Beauty for All
Walks of Life

Basic Information and Differences Between Volumnema and Thermage

What is Volumnema?

Volumnema is a machine that emits RF (radiofrequency) energy.
Electrodes are placed on the back, and the handpiece is used to target areas of the face and neck where tightening is desired.
The heat is applied from the surface of the skin down to the dermis and subcutaneous fat.
The heat stimulates the tissue, tightening it and providing potential rejuvenating effects.

What is Thermage?

Thermage is the original RF machine, developed in the United States in 2002.
The first version was simple, applying heat directly. However, the third-generation CPT and fourth-generation FLX have been equipped with devices to reduce the heat sensation, allowing for higher effectiveness with lower risk.
Once Thermage's patent expired, various other RF machines were developed.

Overview of the Differences Between Volumnema and Thermage

Thermage is the original, while Volumnema is considered a generic version.

Pain Differences During the Treatment

Pain During Volumnema Treatment

Volumnema is known for being relatively pain-free.
This is due to several factors, such as the round shape of the handpiece head (the part that touches the skin), which prevents excessive heat buildup.
The risk of burns is reduced, and heat is effectively applied, making it a very efficient machine.

Pain During Thermage Treatment

Thermage is extremely hot.
As a personal note, when I worked in my previous job, I used a lot of nitrous oxide anesthesia during the procedure.
Although a vibration system is in place, the heat can still be unbearable at times.
However, Thermage’s results are undeniably effective.
I personally feel the pain is worth enduring for the results.

Pain Reduction Methods

Using vibration, cooling devices, nitrous oxide anesthesia, or simply enduring the pain.

Effectiveness Differences Between Volumnema and Thermage

Collagen Production with Volumnema

When heat is applied to the skin, collagen and elastin are produced.
As collagen and elastin are generated, the skin regains elasticity and firmness.
This is a general effect of RF devices.

Lift Effect with Thermage

Thermage tightens tissue with heat.
When heat is applied from the skin’s surface down to the subcutaneous fat, it results in a lifting effect.
This is a common effect of RF devices.
In our clinic, we design the treatment to maximize the lift effect.

Comparison of Effect Duration

We recommend treatments every 6 months for both Volumnema and Thermage.
Collagen production and elastin reconstruction typically take 2 to 3 months, and the effects gradually decrease around the 6-month mark.

Disadvantages and Risks of Each

Disadvantages of Volumnema

The effects are mild, so it requires continuous treatment.
It may not be suitable for those who want immediate results.
Additionally, the cartridges are relatively expensive, making the treatment costly.

Disadvantages of Thermage

The pain is significant.
Also, being the original RF treatment, it tends to be more expensive.

Risks Associated with Treatment

The main risk is burns.
The more you endure the heat and pain, the better the results, but excessive tolerance can lead to burns.
In such cases, I used to apply steroids to treat burns.

Treatment Areas Suitable for Each

Treatment Areas for Volumnema

Volumnema can be applied not only to the face and neck but also to areas like the arms and abdomen.
It is suitable for most areas of the body, but it cannot be used in the eye socket (the area not surrounded by bone).

Treatment Areas for Thermage

Thermage can also be used on most areas of the body.
The eye area can be treated if special contact lenses are used.

Target Concerns for Each Treatment

Concerns Treated by Volumnema

For sagging and volume reduction, RF is effective in reducing volume.

Yoshiko Kuno