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What is Monopolar RF and how does it improve skin?

Monopolar RF is a technology that uses... Unipolar radio waves In order to transfer heat energy. The deepest layer of skin For example, it protects the fat and collagen layers without damaging the upper skin layer, allowing it to... Break down excess fat.   Stimulates collagen production. It can be rebuilt efficiently. The result is: Skin lifting and firming, sharper facial contours. And looking younger is a key feature of the top-tier skin tightening devices that doctors choose to use in their clinics.


This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to recommend any specific innovation/technology. Please schedule an appointment with a doctor for a detailed assessment and advice.

How much does Thermage for the neck cost?
How much does Ulthera Prime cost?

Monopolar RF vs HIFU: Competitors or partners? Which to choose?

To give you a simple analogy, I'd like you to imagine it like this:

  • HIFU (Focused Ultrasound): Similar to "Sewing" Yes, it involves firing high-intensity ultrasound energy in small, linear bursts. Hold and pull. A deep layer of skin tissue called... high school (The fascia layer that covers the muscle) which is the same layer that surgeons use in facelift surgery. Therefore... The primary result of HIFU is a "lifting" effect. Suitable for people with very sagging skin who want to lift their facial contours.
  • Monopolar RF (e.g., Thermage): Similar to "iron clothes" Yes, it involves delivering large chunks of heat energy (bulk heating) throughout both the collagen and fat layers, causing the collagen fibers that were previously stretched and loose to tighten. It contracts and tightens. Immediately, and it also helps. Break down excess fat. Yes, that's possible. Therefore... The primary results of Monopolar RF are "tightening" and improving "skin quality". Suitable for people with loose, fleshy skin or fat accumulation in the cheeks and chin.
Patient's problemsTechnology that meets the needs.
ผิวSagging Lacking a strong structure, needs a facelift.HIFU (Focusing on 'lifting' the structure)
The facial frame is not sharp because...accumulated fat Chubby cheeks, double chin.Monopolar RF (Focusing on 'fat reduction' and 'toning')
Overall skinLoose, not tight. There are fine lines and the skin doesn't look firm.Monopolar RF (Focusing on 'firming' and 'stimulating new collagen production')
requireEyebrow lift, eyelid lift The rain made it look brighter.HIFU (Works well in small areas requiring precision.)
In modern medicine, combining Monopolar RF and HIFU is considered the gold standard, or the best standard, for non-surgical facelift.

Comparison table of 4 Monopolar RF skin tightening programs.

Comparison topicsXERFThermageVolnewmerOligo
Technology usedDual-Frequency
Monopolar RF
(6.78 MHz & 2 MHz)
Monopolar RF
(6.78 MHz)
Monopolar RF
(6.78 MHz)
Monopolar RF
(6.78 MHz)
The level of skin layer that can be applied.Deep down to the SMAS layer.
(Piercing even further with 2 MHz waves)
+ dermis layer, fat layer
Shallow-deep dermis layer
and a superficial layer of fat.
Shallow-deep dermis layer
and a superficial layer of fat.
Shallow-deep dermis layer
and a superficial layer of fat.
Key resultsFirm, tight, and smooth skin.
Pores become smaller.
(Provides comprehensive care at two depths.)
The skin looks firm and toned.
Stimulate collagen
Makes skin smoother.
The skin looks firm and toned.
Stimulate collagen
Makes skin smoother.
The skin looks firm and toned.
Stimulate collagen
Makes skin smoother.
Feelings while doing itFeeling warm and comfortable.
(Features a cooling system to protect the skin.)
I can feel the heat deep inside certain spots.
(Suitable for people with chubby cheeks/a lot of fat)
Feeling warm and comfortable.
(Features a cooling system to protect the skin.)
It feels warm.
Not very hot.
RecoveryNo recovery time needed.No recovery time needed.No recovery time needed.No recovery time needed.
Duration of result retention
(approximately)
~12 months~12 months~ 6 – 12 months~ 6 – 12 months
StandardUS-FDAThai FDAUS-FDAThai FDAK-FDA, Thai-FDAK-FDA, Thai-FDA

In modern medicine, the procedure... Monopolar RF and HIFU combined. regarded as Gold Standard Or the best standard for non-surgical facelift.

Because we will get results in both dimensions: HIFU is used to "lift" the skin's structure from the deepest layers first, like laying the foundation for a strong house. Then, Monopolar RF is used to "tighten" the overall skin, reduce excess fat, and improve the overall texture, like plastering and decorating a house to make it look beautiful.

Thermage FLX (skin tightening device) and Ulthera (skin lifting device).
Minimum RequitrementThermage FLX (skin firming)Ulthera (skin lifting)
PrinciplesUses monopolar radio waves. (Monopolar RF)
Bulk Heating (transmitting energy in large chunks)
It uses high-intensity and precise ultrasound waves.
(MFU-V) Shooting in a series of small dots.
Working surface layerThe dermis layer and Subcutaneous fat layerSMAS layer (Fascia layer covering the muscle)
Which is the same level as a facelift surgery.
Main resultsTightening
• Firms and plumps the skin.
• Reduce accumulated fat.
• Improve skin quality
Lifting
• Lifts sagging skin.
• Lift eyebrows, lift the corners of the eyes.
• Create a face frame.
Who is it suitable for?People with problems Loose, sagging skin.,
Chubby cheeks, double chin.Want to make your skin firmer and smoother.
People with problems Very saggy skin,
Drooping eyebrows, drooping eyelids.Want to visibly lift the face.
หน้าจอแสดงผลThere is no real-time skin layer display.It has a screen that displays the surface layer in real time.
(Real-time Visualization) It helps the doctor shoot more accurately.
Feelings while doing itfeel "Deeply hot" On the skin
But it's more comfortable with the vibration system and cooling head.
feel "A sharp or dull ache." It goes down just below the skin in dots.
Result durationIt can last for approximately 1-1.5 yearsIt can last for approximately 1-1.5 years

The result is a lifted, firmer face with a more defined jawline, plump and youthful-looking skin, and a naturally radiant appearance. However, the results may vary depending on individual concerns.

Other frequently asked questions