Loose skin, sagging skin, and wrinkles can make you feel older than you are. If you’re dealing with skin laxity issues, we encourage you to explore skin tightening treatments at Beacon Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology centre in Calgary.
Two popular skin tightening treatments we offer at Beacon Dermatology are Ultherapy and Infini RF Microneedling. These collagen stimulation treatments give you two different options to address saggy skin so you can flaunt a refreshed, more youthful appearance.
While both treatments stimulate collagen production, they differ in regard to their technology and means of application. Our team at Beacon Dermatology would like to educate you about the similarities and differences between Infini RF Microneedling and Ultherapy skin tightening so you can get a better sense of which one would be most suitable for you.
Ultherapy, also known as Ulthera, uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, which tightens your skin and improves skin texture. There are no needles involved in this procedure.
Ultherapy is a powerful treatment method because it’s capable of reaching the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) layer of your skin. This layer, according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, is “a key structure involved in facial aging” and “uniquely positioned to reflect facial movements and expressions.”
Ultherapy reaches far beneath the surface of your skin—specifically, to the same tissue planes involved in a surgical face lift. The ultrasound energy involved in Ultherapy skin tightening is not harmful, and the safety of this procedure is reflected in its approval by Health Canada (for the record, Ulthera has also received FDA approval in the United States).
Ultherapy skin tightening can target your jawline, brow, and/or neck. Think of Ultherapy as a non-surgical face lift—while it won’t give you the dramatic results a surgical facelift can, it’s essentially your next best option if you don’t want to undergo surgery and the downtime associated with it.
Like Ultherapy, Infini RF Microneedling improves skin texture, boosts collagen production, and addresses skin laxity concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles. It does so by using ultra-fine needles to create tiny punctures (also known as micro-injuries) in the superficial layer of your skin while simultaneously introducing radiofrequency energy into those layers in order to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
Infini RF Microneedling excels at targeting your skin’s superficial and deep layers, including the dermis, which is where two important structural proteins, collagen and elastin, are produced. This approach to skin rejuvenation not only enhances skin quality but also results in softer, smoother skin. Following this procedure, you can also expect to see a difference in facial skin volume and your overall complexion.
A popular skin tightening treatment in Calgary, Infini RF Microneedling is regarded as a versatile treatment option. If you have a broader range of skin concerns beyond skin laxity—perhaps, for instance, you have surgical scars, acne scars, or stretch marks—you can rely on radiofrequency skin tightening to help you achieve healthier-looking skin.
Even though needles sound scary to some patients, the needles involved in Infini RF Microneedling treatment are designed to uniformly penetrate your skin in a way that causes little to no pain and only mild discomfort. That said, please don’t write off Infini RF Microneedling based on the needles—at Beacon Dermatology, we prioritize your comfort during every skin tightening treatment session. Should Infini RF Microneedling appeal more to you than Ultherapy, we encourage you to consider this treatment if it aligns with your skin goals.
Collagen is an essential protein in your skin that helps you retain your youthful appearance. However, as you age, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, your body's collagen breaks down. Furthermore, the production of this naturally occurring substance gradually decreases.
The technology behind Ulthera uses concentrated ultrasound energy to trigger collagen production in the deep layers of your skin. Upon bypassing the surface layers, Ultherapy heats the targeted tissues, forcing them to contract. This tightens and lifts the foundation of your skin. That’s why Ultherapy skin tightening is widely regarded as the non-invasive version of a surgical facelift. The depth of the treatment offers long-lasting and impressive results.
So, how does Infini RF Microneedling work? It emits radiofrequency waves through microchannels created in your skin. By combining traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy (RF), the Infini RF Microneedling device treats multiple skin layers at once, resurfacing your skin and leading to deeper tissue tightening.
RF energy generates heat once it penetrates the dermis. The heat signals your skin to form new collagen and elastin fibres. As explained by the Cleveland Clinic, RF energy will “give skin cells more strength and flexibility” and help your skin “regain its firm shape and feel.”
Cleveland Clinic also notes that RF energy devices “use safe levels of low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat.” They add that this treatment works well on all skin tones and poses “very little risk of skin discoloration.”
There are four key differences between Ultherapy and Infini RF Microneedling: technology, depth of treatment, treatment areas, and invasiveness. Let’s review each of these distinct differences so you can gain a stronger understanding of Infini RF Microneedling vs Ultherapy.
When it comes to Infini RF Microneedling vs Ultherapy skin tightening, Ultherapy uses advanced ultrasound technology that successfully targets your skin’s deeper layers. The SMAS layer of your skin is generally regarded as a hard-to-reach area that plastic surgeons access upon making incisions in your skin. Ulthera’s innovative technology penetrates this fibrous network of tissue without the need for a single incision.
Infini RF Microneedling, on the other hand, utilizes radiofrequency energy to treat both the superficial and deeper layers of your skin. Fine needles are also used as part of an Infini RF Microneedling treatment, as these needles gently penetrate the skin, producing micro-injuries that stimulate your body’s natural healing response.
Infini RF Microneedling vs Ultherapy skin tightening also differs in terms of the depth of treatment. Patients who pursue Ulthera are determined to lift and tighten deep tissues—the same deep tissues they’d want their surgeon to address if they were to undergo a surgical facelift.
While Infini RF Microneedling can treat deeper skin concerns such as wrinkles and scars, it doesn’t bypass the surface layer of the skin like Ulthera does. Again, this is what makes Infini RF Microneedling more versatile—if you have skin concerns relating to surface-level issues, such as skin texture, radiofrequency skin tightening might be the most ideal treatment option for you.
If you have loose skin and are bothered by increasingly obvious skin laxity issues, consider Ultherapy skin tightening. You can receive this treatment on your jawline, neck, and brow—areas that, as you age, could benefit from a noticeable lift.
In contrast, Infini RF Microneedling treats a wider range of skin issues, such as fine lines, skin texture, and acne scars. If you’re seeking overall skin rejuvenation, Infini RF Microneedling offers a more comprehensive approach to attaining younger-looking skin.
Infini RF Microneedling vs. Ultherapy: Which one is more invasive? The answer is RF Infini Microneedling. Infini RF Microneedling is known as a minimally invasive procedure because it uses microneedles to create micro-injuries in the skin. The tiny needles puncture the skin but are designed to do so gently.
Since Ulthera uses no needles whatsoever, it’s known as a non-invasive skin tightening treatment. Ultherapy skin tightening’s ultrasound technology is similar to the ultrasound devices used in medical settings; your provider will use a computer monitor to view your skin’s tissue during the procedure. You’ll feel the device moving across your skin. Even though the procedure is non-invasive, deep layers of your skin are heated throughout the procedure, so it’s worth noting that some patients do report mild discomfort and pain while undergoing Ulthera.
Whether you’re pursuing Infini RF Microneedling for facial skin acne scars or Ulthera skin tightening for frustratingly loose skin on your jawline, both treatments deliver long-lasting results.
Ultherapy’s results will be gradual; it typically takes 2-3 months for your body to build new collagen. Infini RF Microneedling, on the other hand, will lead to visible improvements after a few weeks, with continued benefits over several months as your body’s collagen production increases.
No matter what skin tightening treatment in Calgary you choose, you’ll be happy to know that both Ulthera and Infini RF treatments involve minimal downtime.
Following your Ultherapy procedure, you may experience mild swelling or tingling for a few days.
The most common side effects of Infini RF Microneedling are redness, swelling, and mild scabbing. Please be aware that Infini RF Microneedling requires more immediate aftercare; we’ll kindly ask that you avoid applying makeup and drastically limit sun exposure so the micro-injuries we create in your skin can heal properly and lead to the results you’re eagerly anticipating.
Given that Infini RF Microneedling and Ultherapy skin tightening are popular skin tightening treatments among patients of all ages and capable of making your skin look and feel amazing, you might be wondering if you’re a better candidate for one over the other.
Following a thorough evaluation and open and honest discussion with you, our team will help you choose the treatment that aligns with your skin goals and addresses your most pressing skin concerns.
With that in mind, Ultherapy is ideal for patients seeking deep tissue lifting and tightening. So, if you have mild to moderate skin laxity around the jawline, neck, and brow, schedule a consultation to learn more about Ulthera.
Alternatively, talk to us about Infini RF Microneedling if you’re intent on seeing improvement in skin texture or if you have acne scars, surgical scars, and fine lines. We do want to mention that Infini RF Microneedling works exceptionally well for younger patients or individuals who want to target multiple skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and scarring.
Please schedule a confidential, one-on-one consultation with your trusted skincare experts at Beacon Dermatology to learn about your treatment options.
In general, Ultherapy skin tightening tends to be more expensive given the ultrasound
technology involved with this treatment; as previously mentioned, your provider at Beacon Dermatology will be able to view the layers of your skin on a screen so we can ensure that we’re targeting the SMAS layer that plays a role in facial aging. The price of Ulthera reflects the advanced technology we use to reach the same depths as plastic surgeons.
Should you undergo Infini RF treatment in pursuit of skin rejuvenation and skin tightening, you’ll find the per-session cost rather affordable, but it’s crucial to keep in mind that you may need multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. That said, Ulthera will cost more upfront, but Infini RF Microneedling might cost more in the long run.
At Beacon Dermatology, we are committed to being transparent about our pricing. During your consultation, we can confirm if you are eligible for the skin tightening treatment that’s of interest to you and then give you a customized quote alongside your personalized treatment plan.
If you’re interested in learning more about one or both of these skin tightening treatments in Calgary, our team can offer the guidance and professional insights you need to make a confident, well-informed decision.
Choosing between these collagen stimulation treatments comes down to your personal goals and specific skin concerns. As mentioned, Infini RF Microneedling and Ultherapy have a few key differences. One is more invasive, one bypasses the surface layer, and one tends to be more expensive upfront.
Despite the differences between these collagen stimulation treatments, know that both Ulthera and radiofrequency skin tightening are safe and effective treatment options that can deliver confidence-boosting, natural-looking results.
Radiofrequency skin tightening treatment results last for up to six months, while results of your Ultherapy session can last up to two years, on average. Sometimes, your Ulthera results can be extended for up to five years, especially if you undergo maintenance treatments. Remember, individual results always vary. Your age, diet, lifestyle habits, and other factors influence the longevity of your results.
Ulthera and Infini RF Microneedling can be combined. We recommend combining Ultherapy with Infini RF Microneedling treatments if you have a broad range of skin concerns—loose, saggy skin on your jawline and an uneven complexion, for instance. If our team at Beacon Dermatology determines that both of these treatments would work best for you—and provide the enhanced results you’re seeking—we’ll create a treatment plan for you to review, and then we’ll schedule your treatment sessions accordingly.
There are many radio frequency skin tightening pros and cons, and we can discuss these during your consultation. In the meantime, we’d suggest that the biggest pro of RF treatment is its impressive versatility. Since RF Microneedling combines microneedling with the collagen-boosting effects of radiofrequency energy, this treatment option can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and/or uneven skin texture. The biggest con of this treatment is that it’s typically not a “one and done” treatment; in many cases, Infini RF Microneedling requires multiple sessions so you can achieve your desired results.
Yes! If your cheeks are sagging and you’re dealing with skin laxity issues around the jawline, you’ll be happy to know that microneedling jowls as part of Infini RF Microneedling is an effective way to tighten the loose skin along your jawline.
If you’ve recently lost weight and the results are visible in your face and/or around your neck, it’d be beneficial to undergo a treatment that will address facial fat loss to tighten loose skin. Both Infini RF Microneedling and Ulthera can lift and tighten your skin.
Since Ulthera penetrates deeper into your skin than Infini RF Microneedling, Ultherapy might be the better choice to address facial fat loss.
The main side effects of Ultherapy skin tightening are mild swelling, numbness, and bruising. The most common side effects of Infini RF Microneedling are mild redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, and mild scabbing. Both procedures may cause mild discomfort. We encourage you to get in touch with us post-procedure if you have any questions or concerns.
If you want to refresh your appearance and prioritize the health of your skin without undergoing cosmetic surgery, it’d be worthwhile to schedule a consultation at Beacon Dermatology and discuss the benefits of the two skin tightening treatments we proudly offer at our dermatology centre in Calgary.
We can help you make the right choice—the choice that best reflects your individual concerns and your desired results. When you’re ready, book a consultation so we can answer any and all questions you may have about non-invasive or minimally invasive skin tightening treatments. You can also call us at 587-391-3665 to schedule your consultation.
Beacon Dermatology is located in Suite 201 on 3110 17th Avenue S.W. in Calgary. For your convenience, underground parking is available at the back of the building.
We look forward to talking to you about your unique skin concerns and working closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan. Thank you for putting your trust in Beacon Dermatology! Whether you’re a new or returning patient, we’re honoured to be part of your skincare journey, and we’re confident that you’ll be pleased with the experience you’ll have here and the natural-looking results you’ll see in the weeks and months following a skin tightening procedure.
