and skin elasticity restoration.

Which Areas Are Suitable for Each Procedure?

HIFU vs RF Each technology has different depths and strengths, so choosing the right area for treatment is crucial. Let’s see which areas are suitable for Ulthera Prime, Ultraformer III, Thermage, and Oligio.

Ulthera Prime is Suitable for:

• Face and jawline: Deep skin lifting, reducing sagging cheeks.
• Eyebrows and forehead: Helps lift the outer brows, making them appear brighter.
• Under chin and double chin: Reduces submental fat, defining the jawline.
• Neck: Tightens neck skin, reduces neck wrinkles and crepiness.
• Décolletage: Reduces wrinkles on the chest, making skin firmer.
• Not recommended: Around the eyes and upper eyelids due to high energy and potential irritation.

Ultraformer III is Suitable for:

• Face and jawline: Gentle lifting for those who want to refine their facial contour.
• Under chin and double chin: Reduces submental fat, making the face appear slimmer.
• Forehead and eyebrows: Helps eyes look brighter, slight eyebrow lift.
• Neck: Reduces wrinkles and laxity in the neck area.
• Upper arms and thighs: Tightens skin, reduces cellulite.
• Not recommended: Areas with very thin skin, such as around the eyes, and for those desiring very dramatic results.

Thermage is Suitable for:

• Face and jawline: Reduces wrinkles, makes skin appear smoother.
• Around the eyes and eyelids: Reduces under-eye bags, tightens sagging eyelids.
• Neck: Reduces neck wrinkles and crepiness, increases firmness.
• Post-pregnancy abdomen: Reduces laxity, makes skin smoother.
• Upper arms, thighs, and hips: Reduces cellulite, makes skin firmer.
• Not recommended: Individuals with excessive subcutaneous fat, as Thermage does not help break down fat.

Oligio is Suitable for:

• Face and jawline: Reduces wrinkles, makes skin firmer and tighter.
• Around the eyes: Reduces under-eye bags, diminishes wrinkles under the eyes.
• Neck: Reduces laxity, makes the neck smoother.
• Jawline and under chin: Tightens the jawline, reduces double chin.
• Forehead: Reduces forehead wrinkles, makes skin appear smoother.
• Upper arms and thighs: Tightens skin, reduces cellulite.
• Not recommended: Individuals who require deep lifting to the SMAS layer, as Oligio focuses more on tightening the dermis.

HIFU vs RF: Which Procedure is Suitable for Which Area?

Recommendations for Choosing:

• Ulthera Prime – Suitable for deep lifting of severely lax areas such as the face, jawline, and neck.
• Ultraformer III – Suitable for gentle skin tightening, reducing a double chin, or facial contouring without much pain.
• Thermage – Suitable for reducing wrinkles and collagen regeneration, such as around the eyes, neck, and abdomen.
• Oligio – Suitable for gentle skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and elasticity restoration, focusing on comfort with less pain.

Choosing the right procedure for your specific skin concerns will lead to the best results.

How Often Should HIFU vs RF Be Done? Is Repeating Them Beneficial?

Each procedure should be done according to the recommended intervals by the doctor. There’s no need to do them too frequently, as excessive high-energy collagen stimulation can lead to skin fatigue.

Repeating treatments at appropriate intervals will help maintain a youthful appearance without damaging the skin structure.

Which Procedure Shows the Fastest Results: HIFU vs RF?

Ultraformer III (Fastest Results)

• Approximately 20-30% of changes can be seen immediately after the procedure, especially in jawline definition.
• Full, most noticeable results are typically seen within 1-2 months.
• Ideal for those who want quick results and urgent facial contour improvement.

Ulthera Prime (Second Fastest Results)

• Approximately 10-20% of the total results can be seen immediately after the procedure.
• Results will gradually improve, with the most noticeable changes appearing within 2-3 months after treatment.
• Its strength lies in deeper lifting, leading to more significant long-term results, but slightly slower than Ultraformer III.

Thermage (Slowest Results)

• Only about 5-10% of results are seen immediately after treatment, focusing on slight firmness and skin tightness.
• Results develop slowly and gradually, with the most noticeable improvements at approximately 3-6 months after treatment.
• Thermage excels at wrinkle reduction and collagen stimulation; results are long-lasting but take longer to become apparent.

Oligio (Moderate Results)

• Approximately 5-10% of results are seen immediately after treatment, focusing on skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
• Results will gradually improve, with the most noticeable changes within 2-6 months.
• Less painful than Thermage and provides natural-looking results.

If you desire the fastest results, Ultraformer III is the best choice. However, if you seek clearer and longer-lasting results, Ulthera Prime or Thermage might be better options, depending on your skin concerns and desired goals.

Post-Treatment Care

• Avoid heat and direct sunlight:
  • Avoid intense sun exposure for at least 1-2 weeks and apply SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen daily.
  • Avoid saunas, steam baths, or using hot hair dryers near your face for 1-2 days.
• Avoid vigorous rubbing or pressing on the skin:
  • Treated skin will be delicate initially. Avoid facial scrubs, exfoliation, or strong facial massages.
  • When washing your face, use gentle products and pat dry gently with a clean towel.
• Always keep skin moisturized:
  • Recommend using serums and moisturizers with Hyaluronic Acid or Peptides for deep nourishment.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking:
  • Alcohol and smoking accelerate collagen degradation and may reduce the effectiveness of Ulthera Prime, Ultraformer III, Thermage, and Oligio.
  • You should refrain from or avoid them for at least 1-2 weeks after treatment to allow the body to recover the skin more effectively.
• Avoid using products with strong exfoliating ingredients:
  • Stop using AHA, BHA, Retinol, and high-concentration Vitamin C for at least 3-7 days after treatment.
  • Instead, choose products that focus on nourishment and hydration.
• Eat foods that stimulate collagen:
  • Recommend consuming salmon, egg whites, nuts, and Vitamin C from fruits like oranges, guavas, or berries.
  • Drink 2-3 liters of water daily to keep skin hydrated and promote faster recovery.
• Complementary treatments or lasers can be done, but not immediately after:
  • To maintain results longer, you can do Skin Booster, PRP, or collagen-stimulating lasers. If you wish to do additional laser treatments like Pico Laser or Skin Booster, wait 2-4 weeks after Ulthera or HIFU to avoid interfering with new collagen production.

Conclusion: Which is Best for You – HIFU vs RF?

Choosing between Ulthera Prime, Ultraformer III, Thermage, or Oligio depends on your individual skin concerns and desired results.

• If you want the deepest lift and longest-lasting results → Choose Ulthera Prime.
• If you want facial tightening with less pain and a more affordable price → Choose Ultraformer III.
• If you want wrinkle reduction and collagen regeneration without pain → Choose Thermage.
• If you want gentle skin tightening, wrinkle reduction with no pain, and suitability for sensitive skin → Choose Oligio.

However, we recommend consulting with a doctor at the clinic for an assessment and to choose the procedure most suitable for you, for the best possible result