Contents
Thermage FLX and the fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT, endorsed by Ruby Lin and Tsai Shu-chen, have drawn continued attention in recent years as popular non-invasive lifting treatments. Faced with two different technologies, radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound, people often wonder how to choose the treatment that suits them best.
This article compares Thermage FLX and the fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT in depth, covering how each works, its treatment features, differences in results, and who each suits, and explains whether they can be done together, to help you quickly find the best lifting plan.
What Is Thermage FLX?
How Thermage FLX works:
Thermage FLX uses patented monopolar RF technology to precisely heat the deep fascia layer of the skin, continuously stimulating the body's collagen and elastin production. It generates a high-frequency current oscillating about 6.78 million times per second in the deep layers of the skin and converts it into 55-65°C of heat, achieving wrinkle smoothing, skin texture improvement, and skin tightening.
Thermage FLX features:
1. No downtime
A non-invasive treatment with no wounds and no downtime
2. Short treatment time
Thermage FLX is a one-time treatment that takes less than 1 hour, which is quick and saves time
3. AccuREP technology
Automatically detects tissue resistance and fine-tunes the RF energy of each shot based on the treatment area, for customized, intelligent adjustment
4. Smart probes
Four probe types let you choose the right probe for different skin needs for a customized result, and the new-generation probe has a 33% larger contact area, increasing treatment speed by 25% and reducing skin discomfort
[Comparison of the Four Probes]
| Probe | Treatment depth | Shots per tip | Benefits | Suitable areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Diamond probe | Deep | 600/900 shots | Improves skin firmness in small areas | Face, neck, body |
| Blue Diamond probe | Deep | 1200 shots | Improves fine lines on the face, with a wider treatment area | Full face, neck |
| Eye probe | Superficial | 450 shots | Lifts the skin around the eyes and improves aging signs such as fine lines, laxity, and sagging | Around the eyes |
| Body Gold probe | Deep | 500 shots | Improves laxity and orange-peel texture in large body areas | Large body areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and arms |
5. High comfort
Thermage FLX uses Comfort Pulse and vibration pain-reduction technology, which greatly reduces pain and improves comfort during the treatment
What Is Thermage FLX? A Complete Guide
What Is the Fourth-Generation Ultraformer MPT?
How the fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT works:
The fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT works through high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), delivering energy precisely to the SMAS fascia layer beneath the skin and to different layers of the skin. It concentrates 65-75°C of heat at the target depth. Besides causing immediate contraction, these tiny thermal coagulation points stimulate collagen remodeling and regeneration, so the skin tissue gradually regains elasticity and plumpness over one to three months after treatment, and can even achieve a firmer contour.
Fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT features:
1. Two firing modes
It offers a standard mode and an MP mode. Standard mode creates 17 thermal coagulation points under the skin per shot, while MP mode uses the exclusive patented Micro-Pulsed Technology to create 417 continuous thermal coagulation points in a single shot, so the fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT's lifting, tightening, fat-reducing, and sculpting effects are more noticeable than the third generation's, and treatment speed is 2.5 times faster.
2. Multiple probes and treatment modes
Building on the original 7 probes, the fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT adds 3 pen-style circular probes at three depths (1.5mm/3.0mm/4.5mm) that fit the skin's curves precisely, making it possible to treat finer areas. The 10 probes offer 20 treatment modes in total, and besides lifting the face, they can firm the waist, abdomen, and thighs and reduce the waistline by 2 cm.
3. World's first HIFU serum infusion technology
Ultraformer MPT has the patented circular Ultra-Booster probe, which can be used with the manufacturer's original DSB serum infusion. Using the principle of ultrasonic vibration, it stimulates collagen in the superficial layer while infusing serums containing skin-brightening factors such as glutathione and niacinamide, achieving lifting along with radiant skin and improved skin quality.
4. No pain
The fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT is a non-invasive treatment that is almost painless
Ultraformer Keeps Upgrading: MPT for First-Love Skin
How to Choose an Ultraformer Treatment? Busting Ultrasound Lifting Myths!
Ultraformer Is Powerful! The 3 Key Reasons Ultrasound Treatments Seem Not to Work, Revealed
Thermage FLX vs. Fourth-Generation Ultraformer MPT
| Thermage FLX | Fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Bulk heating: high-frequency radiofrequency generates heat to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin | Point-based heating: energy is delivered by concentrating thermal energy to achieve a lifting effect |
| Number of probes | 4 | 10 |
| Indications | Facial tightening, fine line improvement, orange-peel texture, body skin laxity | Lifting of the face, neck, and chin; firming of the lower abdomen and thighs; fine line improvement |
| Treatment time | 45-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Comfort | Low pain | Almost painless |
| Downtime | None | None |
| Duration of results | About 18-24 months | About 12-18 months |
Thermage FLX or Ultraformer: Which Suits You? Is Doing Both Better?
Thermage FLX results:
With tightening as its main benefit, it can tighten the skin, smooth pores and fine lines, and reduce signs of aging by improving skin tone and texture. It is suited to people with more fat and loose facial or body skin, and its results can last one to two years, making it a good option for people who want long-term improvement in skin firmness.
Ultraformer results:
Mainly emphasizes lifting and fat-reducing sculpting. Because it works more on tightening individual layers, results are affected if the overall skin tissue is already too loose. It is suited to skin with less fat that sags but still retains some firmness. The fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT is also close to painless, which makes it a good choice for people who are afraid of pain.
Combination treatment:
Thermage FLX and Ultraformer MPT act on different layers of the skin, so the two do not conflict and can be performed at the same time. Thermage FLX is applied to the shallower layers of skin to help tighten it, while Ultraformer is applied to deeper layers to help lift the contour, so combining them complements each other for a comprehensive firming effect.
Thermage FLX and the fourth-generation Ultraformer MPT improve skin concerns through different heating methods. You can choose the treatment that suits your skin condition best, or have both done together for all-round results. Before treatment, be sure to confirm that the machine is genuine and made by the original manufacturer, and that the procedure is performed by a professional medical team, to protect your safety and the results!
This article is for general information only. Results vary from person to person; please consult a doctor in person before deciding on any treatment.
