Exilis and Thermage – How They Are Different

Among the two most popular and widely used systems of wrinkle reduction and reshaping of targeted fat deposits are Exilis and Thermage. To be able to make the right choice in what is right for you, you need to know what they both involve and the kind of results you can expect. While they may appear to be similar at first glance, there are differences that enhance one procedure over the other.

Thermage

Thermage is a non-surgical procedure that uses radio frequency energy to stimulate the collagen in your body. The procedure causes the area of application to contract, resulting in tighter and firmer skin. The treatment is done using a hand held device that is applied to the skin surface. The device emits the radio frequency energy that penetrates the surface of the skin to reach the collagen deposits underneath. Although the system works to cool the top layer of skin while delivering heat to the lower layers, you will feel varying sensations of heat while the treatment is in progress. The procedure typically lasts from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the part of the body being treated.

The drawback with Thermage is that it does not work on wrinkles and deep lines.  On the positive side, it can be used on darker skin tones, unlike Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Resurfacing. It also works on lighter skin.

Thermage treatment does not require any down time and you should be able to resume all you normal activities immediately after the procedure is completed. In some cases, there may be mild transient redness which will disappear in a short time. Post treatment exercise and regular hydration is necessary to maximize the results.

Exilis

Exilis is an FDA approved procedure that also uses radio frequency energy to tighten skin on any part of the face or body. Exilis uses radio waves to safely target fat cells. This thermal energy strengthens and stimulates the collagen to improve laxity and texture. The simultaneous cooling action of Exilis allows for the deep layers in the tissue to be treated. This, along with the sophisticated monitoring system, ensures that you will be comfortable and relaxed while the treatment is underway.

There is no downtime after the procedure and you will be able to resume all your activities once it is over.  Here too, exercise and hydration will maximize the benefits of the treatment.

Differences

The main differences between Thermage and Exilis are:

• Thermage applies the energy in a pulsed form, so that each pulse applies a large amount of heat. Exilis delivers the heat continuously and builds it up gradually.
• Thermage treatment takes about 45 to 90 minutes. Each Exilis treatment requires about 30 minutes.
• Thermage is effective on the face and smaller body areas. Exilis is effective on not just the face but on all parts of the body, including the arms, legs, thighs, abdomen, chest and neck.
• The Exilis treatment is more tolerable and is less inexpensive in comparison to Thermage.
• It is cost effective as maintenance is much easier after an Exilis treatment.

Making a Choice

If you need to decide upon the type of treatment you need to undergo, then consulting an experienced doctor, would be advisable, as the doctor can guide you after taking into consideration the various aspects of your requirements and the apt treatment that will provide optimum results.

Doctor Speak

From many reviews, many doctors who have used Thermage, both the old and new devices and despite the great marketing support from the Thermage Company itself, many doctors have graduated into using the Exilis process, as it is longer lasting, is very comfortable on the patient, has better maintenance outcomes and is less expensive.