Eye Thermage and Eye Ulthera: Treatment Areas and Effects, a Dermatology Director's Honest Opinion

Hello.

I’m Mira Lee, chief director of Banni Plastic Surgery | Skin Clinic, where the goal is to look more beautiful without looking like you had a procedure.

These days, interest in anti-aging treatments around the eye area is really high. In particular, inquiries about Eye Thermage and Eye Ulthera never seem to stop.

But many people think these two treatments are similar. In fact, their principles are different, and the areas they improve are different too.

Let me give you a clear summary of Eye Thermage and Eye Ulthera.

Many people come in saying, “My eyes are sagging, so I need to do something about it,” but it can be hard to clearly tell which treatment is the right one for their specific eye-area aging.

Before preparing this post, I browsed the web a bit, and I understood why.

There is a lack of information that clearly explains what principles Eye Thermage and Eye Ulthera use and which areas they affect.

Eye Thermage, Eye Ulthera, Banni Plastic Surgery

So today, I’m going to clearly organize the fundamental differences between Eye Thermage and Eye Ulthera. From how each works to their effects and treatment areas, I’ll go into detail. I hope this helps you make the choice that suits you best based on accurate criteria.

Changes in eye aging in the 30s vs 40s

Most people begin to feel like their entire face is gradually sinking downward starting around their 30s. At this stage, it is more of a vague sense of change than a specific problem.

If you’re not sure whether to get Eye Thermage or Eye Ulthera

But once you enter your 40s, more distinct changes begin to appear. Not only fine lines around the eyes, but the eyes themselves start to feel heavier, and the eyelids begin to sag. In particular, the brow area starts to shift downward more than before, making it feel like it is pressing on the eyelids.

At the same time, tiny wrinkles also begin to form more densely on the eyelids themselves, and the surface becomes rougher. It can be seen as a period when the traces of time are etched clearly into the eyes.

Eye Thermage vs Eye Ulthera

1. Eye Thermage

2. Specialized in improving the skin’s texture itself

The biggest feature of Eye Thermage is that it makes the skin itself denser and firmer. It is specialized in improving the fine, dense wrinkles that appear on the eyelids with age, as well as the loss of elasticity caused by thinning skin.

You can think of it as a method that increases the density of the eyelid skin itself. Using the same principle as facial Thermage, radiofrequency energy delivers heat deep into the skin and induces collagen remodeling.

In particular, if the upper or lower eyelids have become thin and crinkled, or if there are many fine wrinkles in the eye-area skin, Eye Thermage is the most suitable option.

2. Eye Thermage can be performed directly on the eyelids

The most special advantage of Eye Thermage is that it can be performed directly on the upper eyelid area that covers the eyeball.

Why are other devices unable to treat the upper eyelids? (Of course, some devices that copied Thermage can.) The eyelids, especially the upper eyelids, are extremely thin and sensitive areas that directly cover the eyeball. They are less than 1 mm thick, and the eyeball responsible for vision lies just beneath them, so any treatment must approach the area with extreme caution.

[Before and after Eye Thermage]

https://www.thermage.com/#results

In particular, laser-type devices that use light cannot be used in this area because there is a risk that light may enter the eye. The same goes for devices like Ulthera that use ultrasound to create thermal coagulation points. There is a possibility of unintended thermal damage to the tissues inside the eye.

Then how can Eye Thermage be safely performed in such a risky area? The answer lies in the Eye Tip and Eye Shield, both specially designed for the eye area.

Compared with a regular facial Thermage tip, the difference is obvious. The contact area is made much smaller, allowing for precise control. Through this small tip, the depth and intensity of energy delivery can be precisely adjusted, so it can act accurately only on the eyelid skin.

The Eye Shield, as the name suggests, is a kind of protective device that protects the eyes. Made from a special medical-grade material, it completely blocks Thermage energy while being designed not to interfere with the eye’s natural movement. There may be a slight foreign-body sensation at first, but in reality, almost all patients adapt more easily than expected.

For these reasons, Eye Thermage can be performed directly on the upper eyelids. It can directly improve the fine wrinkles in the exact area that folds every time you open and close your eyes, as well as the rough skin texture that makes eyeshadow hard to apply when you put on makeup.

3. Gradual but lasting improvement

Eye Thermage is a treatment that pursues gradual and natural improvement rather than an immediate dramatic change. Rather than right after the procedure, the effect appears slowly over 2 to 3 months, and you can feel the skin becoming firmer. Areas with mild sagging and the crinkled skin around the eyes gradually become tighter.

Above all, one of Eye Thermage’s advantages is its long-term anti-aging effect. For those who receive it regularly, you can clearly observe that the overall pace of aging slows down.

2. Eye Ulthera

3. Lifting through contraction

Difference in effects between Eye Thermage and Eye Ulthera

Eye Ulthera uses a completely different approach from Eye Thermage. While Eye Thermage improves the skin itself to make it firmer and tighter, Eye Ulthera works by contracting loosened tissue and pulling it upward.

Therefore, rather than skin surface texture, it is specialized in improving the overall contour and sagging. Its main purpose is to bring downturned areas back into place against gravity.

2. Treatment areas

Eye Ulthera cannot be performed on the upper eyelid that directly covers the eyeball. This is due to the nature of the principle and for safety reasons. Instead, it targets the fascial layer that has sagged due to aging in areas at an appropriate distance from the eyeball, meaning from above the eyebrow to the upper eye socket area.

The fascial layer is the tissue that acts as a support structure for our skin. As we age, this fascial layer loosens. Eye Ulthera works by contracting that loosened fascial layer so that the lower eyelid is pulled upward along with it.

It can also improve the under-eye fat that has bulged out and sagged with aging. It restores firmness by contracting the fascia around the under-eye fat.

Of course, it is difficult to achieve as dramatic a change as under-eye fat repositioning surgery. On the other hand, for people who are concerned about surgery itself, it can be a good alternative. In addition, it can also improve the area around the outer corners of the eyes, especially the wrinkles that appear when smiling.

3. Natural improvement, though not as powerful as surgery

Eye Ulthera treatment does not have as powerful an effect as a brow lift or thread lifting. But that can actually be an advantage. It can be a suitable option for people who want lifting without greatly changing the shape of their eyes, or for those who find surgery burdensome but still need some degree of improvement.

The key differences between the two treatments and selection criteria

Eye Thermage, Eye Ulthera, Banni Plastic Surgery

Eye Thermage is a treatment that makes the skin around the eyes, including the eyelids, firmer and tighter. Its main goals are improving fine wrinkles, improving skin texture, and enhancing overall eyelid elasticity.

On the other hand, Eye Ulthera is a lifting treatment that pulls up sagging skin in the outer brow area.

Therefore, it is important to first identify exactly what your main concern is. The choice should differ depending on whether the problem is the skin itself or sagging.

Of course, if both problems are present at the same time, getting Eye Thermage and Eye Ulthera together can also be a good option.

In closing,

Eye Thermage = tightens the skin itself around the eyelids and eye area (improves fine wrinkles and texture) Eye Ulthera = lifting that makes sagging skin rise up

Please remember that these are treatments with completely different purposes, and think in advance about which one suits you best. If you clearly understand your concerns before visiting a clinic, you will likely get a much more satisfying result.

Treatments that are similar but different: Eye Thermage and Eye Ulthera

However, you must keep realistic expectations in mind before treatment. Neither Eye Thermage nor Eye Ulthera is a treatment that creates changes as dramatic as surgery.

You can definitely expect slower aging, a natural-looking improvement in the signs of aging, and a clearer overall appearance. And this kind of natural change may actually be more satisfying.

Also, no matter which treatment you choose, be sure to check two things. Whether genuine tips are used, and whether the medical staff has extensive experience. Of course, you should get safe treatment and good results.

I hope everyone who reads this post gets the results they expect or even better. This was Mira Lee, focusing on sincerity and leaving out exaggeration. Thank you.

Tips for choosing a good dermatology clinic for Ulthera
https://blog.naver.com/rush_724/223901020794

Tips for choosing a good dermatology clinic for Thermage (+ how to get the effect of 500 shots with 300 shots)
https://blog.naver.com/rush_724/223853264356

How to choose a hospital for under-eye fat repositioning without recurrence and at a reasonable price (column by Dr. Ban Hokeong, board-certified plastic surgeon)
https://blog.naver.com/rush_724/223843738476