Non-Invasive Skin Tightening: Ultrasound, Radiofrequency, or Both?

Surgical facelift is not the only way to tighten your skin and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. If you don’t qualify for the procedure or simply don’t want to go under the knife, non-invasive skin tightening is worth considering. The results are not as dramatic, but they are natural-looking and can improve the overall tone and texture of your skin.

Non-invasive treatments tighten the skin using a type of energy that is delivered to the skin’s deeper layer. This heats the tissues, triggering an immune response that results in the production of collagen and elastin. It can help tighten loose skin on the face and body, as well as reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Two of the most common types of energy used in non-surgical tightening are ultrasound and radiofrequency. Both help stimulate essential skin proteins and tighten and contour the skin, but one energy can penetrate deeper and other skin tightening modalities. 

Here is a quick overview of how each energy helps tighten the skin and give it an overall younger-looking appearance. 

Radiofrequency skin tightening 

Radiofrequency is a form of electromagnetic energy that produces energy waves that heat the deeper layers and both collagen and elastin fibers. It uses a handheld device to deliver the heat and make sure that the RF energy reaches the targeted tissues without the risk of overheating them. 

The thermal energy that RF creates causes micro-injuries in the skin’s lower levels, prompting tissue repair and stimulation of collagen. This can help tighten the skin and address signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. There are different types of RF treatment for skin tightening designed to address specific concerns. 

Ultrasound skin tightening

Ultrasound is a form of sound or acoustic energy that can also produce waves with different intensities. It also uses a handheld device that generates heating, transmitting the energy to the skin tissues. It is focused on the areas that need it the most and can penetrate deeper layers or the second layers of muscles beneath the facial muscles.

The ultrasound energy generates a thermal effect that triggers the skin to undergo a regenerative process that stimulates the production of new and fresh collagen. It can help improve neck and facial skin, smooth lines and wrinkles, and reduce the look of jowls. Some ultrasound devices can also destroy fat cells to contour and tighten the area.  

Which treatment should you choose?

This depends on your goals and the area to be treated. Ultrasound treatments like Ultherapy can tighten the skin on the neck, chin, and brow, as well as improve lines on the upper chest. RF treatment, meanwhile, can tighten and contour the skin, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Both treatments help stimulate collagen to improve overall skin quality. A skilled and experienced doctor will perform an assessment to choose the right procedure or treatment modality based on your profile and the nature of the problem. It is also worth noting that both energies can be combined to achieve an optimal tightening effect. 

Using both energies for skin tightening: Exilis Ultra 360

At Cutis, we have non-surgical procedures that use either radiofrequency or ultrasound to tighten and rejuvenate the skin. We also have a treatment that uses both modalities for a synergistic effect. Exilis Ultra 360 is a US FDA-cleared device that uses both energies to address various face and body concerns.

How does it work: It uses a handheld device that simultaneously delivers radiofrequency and ultrasound energy. This gently heats the deeper layers, encouraging the natural healing process and assisting the body in creating new collagen and elastin. 

Exilis Ultra has two applicators (small and big) for treating different areas of the body.

• Small – heats the deeper layers to promote collagen production. It has five interchangeable tips for treating more than 20 (smaller) areas of the body, including the face, neck, and hands. It is used for tightening facial skin and reducing wrinkles.
• Big – also heats the deeper layers but uses a controlled cooling feature. It targets the fat layers, which disrupts the fat cells and triggers natural cell death (apoptosis). It is used for tightening or contouring larger areas, as well as reducing the look of cellulite and stretch marks.

Who is a good candidate for Exilis Ultra 360: Almost anyone with mild skin laxity, stubborn fat bulges, and other signs of aging can undergo treatment. Those looking to improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, cellulite, and stretch marks can also consider the procedure. Exilis can be performed almost anywhere on the body.

What the common treatment areas: Exilis Ultra can be used on different areas of the body for head-to-toe rejuvenation: 

• Eyes, jowls, and neck
• Abdomen
• Arms
• Bra or underarm fat
• Lower back
• Buttocks
• Knees and thighs

What results to expect: You may be able to see initial improvements after the first treatments, but significant results appear within three months. Do take note that collagen production and remodeling can take 90 days. And depending on your needs and goal, you may require multiple treatments, scheduled a week apart. 

Further reading: 5 Reasons to Consider Exilis Ultra for Skin Laxity Improvement

Are there side effects: Exilis Ultra 360 has virtually no side effects. Patients may experience some minor redness and irritation, but this usually resolves within a few hours. You may also be glad to know that the procedure is safe and comfortable, with patients comparing the sensation similar to that of a hot-stone massage. 

Book a consultation today

Get the synergistic effects of ultrasound and radiofrequency for skin tightening and rejuvenation with Exilis Ultra 360. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation and body assessment with our aesthetic doctor to find out how the treatment can give you head-to-toe rejuvenation.