Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and you surely want to show up in front of relatives and friends looking your best! This article rounds up the three hottest categories of aesthetic treatments right now: RF and ultrasound lifting, skin quality management, and injectables. It covers the treatments, devices, advantages, and who each suits, so you can get prettier before the holiday with no effort!
1. RF and Ultrasound Lifting
1. Thermage FLX
- Principle:
Thermage FLX uses monopolar RF technology, in which wireless high-frequency radio waves vibrating about 6 million times per second deliver wide-area "3D volumetric heating," sending 55-65°C of heat into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue in order to stimulate the regeneration of the body's own collagen and elastin, using Thermage FLX energy to activate the body's natural repair response.
- Benefits:
Removes wrinkles and fine lines, improves aging-related slackness, and leaves skin smooth, firm, plump, and elastic again; results last about 18 to 24 months
- Suitable for:
(1) People with aging, loose skin or a sagging facial contour
(2) People with prominent nasolabial folds, crow's feet, lines around the eyes, or neck lines
(3) People with a loose belly and thighs after childbirth or rapid weight loss
(4) People whose breasts have become loose and sagging from heavy fat loss due to excessive dieting
- Advantages:
(1) AccuREP smart energy optimization technology, which precisely optimizes the energy the skin needs
(2) Offers 4 types of probes, which treat different areas comprehensively and allow a customized treatment
(3) A vibration mode reduces pain, so sedation anesthesia is not needed
(4) Short treatment time and no post-treatment recovery period
(5) Safety-certified by the US FDA and Taiwan FDA
[Learn more about Thermage FLX: What Is Thermage FLX? A Complete Guide]
2. Morpheus8
- Principle:
Morpheus8 combines the characteristics of both microneedling and RF: ultra-fine gold-plated microneedles first create controlled micro-injuries in the epidermis and dermis, triggering the skin's regenerative response, while the needle tips deep in the skin continuously release RF energy. Because the RF is released in the deeper layers and the probe tips have a non-insulated design, the epidermis is not heated, so it can heat the deep dermis more safely and accurately in order to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- Benefits:
Lifts and firms skin and smooths wrinkles, while also addressing aging concerns such as loose skin, cellulite, stretch marks, and depressions; results last about 12 to 18 months
- Suitable for:
(1) People with aging, sagging skin and wrinkles
(2) People who want to improve loose skin and stretch marks on the belly after childbirth
(3) People who have had RF or ultrasound lifting but were not satisfied with the results
(4) People who get regular skin care treatments
- Advantages:
(1) Offers 3 types of probes, which can treat the superficial, middle, and deep layers of skin
(2) Single-use probes, for safety and hygiene
(3) The probe's even heat-conduction design does not damage the skin
(4) Affordable pricing, nicknamed the budget version of Thermage FLX
[Learn more about Morpheus8: A Budget Alternative to Thermage FLX? What Is Morpheus8 Microneedle RF?]
3. Fourth-Generation Ultraformer
- Principle:
The fourth-generation Ultraformer works on the principle of "high-intensity focused ultrasound," using volumetric heating to concentrate 65-75°C of heat at the targeted depth, triggering immediate contraction, while fine thermal coagulation points stimulate collagen to remodel and regenerate.
- Benefits:
Lifts, firms, reduces fat, and sculpts; over one to three months after treatment, skin tissue gradually regains elasticity and plumpness, giving a firmer contour; results last about 12 to 18 months
- Suitable for:
(1) People who want to sculpt curves on the arms, thighs, waist, and abdomen
(2) People with aging, sagging skin and wrinkles
(3) People who get regular ultrasound maintenance treatments
(4) People who have had RF lifting but are afraid of pain
- Advantages:
(1) Offers 2 firing modes, with the patented MP mode delivering 417 points in a line
(2) 10 probes and 20 modes, to comprehensively address concerns in different areas
(3) Short treatment time, 2.5 times faster than earlier models
(4) Non-invasive treatment; the process is pain-free
(5) HIFU serum infusion technology, which hydrates and brightens at the same time
[Learn more about the fourth-generation Ultraformer: Ultraformer Keeps Upgrading! MPT Creates First-Love Skin]
2. Skin Quality Management
1. HydraFacial
- Principle:
HydraFacial Syndeo, with its exclusive patented vortex technology, can clear dead skin cells and blackheads from the skin surface without harming the protective stratum corneum. Through gentle, deep cleansing and conditioning, it removes blackheads and impurities from the face while preserving the stratum corneum that protects the skin, cleansing and repairing skin concerns at the same time.
- Benefits:
Improves skin concerns such as spots, fine lines, oily skin, blackheads, and acne; deeply cleanses the skin, replenishes moisture and hydration, and resolves dullness
- Suitable for:
(1) People with oily skin or skin that gets oily easily
(2) People who want fewer blackheads and breakouts
(3) People who want to fade spots and brighten skin tone
(4) People who want to repair sensitive skin
(5) People who want to reduce wrinkles and fine lines
- Advantages:
(1) Non-invasive treatment with no risks or side effects
(2) Multiple patented tips, providing customized treatments
(3) Suitable for all skin types
(4) A comfortable treatment that is painless
(5) Can improve a wide range of skin concerns
(6) Affordable pricing
[Learn more about HydraFacial: HydraFacial Syndeo Upgrade? Used by Influencers? A Guide to Benefits and Precautions]
2. Third-Generation StarWalker PQX
- Principle:
The third-generation StarWalker PQX acts on the skin with extremely short pulse durations, and its ultra-fast pulse energy can effectively break up melanin and pigmented spots and remove tattoos, while at the same time promoting collagen production and skin tissue repair. StarWalker also combines photothermal effects, allowing it to treat a variety of skin concerns.
- Benefits:
Improves pitted acne scars and enlarged pores, smooths wrinkles and fine lines, and treats uneven skin tone and pigmentary conditions such as freckles and melasma
- Suitable for:
(1) People with pigmentation such as freckles, melasma, and shallow or deep spots
(2) People with enlarged pores or pitted acne scars
(3) People with loose skin who want to smooth wrinkles and fine lines
(4) People who want to fade or remove tattoos
(5) People who did not see significant results from other brands of picosecond lasers
(6) People who want a shorter recovery period after laser treatment
- Advantages:
(1) A shorter post-treatment recovery period than other brands
(2) Integrates photoacoustic and photothermal effects, for more noticeable results
(3) Features smart control, adjusting the treatment to different skin types
(4) Integrates past treatment records and gradually increases treatment energy
(5) After treatment, post-inflammatory darkening is less likely
[Learn more about the third-generation StarWalker: A Laser That Doesn't Darken Skin! StarWalker Improves Skin Condition]
3. Injectables
1. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
- Principle:
Hyaluronic acid has high viscoelasticity and water retention. When injected into the deep dermis, it adds volume to the dermis and lifts depressions; when injected into the superficial dermis, it binds with water molecules in the skin and improves the skin's water-locking ability.
- Benefits:
Improves tear troughs, dark circles, skin depressions, and contour laxity, fills nasolabial folds and wrinkles, and can also refine the nose shape and shape smile lips
- Comparison of 4 major hyaluronic acid brands:
| Juvéderm | Restylane (dynamic hyaluronic acid) | Neuramis | Hya-Dermis (Water Micro-Crystal) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Gel type | Flexible type | Gel type | Particle type, gel type |
| Patented technology | Vycross patented technology | OBT patented technology | SHAPE cross-linking process | CHAP hyaluronic acid cross-linking platform technology |
| Features | Long-lasting, high safety, very smooth and easy to shape, low allergy risk, high tissue compatibility | Excellent tissue support, high compatibility, formulations contain anesthetic | Softness, support, viscoelasticity, high integration | Strong support and good value; the only brand on the market with both anesthetic-containing and anesthetic-free versions of every formulation |
| Suitable areas | Large areas such as apple cheeks, cheeks, and chin | Suitable formulations for the whole face; custom-made uniform "microparticles" | Facial depressions (apple cheeks, chin, cheeks, down to the dermis) | Suitable formulations for injection across the whole face; best for nose shaping |
| Duration | About 6-18 months | About 12-36 months (varies by formulation) | About 6-18 months | About 6-18 months (varies by formulation) |
| Total formulations | 5 | 4 | - | 4 |
[Learn more about hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic Acid Brands Compared! Which One Is Right for Me?]
2. Botulinum Toxin
- Principle:
Derived from botulinum toxin through advanced purification, this natural protein can inhibit the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings, which makes muscles contract and stimulates gland secretion, so it effectively relaxes muscles. By paralyzing the underlying muscle, it treats overactive muscles and also suppresses secretion from sweat glands and apocrine glands.
- Benefits:
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles on the face, leaving skin smooth, and can treat most of the face's dynamic wrinkles, as well as shape concerns caused by overdeveloped muscles in the face and legs. It can also improve excessive sweating and body odor concerns.
- Comparison of 2 major botulinum toxin brands:
| Neuronox | Botox | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | South Korea | United States |
| Features | On the market for over 15 years; the first botulinum toxin product developed and launched in South Korea, with more than 20 million sold worldwide | On the market for over 30 years; the world's first botulinum toxin product to be launched |
| Duration | 4-6 months | 4-6 months |
| Diffusion | Low | Low |
[Learn more about botulinum toxin: The Complete Botox Guide! Aftereffects, Precautions, Indications, and Side Effects Revealed]
Those are the three hottest categories of aesthetic treatments right now. NAISS CLINIC offers the most professional treatments and high-quality service, so book soon and get prettier!
A reminder to everyone who has had a treatment: when you go out for spring outings during the New Year holiday, remember to take sun protection measures and avoid unnecessary sun exposure, and do not go to hot springs, saunas, or other high-temperature places within one week, drink in moderation and stay up late less often, so you can get better treatment 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.
