The heat causes existing collagen fibres to contract, giving a small lift right away. Minimal discomfort Built-in cooling keeps you comfortable. Many see results after one treatment.

But what’s the difference between them?

Full results are visible as new collagen builds up. Most people enjoy smoother, firmer skin that lasts 12–24 months, depending on lifestyle and aging.

What is Thermage?

Ultrasound reaches deeper layers, similar to a surgical facelift. Real-time ultrasound imaging guides the treatment to the exact depth. Results can last up to 1–2 years with proper care. Resume normal activities right away.

It’s commonly used on the:

• Face

• Neck

• Eyes

• Abdomen

• Arms and thighs

After Thermage, your skin can feel firmer and look more lifted without surgery or injections.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy (also called 超聲刀) uses focused ultrasound energy instead of radiofrequency. It sends ultrasound waves deep into the skin, targeting the same collagen-rich layers that are lifted during a surgical facelift. The ultrasound energy.

Ultherapy is often used to lift and tighten:

• Brows

• Chin and jawline

• Neck

• Décolletage (chest area)

Have realistic expectations of a natural lift, not a dramatic surgical facelift.

How Are They Different?

Are in generally good health, without active skin infections or certain medical conditions.

Who Should Choose Thermage?

Thermage is a good choice if:

• Are noticing mild to moderate skin laxity (looseness) on the face or neck.

• Typically resolves within a few hours to a day.

• You are looking for a more comfortable treatment with less downtime.

• Possible slight bruising Rare, but may occur, especially if sensitive s

• No activity restrictions You can return to work, exercise, and social events immediately.

Who Should Choose Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is better for you if:

• You have noticeable sagging (like droopy brows, loose jawline, or double chin).

• You need a lifting effect more than just smoothing.

• You don’t mind waiting a few months for full results.

• You prefer a treatment that reaches deeper skin layers.

Thermage vs Ultherapy lifts the skin more significantly because it targets deeper structures that Thermage doesn’t reach.

Treatment Experience: What Does It Feel Like?

Which best fits my budget? May be more cost‐effective Often higher cost per session A consultation at RETENS Medical Beauty Center will help you decide based on your skin, goals, and comfort level.

Newer machines (like Thermage FLX) even have cooling features to protect the skin’s surface and make it more comfortable.

超聲刀Ultherapy treatment can feel more intense. You might feel a deep heating and slight pinching or tingling. Some people need mild painkillers before Ultherapy to stay comfortable.

After both treatments, you can go back to your daily activities immediately!

How Long Until You See Results?

Thermage: You may notice some improvement right away, but the real results show in 1–2 months, as your body builds new collagen.

Ultherapy: Results take a bit longer, often 2–3 months, but the lifting effect can be more dramatic.

Both treatments continue to improve your skin over the following 3–6 months.

How Long Do Results Last?

The treatment hand-piece glides across your skin. Radiofrequency energy heats the dermis (middle layer).

You feel a warm sensation—no pain, thanks to built-in cooling. The heat shrinks collagen fibers immediately and kick-starts new collagen over months.

The probe sends focused ultrasound into precise layers. You feel tugs of warmth.

Can You Combine Thermage and Ultherapy?

• Yes! Some people choose to combine both treatments for even better results.

• Use Ultherapy for deep lifting (brows, jawline, neck).

• Use Thermage for surface smoothing (fine lines, skin texture).

By targeting different layers of the skin, combining the two can create a full-face rejuvenation without surgery!

Always talk to your doctor at RETENS Medical Beauty Center first to see if combining is right for you.

Why Choose RETENS for Your Treatment?

At RETENS Medical Beauty Center, we offer both 熱瑪吉Thermage and Ultherapy using the latest machines and safest techniques.

Why choose us?

• Professional Team: You can resume activities immediately—no redness or bruising.

• Personalized Plans: We design the best treatment for your skin type and goals.

• Comfort and Care: You may notice a small tightening effect right after the session.

• Proven Results: Our patients love their lifted, firmer skin and natural-looking improvements.

We are here to help you look and feel your best — safely and naturally.

Conclusion

The provider checks the exact treatment depth on a screen Slight redness or tenderness may appear but resolves quickly. Collagen remodeling brings gradual firming.

You feel small tugs of heat deep under your skin. This triggers collagen rebuilding. Clean skin. A cooling spray may be applied. Hand-piece glides in smooth circles over the target area. You feel warmth with each pulse.

A smooth ultrasound probe is placed on the skin with ultrasound gel. You see ultrasound images of your deep tissue on a screen—this ensures precision. The machine sends tiny bursts of ultrasound energy to exact depths (1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.5 mm).

Migraines aren’t just headaches—they’re debilitating. If you’ve ever had one, you know it’s more than just pain in your head. It’s a full-body experience, often paired with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and the overwhelming need to just shut out the world. Now imagine finding relief not from a pill bottle, but from tiny, hair-thin needles. Sounds strange? Let’s discuss how acupuncture is offering a natural, pill-free path to relief.

Why So Many People Are Turning to Natural Migraine Relief

Millions of people suffer from migraines. For many, prescription and over-the-counter medications don’t always work. Others worry about side effects, dependency, or how those medications interact with other treatments. This has pushed many toward natural therapies, and acupuncture is emerging as one of the most promising options.

So, the real question is: can sticking needles into your skin stop a migraine?

Let’s explore that.

If you’re seeking expert acupuncture in Seattle, WA, aim4healthnw.com comes highly recommended for their compassionate care and migraine-specific approach.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that’s been used for thousands of years. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to restore the flow of energy—or “qi” (pronounced “chee”)—and promote healing.

While it might sound mystical, modern science has begun to catch up. Studies suggest acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system, boost circulation, and trigger the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers.

Still skeptical? That’s completely fair. Let’s break down how it works for migraines.

How Acupuncture Targets Migraine Triggers

Migraines are thought to be caused by abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels. Acupuncture addresses these issues in several ways:

• Reduces inflammation and muscle tension
• Improves blood flow to the brain
• Stimulates nerves linked to pain relief
• Balances hormone and neurotransmitter levels

In simpler terms, acupuncture doesn’t just “mask” the pain like most drugs. It works to correct the underlying imbalance that causes the migraine in the first place.

But does the science back it up? Let’s take a look.

What the Research Says

Over the past decade, acupuncture has gained legitimacy in the medical world, particularly when it comes to migraine treatment.

According to a major 2020 review by the Cochrane Collaboration (an independent network of researchers), acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraines and is at least as effective as prophylactic (preventative) drugs, without the side effects.

Another study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people receiving real acupuncture experienced significantly fewer migraines than those receiving “sham” acupuncture (where needles are placed randomly or not inserted fully).

Here’s something worth thinking about: If something as simple as a few strategic needle placements can prevent days of pain, why aren’t more people doing it?

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

Never had acupuncture before? You’re not alone—and it’s normal to feel a little nervous. Here’s what typically happens during a session:

1. Initial Consultation: Your acupuncturist will ask detailed questions about your migraines, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep, digestion, and more.
2. Needle Placement: You’ll lie on a comfortable table while ultra-thin needles are inserted at specific points—commonly in the face, scalp, neck, arms, or feet.
3. Rest: Once the needles are in, you’ll rest for 20–30 minutes. Many people find this incredibly relaxing—some even fall asleep.
4. Aftercare: You may feel calm or energized afterward. Some people notice immediate relief, while others need a few sessions for results to show.

Here’s a surprising fact: Most people say acupuncture doesn’t hurt. The needles are much finer than those used for injections, and skilled practitioners know how to make the experience as painless as possible.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

Results vary depending on the person and the severity of the migraines. Some people feel a change after just one session, but most acupuncturists recommend an initial course of 6–10 weekly sessions, followed by maintenance visits once or twice a month.

Think of it like building muscle—you can’t expect to hit the gym once and see major changes. Acupuncture builds on itself over time, retraining the body to function more efficiently and calmly.

So, how do you know if it’s time to try acupuncture?

Signs You Might Be a Good Candidate for Acupuncture

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you tired of relying on medication that doesn’t always work?
• Do you suffer from side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or stomach upset from your current migraine treatments?
• Are your migraines affecting your work, relationships, or quality of life?
• Have you tried everything else without success?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, acupuncture could be worth exploring. The worst-case scenario? You walk away more relaxed. The best case? Fewer migraines, more freedom.

Who Should You Trust With the Needles?

Choosing the right practitioner is key. Look for someone who is:

• Licensed and certified by your state or country
• Experienced in treating migraines specifically
• Open to collaboration with your primary care doctor or neurologist

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions during your consultation. A good acupuncturist will listen to your story, explain the process clearly, and make you feel comfortable every step of the way.

What Are the Risks?

Acupuncture is generally considered very safe when performed by trained professionals. Minor side effects like bruising, mild soreness, or temporary fatigue can occur, but serious complications are rare.

However, it’s not for everyone. If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, you’ll want to discuss it with your doctor first.

Let’s be honest—every treatment has some risk. But when you compare acupuncture’s side effect profile to those of migraine medications, the difference is night and day.

Real People, Real Results

Let’s hear from someone who gave acupuncture a shot:

Rachel, 34, graphic designer:
 “I was having 2–3 migraines a week and felt like I was living off ibuprofen. A friend suggested acupuncture. I was skeptical, but after 4 sessions, my migraines started dropping off. Now I get one maybe every other month—and they’re way less intense.”

Stories like Rachel’s aren’t uncommon. While not a miracle cure, acupuncture has helped many find relief after years of frustration.

Combining Acupuncture With Other Lifestyle Changes

Want to boost your chances of success? Acupuncture works best when combined with a few other natural strategies:

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a sneaky trigger.
• Track your triggers: Keep a migraine diary to spot patterns.
• Manage stress: Try yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises.
• Sleep well: Lack of sleep is a common contributor.
• Watch your diet: Certain foods like aged cheese, red wine, or chocolate may set off migraines.

When used as part of a holistic plan, acupuncture can help you move from managing migraines to actively preventing them.

Final Thoughts: Is Acupuncture the Relief You’ve Been Searching For?

Let’s wrap this up by asking the big question again: Can acupuncture really help with migraines?

The answer, increasingly, is yes. It’s not magic—but it is powerful. When done by a skilled practitioner, acupuncture offers a safe, side-effect-free option that targets not just your symptoms, but your whole system. It helps rebalance your body, reduce stress, and create space for healing.

If pills have let you down, and you’re open to trying something different, maybe it’s time to look beyond the medicine cabinet.

Why not consider acupuncture? At the very least, it could bring you a new level of calm. At best, it could give you your life back.

So, have you tried everything except acupuncture? Maybe now’s the time to explore this ancient therapy in a modern world.