Thermage, Ultherapy, Oligio and Ultraformer — how to choose
Four lifting programmes, two different technologies. Patients usually arrive asking which one is better. The more useful question is which layer needs the work.
The difference that matters
Ulthera and Ultraformer are focused ultrasound: energy is delivered to the deep support layer, and that is what produces lift. Thermage FLX and Oligio X are monopolar radiofrequency: the dermis is heated more broadly, and that is what firms skin and improves texture. Lift and firmness are different problems, and many patients are treated with one of each rather than choosing between them.
Thermage, Ultherapy, Oligio and Ultraformer — how to choose
| Programme | From | Session | Downtime | Anaesthesia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting point | ||||
| Ultraformer MPTFocused ultrasound | ฿14,999 | 30–50 minutes depending on program | None — return to normal activities the same day | Topical (optional) |
| CLASSYS Ultraformer IIIFocused ultrasound | ฿25,000 | 45 minutes (face) / 60 minutes (body) | None — return to normal activities immediately | Topical (optional) |
| Lift | ||||
| Ulthera SPTFocused ultrasound | ฿18,000 | 45–60 minutes | Mild redness for hours | Topical |
| Ulthera PrimeFocused ultrasound | ฿45,000 | 60 minutes | Mild redness | Topical |
| Firmness | ||||
| Thermage FLXMonopolar radiofrequency | ฿28,000 | 60–90 minutes | None | Topical or oral analgesia |
| Oligio XMonopolar radiofrequency | ฿40,000 | 45 minutes | None | None or topical |
Which programme applies to you is decided by the physician at consultation.
Where most patients start
Ultraformer MPT is where most patients start — the shortest session, no downtime, and the lowest starting price of the group. Across the clinic's own treatment history, Ultraformer has been used by more patients than any other lifting device. Patients who want a deeper or longer-held result move up to Ulthera SPT or Prime for lift, or Thermage FLX for firmness across the whole face.
Which one for which concern
Focused ultrasound reaches the deep support layer, which is where descent begins.
View programmeBroad dermal heating firms the surface across the whole face in a single session.
View programmeThe shortest session of the group, no downtime, and the lowest starting price.
View programmeA 45-minute session with no downtime and tightening usually visible from 3–4 weeks.
View programmeCommon questions
- Thermage or Ultherapy — which should I choose?
- They treat different layers. Ulthera uses focused ultrasound on the deep support layer and is chosen for lift. Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency across the dermis and is chosen for firmness and texture. If the concern is descent along the jawline, ultrasound is usually the answer; if the skin is loose but has not dropped, radiofrequency is. The physician confirms which applies at consultation.
- What is the difference between Ultraformer and Ulthera?
- Both are focused ultrasound. Ultraformer III and MPT are CLASSYS platforms with shorter sessions and a lower starting price, which is why most patients begin there. Ulthera SPT and Prime are used when a deeper or longer-held lift is the goal.
- Oligio X or Thermage FLX?
- Both are monopolar radiofrequency. Thermage FLX has the longer clinical record and a full-face protocol holding 18–24 months. Oligio X is a shorter 45-minute session, with tightening usually visible at 3–4 weeks and results holding 12–18 months.
- Which of these has no downtime?
- Thermage FLX, Oligio X, Ultraformer III and Ultraformer MPT are all no-downtime protocols — patients return to normal activities the same day. Ulthera can leave mild redness for a few hours.
- Can they be combined?
- Yes. Ultrasound lifting and radiofrequency firming address different layers, so they are often planned together across a course rather than chosen against each other. The physician sets the interval between them.
Bring the question to a consultation — the physician examines the layer that needs the work and says which of these it is.