Let’s discuss in regards to the two anti-aging therapies everybody retains complicated: Profound RF and Ultherapy. If you happen to’ve been scrolling by anti-aging therapies recently, you’ve most likely stumbled throughout each – and let’s be sincere, they sound kinda comparable. Each promise tighter, smoother, younger-looking pores and skin with out going below the knife. Each are non-surgical, non-filler, and really a lot “I awakened like this” sort of therapies. However the fact is… they’re completely totally different beasts below the hood. Right here, I’m providing you with all no-fluff solutions about Profound VS Ultherapy: what the heck these therapies are, how they work, what they really do on your pores and skin, and the way to decide on the most suitable choice for you:
What Is Profound RF?
Profound RF (brief for “radiofrequency”) is principally the collagen booster on steroids. It makes use of microneedling + radiofrequency warmth to set off a critical wound-healing response in your pores and skin. Meaning your physique will get tricked into pondering it’s been injured and kicks into regeneration mode. The consequence? New collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid manufacturing. Sure, all three. And no, that’s not frequent. Most therapies solely goal a kind of. Not like Ultherapy, it tends to behave on essentially the most superficial pores and skin layers.
What does Profound deal with?
- Free pores and skin (a.ok.a. sagging)
- Deep strains and wrinkles
- Jowls (yep, that lower-face heaviness)
- Cellulite (when used on the physique)
Consider it as a deep rebuild. It’s not simply “tightening” what’s already there. It’s giving your pores and skin the constructing blocks to appear like it did 10 years in the past.
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What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy makes use of ultrasound power to warmth the deeper layers of the pores and skin – particularly the SMAS layer, which is similar one surgeons goal in a facelift. It doesn’t poke your pores and skin like Profound. There are not any needles right here. As an alternative, the ultrasound power goes deep and tightens from the within out by creating tiny thermal accidents that set off collagen manufacturing and raise the pores and skin over time.
What does Ultherapy deal with?
It’s not rebuilding your pores and skin the best way Profound does, nevertheless it’s lifting it again up. Consider it like placing a shelf again the place it was.
Profound RF VS Ultherapy: The Actual Distinction in Pores and skin Regeneration
When folks speak about pores and skin tightening, they often deal with collagen – however that’s solely a part of the image. Right here’s what Profound RF and Ultherapy really set off in your skin-and why it issues for long-term outcomes.
- Collagen Manufacturing: Each therapies set off new collagen manufacturing, however how they do it and the way a lot they ship is a unique story. Profound RF hits collagen exhausting. It injures the dermis on objective to kick off that large therapeutic cascade. So that you get a robust, long-lasting collagen increase. And it’s not simply collagen-it additionally will increase elastin and hyaluronic acid, which most therapies don’t contact. Ultherapy additionally stimulates collagen, nevertheless it’s extra focused. It creates little thermal “accidents” with sound waves in particular areas, which helps tighten and raise over time. It’s effective-but not as complete as Profound on the subject of all of the constructing blocks.
- Elastin Manufacturing: Solely Profound RF stimulates elastin manufacturing. Elastin is what offers your pores and skin that bounce-back, snappy, youthful high quality. You understand how child cheeks bounce if you poke them? That’s elastin doing its factor. Most therapies, Ultherapy included, deal with collagen alone. So when you’re searching for bounce and never simply firmness, Profound is the one one of many two that provides you that.
- Hyaluronic Acid Manufacturing: Profound takes this spherical too. It’s the one one which helps your pores and skin enhance its pure manufacturing of hyaluronic acid. Not the type you inject, however the form your pores and skin used to pump out by itself earlier than age caught up with it. Meaning extra hydration, extra plumpness, and higher texture over time-without needing fillers. Ultherapy? No hyaluronic acid manufacturing. None. Nada.
Is There Any Downtime?
Profound RF isn’t a lunch-break therapy. Count on actual downtime: swelling, redness, and bruising for about 5 to 10 days. You’ll look puffy, possibly a bit of beat up, and undoubtedly not prepared for any occasions or selfies. However that’s the trade-off: you’re getting deep, regenerative work achieved, so your pores and skin wants time to heal and rebuild.
Ultherapy, then again, is a non-invasive therapy that comes with minimal downtime. You may get a little bit of redness or tenderness proper after, however most individuals are again to regular the identical day. It’s extra of a “get it achieved and get on together with your life” sort of vibe.
Do They Damage?
Let’s be actual: Profound RF is excessive on the ache scale. You’ll want native anesthesia (typically even sedation) as a result of it makes use of microneedles and radiofrequency power (deep warmth). The upside? That ache is what triggers the manufacturing of collagen, elastin, and HA.
Ultherapy isn’t pain-free, nevertheless it’s much less intense. Most individuals describe it as deep zapping or a snapping feeling below the pores and skin. You may often deal with it with out numbing, nevertheless it’s not precisely enjoyable.
If you happen to hate needles or downtime, Ultherapy’s your lady. In order for you large adjustments and might deal with every week of chipmunk cheeks? Profound could be price it.
Associated: Does Ultherapy Damage?
Are They Protected For All Pores and skin Tones & Pores and skin Sorts?
Profound RF: Protected for all pores and skin tone. As a result of it makes use of microneedles to ship the warmth within the deeper layers of pores and skin, it avoids overheating the pigment-producing cells. That’s big when you’ve acquired darker pores and skin as a result of it means much less danger of darkish spots or discoloration displaying up after your therapy. Mainly, the needles get the warmth proper the place it must be – no messing with the floor.
Ultherapy: It’s a gray space for darker pores and skin tones. I wouldn’t say it’ll set off pigment points. It’s simply not as nicely studied and there’s a barely larger danger of pigment adjustments (once more, likelihood doesn’t imply assure – and also you want to pay attention to it). It’s Usually safer for lighter pores and skin tones.
If you happen to’ve acquired melanin-rich pores and skin, Profound is often the safer wager. However regardless of which one you’re leaning towards, all the time be sure your supplier is aware of how you can deal with darker skin-so you’re not coping with surprises later. Oh, they usually’re each protected for all pores and skin sorts.
How Many Periods Do You Want For That Tightening Impact?
Profound RF is a one-and-done sort of therapy. You go in, get it achieved, and wait a number of months for the total outcomes to develop. For most individuals, that’s sufficient for years. Contemplating how painful it’s, it’s an excellent factor it’s a single therapy, don’t you agree?
Ultherapy may want upkeep each 12 to 18 months-depending in your pores and skin. For optimum outcomes, you may wish to hold topping it as much as preserve the raise.
How Lengthy Do Outcomes Final?
Profound RF: Outcomes final 2-5 years. Some folks don’t want a second therapy. It’s virtually like a surgical facelift with out the surgical process.
Ultherapy: Outcomes can final round 12-18 months. Meaning most individuals schedule annual upkeep therapies to maintain the raise going. It’s a strong possibility if you need one thing that’s simpler in your schedule-but it won’t final so long as Profound.
You’ll often begin to see outcomes after 2-3 months for each (collagen takes time to construct), however Profound tends to point out deeper, longer-lasting adjustments. So when you’re searching for a extra dramatic transformation that sticks round from a non-invasive process, Profound is the one to observe.
How A lot Do They Price?
Neither is affordable, let’s simply say that up entrance. I imply, you’re searching for non-surgical pores and skin and coverings that provide you with a big enchancment in a brief house of time – that has a price.
Profound RF: Round $3,000 to $6,000 per therapy (thank goodness you often solely want one!)
Ultherapy: Round $2,000 to $4,500 relying on the therapy space.
If you happen to’re price-conscious, bear in mind this: Profound is often only one session. Ultherapy requires a collection of therapies (at the very least annually). Long run, the prices could even out.
Who’s A Good Candidate For Profound RF?
In case your pores and skin’s trying looser than you’d like – like jowls, deeper strains, or that “I’m drained” vibe – Profound’s price trying out. It’s strong for anybody who needs actual change, not only a fast repair. If you happen to’re cool with a little bit of restoration time and need outcomes that stick round, it’s a strong alternative.
Who’s A Good Candidate For Ultherapy?
Ultherapy’s a greater wager if issues are simply beginning to soften – like a barely droopy jawline or a little bit of saggy pores and skin in your neck. It’s for individuals who need a raise, however aren’t coping with critical sagging but. No downtime, out and in, again to work the identical day.
Profound vs Ultherapy At A Look
| FEATURE | PROFOUND RF | ULTHERAPY |
|---|---|---|
| Vitality kind | Radiofrequency + microneedling | Centered ultrasound |
| Depth | As much as 2mm into the dermis | 1.5mm to 4.5mm (right down to SMAS) |
| Collagen manufacturing | Sure | YES |
| Elastin manufacturing | Sure | No |
| Hyaluronic acid | Sure | No |
| Downtime | 5-10 days of swelling/bruising | None to gentle redness/swelling |
| Ache stage | Excessive (you’ll be numbed) | Average (no numbing often) |
| Variety of periods | One and achieved | Normally 1 session, however can differ |
| Greatest for | Wrinkles, laxity, jowls, texture | Lifting sagging pores and skin |
| Pores and skin tones | All pores and skin tones | Greatest for lighter pores and skin tones |
Which One Is The Higher Alternative For You?
It depends upon what you want.
Select Profound RF if:
- You’ve acquired sagging pores and skin, advantageous strains, and deep wrinkles.
- You need a full-on pores and skin transform, not only a raise.
- You don’t thoughts some minor unintended effects and downtime (aka swelling, bruising, and some days of “I’m not leaving the home” vibes).
- You’re after a extra aggressive consequence.
Select Ultherapy if:
- You simply wish to raise, tighten, and agency pores and skin – nothing loopy.
- Your pores and skin isn’t too wrinkly, however is beginning to droop.
- You’ve acquired an occasion developing and don’t need bruising.
- You’re new to aesthetic therapies and wish to dip a toe in.
Can You Mix Them?
Technically, sure. Some clinics provide combo therapies spaced out over time: Profound for the deep rebuild, Ultherapy later for upkeep and lifting. This method can provide the better of each worlds: Profound therapies provide intense pores and skin regeneration whereas the Ultherapy therapy targets lifting for a extra sculpted look.
BUT: You wouldn’t do them on the identical day and even in the identical month! Your pores and skin wants time to heal and reply to at least one therapy earlier than you may go in with the subsequent. Your supplier will sometimes advocate ready at the very least a number of months between therapies to permit the collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to totally develop from Profound earlier than including Ultherapy’s lifting impact. This staged method helps maximize your outcomes with out overloading your pores and skin.
The Backside Line
Profound and Ultherapy are two non-surgical therapies that sound comparable on the floor, however they’re completely totally different when you dig in. Profound’s your go-to if you need actual rebuilding: suppose bounce, firmer pores and skin, and that thicker, youthful look. It’s acquired extra downtime, however the payoff’s greater and lasts longer. Ultherapy’s extra of a raise than a rebuild. It’s nice when you simply wish to tighten issues up a bit and get again to your day. No needles, no downtime: only a refined, natural-looking increase. The higher possibility for you is the one which matches the place your pores and skin’s at and what you’re able to deal with – and all the time go along with a practitioner who is aware of what they’re doing. That’s the true secret sauce.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – each day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that can assist you determine what’s well worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally provide skincare consultations that can assist you create the perfect skincare routine on your distinctive wants.