The Ultimate Face Lift: Thermage Eyes x Ultherapy @ The Artisan Clinic

Get lifted and firmer with this ultimate duo—all without needles or scalpels!

As I veer towards the wrong side of my 40s, I notice signs of ageing on my face. My eyelids are droopier, nasolabial lines are more pronounced and I just look more tired—despite working out and eating well!

Not a fan of anything invasive, I sought help from The Artisan Clinic and Dr Isaac Wong (my Fairy Godfather for my face) proposed Thermage Eyes to address my tiredness and lift my eyes, and Ultherapy for overall face firming.

A quick science lesson:

Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers in the skin and thus stimulate collagen production and improve laxity in the jowls, cheeks and neck. Its radiofrequency technology heats the deep, collagen-rich layers of the skin, while the tip of the device vibrates and cools the surface to help aid in patient comfort. Additionally, Thermage is the only skin tightening device indicated to treat the eyelids.

Ultherapy is a noninvasive way to firm areas like the chin, neck, brow, and décolleté. It’s based on the same technology used in radiology for ultrasound imaging (i.e. during pregnancy): The machine uses sound wave energy go through your skin to penetrate the muscle of the area you’re treating. It causes the muscle to contract and shrink, which aesthetically results in a firming, wrinkle-smoothing, and contouring effect.

I’ve done both treatments before so I am aware of their anti-ageing benefits, but it’s the first time I’m doing Thermage for my eyes and having them combined this way.

 

Thermage Eyes:

Numbing cream and painkillers were given to me to mitigate the discomfort. Then, numbing eye drops and a protective shield was inserted into my right eye to protect it before starting the treatment. This process was a bit daunting, but Dr Roy was very gentle and considerate throughout—constantly checking on me and warning me before he treated my sensitive areas which are the eyelids.

Overall it was bearable and there were just some sharp jolts and slight heat throughout the 30-minute session (175 shots on eyelids and 50 shots under the eyes). I was also proud to report that I was able to take the full range of the Thermage machine which is a 5. Amazingly, there was an immediate lifting effect and I could see that my right brow was higher and undereye circle less pronounced on my treated eye.

Two weeks later, I was back at the clinic for my Ultherapy treatment.

Ultherapy:

 Again, numbing cream was applied on my face for 30 mins and I was given painkillers. This time it was 500 shots in total for both sides of my face. I could feel surges of energy being deposited under my skin which felt like a tingly deep ache. The first round went 4.5mm deep which was slightly uncomfortable on bony areas like the jawline. Dr Roy also suggested that I stuff gauze into my mouth in between my cheek and teeth to prevent teeth sensitivity. He also adjusted the setting for areas like my neck where the skin is thinner and more likely to be painful.

After the 4.5mm round, the second session which went 3mm deep felt like a walk in the park and I could even doze off as he worked on my face. Maybe the gentle patting on my shoulder by my therapist also helped lull me into slumber. Before I knew it, the 45 minutes were up and I was done!

My cheeks felt slightly sore over the next few days and I looked more awake after my treatment. Some patients may see immediate results especially if they have saggy jowls or skin. For most, best results are expected in two to three months to allow collagen to rebuild and grow. I am not ready for surgery (yet!) so this ultimate duo is an excellent, science-backed option to fight Father Time­!

Thermage Eyes and Ultherapy are available at The Artisan Clinic.

Costs: Price on application

The Artisan Clinic

435 Orchard Road #20-03,
Wisma Atria Office Tower,
Singapore 238877

The Artisan Clinic (Paragon Branch)

290 Orchard Road,
Paragon Medical Suites #07-01,
Singapore 238859

HP: 98187887