Skin care

Skincare treatments have become very popular lately especially with so many new technologies now available to help us look younger. When seeking treatment, however, it is important to select qualified and experienced professionals who can deliver a high-quality and safe solution tailored to your skin and your goals.

“There are different types of laser therapy and people are often confused by their functions and effects. Currently, Thermage and Fotona 4D are the two major non-invasive therapies used for skin rejuvenation and firming,” said Dr. Lu Yi from Shanghai United Family Hospital. “These two therapies are unique techniques and some people may avoid trying them out of concern for the pain associated with the therapies.”

Thermage uses radiofrequency technology to heat the deep, collagen-rich layers of the skin, in order to help smooth, tighten and contour skin for a younger-looking appearance. “Some patients may have temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, but this usually goes away within just 24 hours. The benefits will appear gradually over one to three months following a single treatment session, and can last for up to one year depending on the skin condition and aging process of each patient. We usually recommend people to undergo the therapy once a year,” Dr. Lu said.

Fotona 4D is another popular technique among beauty seekers, many of whom are concerned about the discomfort associated with Thermage treatment.

Fotona 4D uses a four-step process to rejuvenate and tighten the skin from the inside out. Different from other laser treatments, it starts inside the mouth to initiate the tightening process around the jawline and perioral region, and then doctors will brighten and firm the whole facial skin via a radiant process.

Fotona 4D works on different layers of the skin to tighten the skin by targeting deeper imperfections, pigments, and dilated pores, doctors explained.

“Fotona has a higher skill requirement for doctors, who need to make adjustments during the treatment to control the temperature of the laser. To offer a better patient experience, we utilize a special ventilation head during the heating treatment. The effects of Fotona are optimal in the four to six weeks following the first treatment. We suggest people receive three initial therapies once per month, and then the interval can be reduced to once every three months to maintain the benefits and improved skin condition,” Dr. Lu said.

Doctors said the choice between Thermage and Fotona 4D really depends on each person’s individual goals and skin condition.

“For people who want to achieve skin lifting and tightening, skin color improvement, and wrinkle treatment, but are afraid of pain, Fotona 4D is an ideal choice. While people who are focused on skin tightening and wrinkle removal can choose Thermage,” Lu said.

“But there is no single laser or radiofrequency therapy which can achieve permanent results. Regular treatments combined with proper skin care, good awareness of moisturizing and sun-blocking measures in daily life are all important,” Dr. Lu said. “Professional evaluation and consultation from an experienced dermatologist is also crucial to having successful results.”