What does it cost?
MA360’s doctor consultation is $100, redeemable towards suitable same-day treatment. Treatment pricing depends on your area and plan. Ask for a quote that explains the device, areas covered and follow-up before deciding.
Doctor-led consultations · Chatswood & Hurstville
Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy PRIME in Sydney
Firmer-looking skin or a more defined contour? Compare two non-surgical options, then find out which suits your skin. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency heating; Ultherapy PRIME uses focused ultrasound with live imaging. Both stimulate a collagen response, with different treatment patterns and suitable areas.
Doctor consultation: $100, redeemable towards suitable same-day treatment. Your assessment covers suitability, risks, likely benefit and treatment cost. Treatment is optional; results vary.
Thermage FLX
Firmness, smoothness and skin quality
- Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening treatment
- Often considered for reduced firmness, fine lines, eye-area crepiness and softer-looking skin
- Common treatment areas include the face, eye area, jawline, neck and selected body areas
- Broad radiofrequency heating supports gradual collagen remodelling
Ultherapy PRIME
Lift, support and contour definition
- Microfocused ultrasound with real-time visualisation
- Treatment can be planned at selected depths such as 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm
- Often considered for the jawline, under-chin area, neck, brow region and lower-face support
- Imaging helps guide focused treatment at selected tissue depths
Doctor-Led Planning
Assessment first, then a treatment recommendation based on your needs
Chatswood + Hurstville
Two Sydney clinics for convenient consultations and treatment planning
Layer-by-Layer Assessment
We look beyond the device to understand what is causing the laxity
Natural-Looking Approach
Focused on refined, balanced and natural-looking improvement
Skin tightening is not one-size-fits-all
Thermage or Ultherapy: which concern comes first?
The treatments overlap: both aim to stimulate collagen. Thermage is not limited to the surface, and Ultherapy can target more than one depth. Your skin thickness, tissue position, facial volume and treatment area matter more than a simple “shallow versus deep” rule.
At Medical Aesthetics 360°, we do more than compare device names. We assess whether your concern is related to thinning skin, collagen loss, lower-face descent, under-chin laxity, neck lines, eye-area crepiness or volume loss. This is why an in-person assessment is important before choosing Thermage FLX or Ultherapy PRIME.
Skin Firmness
When skin becomes thinner, crepier or less elastic, the concern is often related to collagen quality and the skin’s supportive structure.
Contour Support
When the jawline becomes less defined, the under-chin area loosens or the face appears to descend, deeper support layers may need to be considered.
Multiple Layers of Ageing
For many people, laxity is not a single-layer concern. A suitable plan may need to address firmness, collagen support, skin quality and facial contour together.
Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy
Compare Thermage FLX and Ultherapy PRIME
Use this comparison as a starting point to understand which direction may better match your concerns. Final suitability can only be determined after a professional, in-person assessment.
On a small screen, swipe the table to compare both treatments.
| Comparison | Thermage FLX | Ultherapy PRIME |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Type | Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) | Microfocused ultrasound with real-time visualisation |
| Primary Focus | Support skin firmness, smoothness, collagen remodelling and overall skin quality | Provide non-surgical lifting and deeper support in suitable treatment areas |
| Easiest Way to Understand It | Broad heating within collagen-rich tissue to support skin firmness | Focused treatment at selected depths to support lifting and tightening |
| Treatment-Depth Concept | Uses broad, controlled radiofrequency heating rather than fixed millimetre depths or a laser wavelength | Selected transducers may target depths such as 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm depending on the area and treatment plan |
| Real-Time Imaging | Does not use real-time ultrasound visualisation | Yes. Visualisation assists the practitioner in observing tissue layers and planning treatment depth |
| Commonly Assessed Concerns | Eye-area lines, thinning or crepey skin, reduced facial firmness, loose-looking skin along the jawline, neck skin quality and selected body areas | Brow, under-chin and neck laxity; lines and wrinkles of the décolletage. Jawline concerns require individual assessment. |
| Downtime | Downtime is often limited. Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or sensitivity may occur | Downtime is often limited. Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness or altered sensation may occur |
| May Be More Suitable For | People primarily concerned with skin firmness, fine lines, texture and collagen-related changes | People with mild to moderate laxity, reduced jawline definition, under-chin laxity or reduced neck support |
| Where It May Be Insufficient Alone | Thermage alone may not fully address marked descent, heavier tissue or concerns primarily caused by volume loss | Ultherapy alone may not comprehensively address surface fine lines, crepey skin or concerns centred on skin texture and softness |
| When changes may appear | Gradual improvement is commonly assessed over 2–6 months. Early changes do not predict the final result. | Changes may become visible after 2–3 months. The response and review schedule vary. |
| What treatment can feel like | Brief heating sensations with cooling; vibration is used with appropriate face and body tips. Discomfort is possible. | Heat, tingling or deeper aching during energy delivery. Sensation varies by area and treatment settings. |
| Cost comparison | A personalised quote depends on the area, treatment tip, extent of treatment and plan. | A personalised quote depends on the area, ultrasound treatment plan and extent of treatment. |
Thermage FLX and Ultherapy PRIME are not laser treatments, so laser wavelength and pulse-width settings do not apply. Both are energy-based skin-tightening technologies, making appropriate assessment, treatment planning, technique and aftercare important.
Timing describes possible change, not a guaranteed result. See Solta Australia’s Thermage information and Ultherapy Australia’s patient information. These are manufacturer sources, not a head-to-head trial.
Still weighing up the two?
Choose Your ClinicBring your priorities—eyes, jawline, neck, comfort or budget—to a doctor-led assessment.
Thermage FLX Sydney
Thermage FLX: firmer, smoother-looking skin
When the main concern is not marked facial descent but skin that is becoming thinner, looser, crepier or less elastic, Thermage FLX may be a worthwhile treatment to assess.
Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency energy to deliver controlled heating within collagen-rich tissue. The treatment is designed to support collagen remodelling, with changes in firmness, smoothness and skin support developing gradually over time.
People who enquire about Thermage FLX often describe concerns such as: “My skin feels looser,” “My eyelids and eye area look crepey,” “The skin along my jawline no longer feels firm,” or “I want a non-surgical, non-injectable option to support skin firmness.”
- May suit people focused on skin firmness and overall skin-quality improvement
- Common areas include the eye area, lower face, jawline, neck and selected body areas
- May suit people seeking a non-surgical option with generally limited interruption to daily activities
- May form part of an ongoing collagen-support and mature-skin management plan
- Where appropriate, it may be planned alongside other skin-quality or collagen-support treatments
Thermage FLX may be worth considering if…
- Your skin appears thinner, crepier or less firm
- Eye-area lines or crepey eyelid skin are a primary concern
- Your face has lost some of its overall firmness
- You prefer a non-surgical, non-injectable collagen-support option
- You want to assess skin laxity on the face, around the eyes, neck or selected body areas
Thermage FLX may not be enough on its own if…
- Lower-face laxity is more advanced
- The under-chin area may require deeper structural support
- A tired appearance is primarily caused by volume loss or hollowing
- The degree of laxity may be more appropriately assessed for a surgical option
- You expect an immediate, dramatic or surgery-equivalent result
Ultherapy PRIME Sydney
Ultherapy PRIME: ultrasound lifting with live imaging
If your concern is not only skin texture but also a sense that the lower face, jawline, under-chin area or neck is beginning to descend, Ultherapy PRIME may be a more relevant option to assess.
Ultherapy PRIME uses microfocused ultrasound energy together with real-time visualisation. This allows tissue layers to be viewed before energy delivery and supports selection of treatment depth according to individual anatomy and treatment goals.
It is commonly considered when assessing early lower-face laxity, reduced jawline definition, under-chin laxity, brow-area descent or neck laxity.
- Treatment may be planned at selected depths such as 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm
- Real-time imaging supports more individualised treatment-depth planning
- Common areas include the lower face, jawline, under-chin area, brow region and neck
- May be considered for people seeking greater contour support and a lifting effect
- Downtime is generally limited, although tenderness, swelling or temporary sensitivity may occur
Ultherapy PRIME may be worth considering if…
- Your jawline has become less defined
- You are noticing early lower-face laxity
- The under-chin area may benefit from additional support and tightening
- The neck skin and contour appear looser
- You want to assess a deeper, non-surgical lifting technology
Ultherapy PRIME may not be enough on its own if…
- Your main concern is surface fine lines, texture or crepey skin
- The main concern needs a different skin-quality or resurfacing treatment
- The degree of laxity is more advanced and may require surgical assessment
- A tired appearance is primarily caused by volume loss or hollowing
- Your comfort needs may require a different treatment or support plan
Which treatment is better?
Match the treatment to the change you want
Thermage FLX and Ultherapy PRIME have overlapping goals but deliver energy differently. Neither is automatically better. A consultation helps separate loose skin, tissue descent and volume loss before you invest in treatment.
If this sounds like you:
“My skin looks thinner, looser, more crepey and less firm.”
This is more consistent with reduced skin firmness, collagen quality and surface support. Thermage FLX may be the more relevant technology to assess.
If this sounds like you:
“My lower face seems to be dropping, my jawline is less visible, and my under-chin area or neck feels less supported.”
This is more consistent with deeper support and contour-lifting concerns. Ultherapy PRIME may be the more relevant technology to assess.
Some patients may benefit from a staged or combined plan because Ultherapy PRIME is more focused on deeper support, while Thermage FLX is more focused on skin firmness and collagen remodelling. Whether both are appropriate, which treatment should be performed first and how they should be spaced depends on an in-person assessment, skin thickness, degree of laxity, comfort preferences and budget.
The Medical Aesthetics 360° Approach
A clearer decision starts with your consultation
Bring your main concern and the degree of change you hope to see. We assess suitable options, explain likely benefits and limitations, and discuss comfort, recovery and cost so you can make an informed decision.
Identify the primary concern
Is the main issue eye-area crepiness, reduced jawline definition, under-chin laxity, neck lines, generally softer skin or a tired appearance caused by volume loss?
Assess the skin and facial structure
Skin thickness, age, degree of collagen loss, facial weight, previous treatments, medical history and downtime preferences can all influence treatment selection.
Select the appropriate treatment layer
Thermage FLX may be considered for broad radiofrequency skin tightening and collagen support. Ultherapy PRIME may be considered for deeper ultrasound-based lifting. Other technologies such as Sofwave, Morpheus8 or XERF may also be discussed depending on your assessment.
Set realistic expectations
Non-surgical skin tightening generally produces gradual changes. The aim is to support firmness, contour and an overall refreshed appearance—not to replicate the outcome of surgical lifting.
Reduced Jawline Definition
If deeper support is the main concern, Ultherapy PRIME may be more relevant. If the skin itself has also lost firmness, Thermage FLX may be included in the treatment discussion.
Eye-Area Lines and Laxity
Thermage FLX is commonly considered when assessing eye-area crepiness, fine lines and reduced skin firmness.
Neck Laxity
Neck concerns may involve loose skin, lines and reduced deeper support at the same time. Thermage FLX, Ultherapy PRIME or a staged plan may therefore need to be assessed.
Cost, comfort & timing
Know what you are choosing before you commit
How will it feel?
Both treatments can be uncomfortable. Thermage uses cooling and, for appropriate tips, vibration; ultrasound can produce deeper aching or tingling. Discuss your comfort preferences and available measures during your assessment.
When should I plan it?
Allow time for gradual change rather than booking close to an important event. Thermage changes are commonly assessed over 2–6 months; Ultherapy changes may become visible after 2–3 months. Recovery and results vary.
A lower headline price does not explain the whole plan. Compare the treatment area, proposed coverage, practitioner assessment, comfort measures and follow-up. You can take time to consider your options.
Treatment Selection Guide
How common concerns may guide the treatment discussion
On a small screen, swipe the table to compare both treatments.
| You May Describe It As | Potential Assessment Direction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| “My eyelids and eye area look thin and crepey.” | Thermage FLX assessment | This is often related to fine lines, crepey skin and reduced collagen support. |
| “My jawline is becoming less defined.” | Ultherapy PRIME assessment | This may be related to lower-face support and laxity within deeper tissue layers. |
| “My skin feels looser overall.” | Thermage FLX or a combined plan | Broader collagen support and skin-firming treatment may be appropriate to assess. |
| “The area under my chin is becoming loose and affecting my side profile.” | Ultherapy PRIME assessment | Where appropriate, deeper ultrasound-based support may be worth considering. |
| “My neck skin is thin, lined and beginning to loosen.” | Thermage FLX, Ultherapy PRIME or a staged plan | The neck often presents with both skin-quality changes and deeper laxity. |
| “My face looks tired and hollow.” | Doctor assessment first | This may be related to volume loss, hollowing or structural change rather than skin laxity alone. |
Safety & Suitability
Understand suitability, comfort and risks
Energy-based skin-tightening treatments may be considered as non-surgical rejuvenation options for appropriately selected patients, but they are not risk-free.
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, aching, numbness or altered sensation may occur. Less common risks that should also be discussed include burns, blistering, crusting, pigmentary change, persistent sensory disturbance, nerve irritation, nodules, surface irregularity or scarring.
Please disclose relevant medical conditions, implanted electronic devices, pregnancy or breastfeeding, active skin conditions, recent aesthetic procedures, and any history of scarring or pigmentary complications during your consultation.
Before treatment, MA360 assesses suitability, treatment areas, energy strategy, aftercare, likely downtime, comfort considerations and whether another option may be more appropriate.
Electrical implants: Thermage should not be used in people with a pacemaker, defibrillator or another electrical implant. Tell the clinician about implants, medicines and previous fillers or threads before either treatment. Eye-area Thermage requires appropriate eye tips and eye protection; brow treatment with Ultherapy is not the same as direct eyelid treatment.
This page provides general educational information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or an individual consultation. Outcomes, downtime, comfort and suitability vary between individuals.
Already treated? Read the skin-tightening aftercare guide for recovery and when to contact the clinic.
Chatswood & Hurstville
Choose Chatswood or Hurstville for your assessment
Medical Aesthetics 360° provides doctor-led skin-tightening and non-surgical lifting consultations at our Chatswood and Hurstville clinics.
Chatswood Skin Tightening Consultations
Suite 203, Level 2, 38B Albert Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067
Convenient for patients from Chatswood, Roseville, Willoughby, Lindfield, Artarmon, North Ryde, Macquarie Park and across Sydney’s North Shore.
Your consultation may include assessment for Thermage FLX, Ultherapy PRIME and other non-surgical skin-tightening options, with recommendations based on your skin and facial structure.
Hurstville Skin Tightening Consultations
41–43 Dora Street, Hurstville NSW 2220
Convenient for patients from Hurstville, Kogarah, Beverly Hills, Penshurst, Oatley, Allawah, Rockdale and the wider St George area.
Assessment may address the jawline, under-chin area, eye-area laxity, neck firmness, collagen support and broader facial rejuvenation goals.
When enquiring, tell the team your preferred clinic and treatment area. They can confirm appointment and device availability for your proposed treatment.
FAQs
Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy: your questions answered
Is Thermage FLX better than Ultherapy?
Not necessarily. Thermage FLX may be more relevant for skin firmness, fine lines, crepey skin and collagen support. Ultherapy PRIME may be more relevant for deeper support and lifting concerns affecting the jawline, under-chin area, brow region or neck. The more suitable option depends on the cause and layer of your concern.
Is Ultherapy more suitable for the jawline?
Ultherapy PRIME is commonly considered for jawline and lower-face support because microfocused ultrasound can be delivered at selected depths. However, if reduced jawline definition also involves loose or crepey skin, Thermage FLX or a staged plan may also be considered.
Is Thermage FLX more suitable for the eye area?
Thermage FLX is commonly considered when assessing eye-area fine lines, crepey eyelid skin and reduced firmness. The eye area is delicate, so skin thickness, eye anatomy and previous treatment history should be assessed first.
Can Thermage FLX and Ultherapy be used in the same treatment plan?
Some patients may be suitable for a staged or combined plan because the two treatments address different layers and concerns. Whether both are appropriate, which should be performed first and how they should be spaced depends on skin condition, comfort preferences, downtime and treatment goals.
Which treatment has less downtime?
Both treatments generally involve limited downtime for many patients. Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising or altered sensation may occur. Recovery varies according to the individual, treatment area, treatment settings and skin response.
Are Thermage and Ultherapy laser treatments?
No. Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy, while Ultherapy PRIME uses microfocused ultrasound. They are not laser-resurfacing treatments, so laser wavelength and pulse-width settings do not apply.
Can Asian skin be treated with Thermage or Ultherapy?
Asian skin may be considered for these energy-based treatments following appropriate assessment and treatment planning. Any heat-based treatment may carry risks including burns or post-inflammatory pigmentation, so skin type, energy selection, technique and aftercare are important.
How do I know which treatment I need?
The most reliable starting point is an in-person consultation. We assess skin thickness, the pattern of laxity, facial structure, previous treatments, comfort preferences and goals before discussing Thermage FLX, Ultherapy PRIME, another tightening technology or a broader treatment plan.
How much do Thermage FLX and Ultherapy cost in Sydney?
Treatment prices depend on the area, extent of treatment and individual plan. MA360’s doctor consultation is $100, redeemable towards suitable same-day treatment. Request a personalised treatment quote and confirm what is included before booking treatment.
Which is more painful: Thermage or Ultherapy?
Neither is reliably more comfortable for everyone. Thermage can feel hot; Ultherapy can cause heat, tingling or deeper aching. The area, settings and individual sensitivity matter. Discuss comfort measures and previous treatment experiences at your consultation.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Thermage changes commonly develop over 2–6 months; Ultherapy changes may become visible after 2–3 months. Results are not permanent, and longevity depends on your skin, ageing, treatment response and maintenance plan. Neither timing nor the degree of improvement can be guaranteed.
How many sessions will I need?
Some people have a single treatment followed by review; others need a different or staged plan. Your clinician should explain the proposed schedule and review point. Repeating treatment sooner does not automatically produce a better result.
Can I book at Chatswood or Hurstville?
MA360 offers skin-tightening consultations at Chatswood and Hurstville. Contact the team with your preferred clinic and concern so they can confirm the appropriate appointment and treatment availability.
Related MA360 Pages
Explore More Skin Tightening and Skin Quality Treatments
Explore MA360’s non-surgical skin-tightening, collagen-support and skin-quality options to compare the technologies and treatment pathways that may be discussed during consultation.
Sources & Device Information
This educational page references publicly available device information from Thermage, Solta Medical Australia, Ultherapy Australia and Ultherapy PRIME physician information. External links are provided for general device education only. Treatment suitability must be assessed in person by a suitably qualified healthcare professional.
Start With the Right Assessment
Find the skin-tightening plan that fits your goals
You do not need to choose a device before you book. Tell us what you would like to improve, and discuss suitable options, expected change, comfort and cost with MA360 in Chatswood or Hurstville.
Doctor consultation: $100, redeemable towards suitable same-day treatment. Suitability is assessed first; treatment is optional.
Important: Outcomes from non-surgical skin-tightening treatments vary, and not every treatment is suitable for every person. This page does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or an individual consultation.