Comparing Pelleve with Other Non-Surgical Skin Tightening MethodsMar 15, 2025
The world of skin rejuvenation has changed a lot over the years. With the advent of many new skin-tightening technologies, you may find it hard to know which nonsurgical skin-tightening treatment is right for you. If you’re looking for a wrinkle reduction treatment that refines your skin without the risks of surgical procedures, you’ve likely heard of Pelleve.
Pelleve is an advanced radiofrequency technology that uses controlled heat to induce collagen contraction deep within the dermal tissue. Unlike ablative and surgical procedures, which require downtime and carry risks of scarring, Pelleve offers a non-invasive solution with noticeable improvement that improve up to six months after the procedure.
Get natural-looking results without disrupting your daily routine thanks to Pelleve. Our board-certified specialists harness the power of Pelleve to stimulate collagen and leave you with firmer skin. Schedule a consultation today!
In this blog post, we’ll compare Pelleve with other non-surgical treatments to help you understand how each treatment works and what makes Pelleve stand out.
Pelleve is one of the most popular, FDA-approved, wrinkle reduction treatments. It uses advanced radiofrequency (RF) technology to gently heat up the deeper layers of the skin at about 40°C, stimulating collagen production and improving elasticity. The procedure is painless, requires minimal downtime, and delivers results that get better over several months.
Collagen is an important component in our skin makeup that improves your skin quality by boosting its elasticity and tightness. The heat energy from the Pelleve machine causes dermal tissue remodeling and collagen contraction, resulting in visible tightening.
It’s an effective treatment for moderate wrinkles, skin laxity, jowls, and even stretch marks. The best results are often seen after about six months, providing both immediate and ongoing benefits to skin firmness and youthfulness. Pelleve is the ideal treatment option for delicate areas like the face, upper and lower lips, neck, and labia. A single session lasts between 30-45 minutes with costs ranging from $500-$1500 per session.
A non-invasive alternative to Pelleve is Thermage skin tightening. Just like it uses continuous radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate the skin by breaking down the hydrogen bond between collagen molecules. This immediate contraction of collagen fibers results in visible skin tightening. Additionally, this treatment also stimulates long-term collagen renewal, making it a great solution for skin laxity.
Thermage skin tightening uses a monopolar RF electrode to deliver controlled energy flow to treatment areas. Unlike Pelleve that requires multiple sessions, Thermage usually provides optimal results after a single treatment. Common treatment areas include the face, neck, upper chest, lips, eyes, and stomach. A single session lasts
The procedure utilizes a monopolar RF electrode to deliver controlled energy to targeted areas. Unlike Pelleve, which requires multiple sessions, Thermage generally provides optimal results in a single treatment. It is commonly used to treat the face, neck, upper chest, lips, eyes, and stomach. A session lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, with prices ranging from $700 – $6000.
Although both treatments use radiofrequency energy to treat skin laxity, Thermage is better for larger treatment areas and deeper skin penetration. Pelleve is better suited for smaller, more delicate areas that need precision. In addition to that, Pelleve treatments are more comfortable but they require multiple sessions for the best results, whereas Thermage is a one-time treatment with long-lasting results.
Ultherapy is another non-invasive treatment that tightens and lifts the skin. It uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production. Ultherapy is the only FDA-approved treatment that utilizes micro-focused ultrasound waves to penetrate deep into the skin to heat up collagen and elastin fibers. This results in tightened skin and a boosted collagen regeneration overtime. The full results show up after 6 months.
One of the key advantages of Ultherapy over other treatments is its DeepSEE feature, which allows practitioners see your skin layers in real time which makes it easier for them to accurately target treatment areas. The procedure lasts between 30 to 90 minutes and is primarily used to treat the face, neck, and décolletage. The cost of Ultherapy ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.
Even though Pelleve and Ultherapy focus on skin rejuvenation, they use different technologies. Pelleve used radiofrequency energy, whereas Ultherapy uses ultrasound waves. Ultherapy penetrates the skin deeper making it the ideal treatment for severe cases. Pelleve on the other hand is more gentle and provides surface level tightening. Ultherapy also generally requires just one session to achieve noticeable improvement, unlike Pelleve, which works best over multiple treatments.
Morpheus8 is a groundbreaking technology that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to enhance collagen production and refine the skin’s overall texture. The microneedling component uses small needles to “injure” your skin while delivering RF energy deep into your dermis at the same time. In your skin’s attempt to heal itself, a process called collagenogenesis is triggered, leaving your with reduced fine lines and firmer skin.
Morpheus8 is available in three variations—Face, Body, and V—tailored for different treatment areas, including delicate regions like vaginal tissues. It effectively reduces scars, fades stretch marks, evens your skin tone, and improves your skin’s firmness. The cost varies between $500 and $4,000, depending on the number of sessions required.
This treatment combines Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) with Radiofrequency. They work great together to give you a comprehensive skin rejuvenation treatment. The RF energy heats subdermal collagen molecules, stimulating collagen contraction and new collagen formation. While this is ongoing, the IPL component targets surface pigmentation, improves skin tone and texture. This combination is commonly referred to as Fotofacial treatment.
The procedure treats mild skin sagginess, discoloration, and fine lines. Its better suited for people who want to improve their overall look rather than just tighten their skin. Costs range from $400-$2000.
This treatment combines Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) with Radiofrequency. They work great together to give you a comprehensive skin rejuvenation treatment. The RF energy heats subdermal collagen molecules, stimulating collagen contraction and new collagen formation. While this is ongoing, the IPL component targets surface pigmentation, improves skin tone and texture. This combination is commonly referred to as Fotofacial treatment.
The procedure treats mild skin sagginess, discoloration, and fine lines. Its better suited for people who want to improve their overall look rather than just tighten their skin. Costs range from $400-$2000.
IPL + RF offers a versatile solution for rejuvenating your skin but it is not as effective as Pelleve. Pelleve’s more focused approach makes it better for treating delicate areas.
Pelleve | Thermage | Ultherapy | Morpheus8 | IPL/RF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Radiofrequency (RF) | Radiofrequency (RF) | Focused Ultrasound | Fractional RF Microneedling | Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) + Radiofrequency (RF) |
| Treatment Depth | Superficial to mid-dermis | Deep dermis and subcutaneous layers | Mid to deep dermis | Epidermis to deep dermis | Superficial (epidermis) |
| Precision | Moderate precision | Moderate precision | High precision (targets deep tissue layers) | High precision (adjustable needle depth) | Low precision |
| Downtime | Little or None | Little or None | Little or None | Minimal (redness, swelling) | Little or None |
| Pain | Mild discomfort | Mild to moderate discomfort | Moderate discomfort | Moderate to high discomfort | Mild discomfort |
| Immediate Results | Subtle, gradual improvement | Some immediate tightening. Improves over time | Some immediate tightening. Improves over time | Visible tightening with ongoing improvement | Subtle improvement after several sessions |
| Sessions Required | Typically 3-5 sessions for optimal results | Usually 1 session, with maintenance needed | Usually 1 session, with maintenance needed | 1-3 sessions depending on treatment goals | 3-6 sessions typically required |
| Versatility | Best for mild skin laxity, fine lines | Best for moderate skin laxity, wrinkles | Best for significant skin laxity, lifting | Versatile, treats skin laxity, texture, and scars | Versatile, treats pigmentation, texture, and mild laxity |
Each option offers unique benefits, from stimulating collagen contraction to addressing subcutaneous fat for a more youthful look. If you’d prefer a non-surgical option that delivers natural-looking results with little to no downtime, Pelleve is the perfect choice for you. It’s not only safe and effective, but it also works with your body to produce results that keep getting better six months after the procedure.
We’ve found that the best way to get a treatment that will refresh your skin without unnecessary risks is to consult a professional first. With the help of a professional they can recommend a personalized treatment for you that will help you achieve the best results safely. Take a step towards healthy-looking skin today by booking an appointment.
To know all you need to about Pelleve treatment, reach out to us and book a consultation today. A smoother, more radiant skin awaits you!
Pelleve is the use of radiofrequency technology to heat deep into the skin layers and rejuvenate wrinkled skin. During the procedure, a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device is used to gently heat the skin surface to around 40 degrees Celsius.
Pelleve targets deep layers of the skin causing it to contract thereby stimulating the production of natural collagen. The heat causes the collagen around the region to tighten causing the wrinkled skin to become ironed-out, thereby giving the skin a smooth and refreshing appearance.
Pelleve is a non-surgical, non-invasive, and painless procedure. The instrument is warm and minimal pressure is applied to the skin so it is a pleasant treatment. The procedure does not damage the top layer of skin.
Patients typically see outstanding results immediately after the first session but most need as many as 6 sessions for optimal results. A single session is completed in less than an hour.
Pelleve treatment requires no downtime as no incisions or cuts are made on the skin. Some patients might feel slight sensitivity or redness after the procedure. This sensation is caused by elevated temperature during the treatment but it subsides almost immediately and you can return to your day-to-day activities immediately after the treatment.
This procedure can be used to treat any area with loose skin including around the eyes, mouth, neck, and body. It’s a safe and effective way to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity.
Yes, it is. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, this clinically backed treatment can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different textures and tones. A quick consultation with your skincare professional can clear any doubts you have specific to your skin type.
Sheila Nazarian is the founder and operator of Spa26. Dr. Nazarian’s Spa26 patients benefit from her numerous qualifications. She has years of training and expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon. She graduated from Columbia University, where she concentrated in pre-med. She studied medicine and earned her doctor of medicine degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University.
Spa26 offers luxury skincare, anti-aging treatments, and wellness services. Consult with our experienced team at (310) 683-7537.
