As a registered nurse specialising in non-surgical aesthetics, one of the most common questions I receive is how Volnewmer compares to Thermage. Both are monopolar radiofrequency (RF) devices designed to tighten skin and stimulate collagen production, but they differ significantly in their technology, comfort level, and treatment outcomes.
At Silk Clinical Aesthetics, we are the only clinic in the South Island offering Volnewmer treatments, and I want to explain exactly why we chose this device over its more established competitor.
How Monopolar RF Skin Tightening Works
Before comparing these two devices, it helps to understand the underlying mechanism they share. Monopolar radiofrequency delivers energy deep into the skin using a single electrode. The energy travels from the treatment tip through the tissue to a grounding pad placed on the body, creating a controlled heating effect that reaches the dermis and subcutaneous layers.
This thermal energy triggers two key biological responses. First, existing collagen fibres contract immediately, producing a visible tightening effect. Second, the body's wound healing response kicks in, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin over the following weeks and months. The result is firmer, smoother, more youthful skin that continues to improve over time.
Key Technology Differences
Energy Delivery Method
Thermage uses a multi-pulsation approach, delivering energy in a series of rapid bursts within each treatment pulse. This method can create uneven heating within the tissue, leading to inconsistent results and, at times, uncomfortable hot spots during treatment.
Volnewmer takes a fundamentally different approach with its single pulse per REP (Radio Energy Pulse) technology. Each pulse delivers energy uniformly across the treatment area, creating a more consistent thermal effect throughout the tissue. This precision translates directly into more predictable outcomes and a significantly more comfortable treatment experience.
Hidden Edge Technology
One of Volnewmer's most innovative features is Hidden Edge Technology. This proprietary system creates a wider and deeper heating zone that extends beyond the visible contact area of the treatment tip. The result is more thorough tissue heating with fewer passes needed, reducing overall treatment time while maximising the volume of tissue stimulated.
Thermage does not offer an equivalent technology, meaning clinicians must rely on multiple overlapping passes to achieve similar coverage, which increases both treatment time and the potential for discomfort.
4-Step Cooling System
Patient comfort during RF treatments depends heavily on how well the device manages surface skin temperature. Volnewmer incorporates a sophisticated 4-step cooling system that protects the epidermis before, during, and after energy delivery. This approach keeps the skin surface comfortable while allowing optimal thermal energy to reach the deeper dermal layers where collagen remodelling occurs.
Thermage uses a cryogen-based cooling system that, while effective, can feel quite intense and sometimes causes an unpleasant cold sensation alternating with heat. Many patients describe Thermage treatments as a cycle of cold and hot that can be difficult to tolerate.
Comfort and Patient Experience
This is where the difference between these two devices becomes most apparent. Thermage has historically been known for significant discomfort during treatment, particularly at higher energy settings. While newer Thermage generations have improved on this, many patients still report considerable pain.
Volnewmer's combination of single-pulse energy delivery, Hidden Edge Technology, and the 4-step cooling system creates a treatment experience that most patients describe as warm and tolerable. At Silk Clinical, we find that the vast majority of our patients complete their Volnewmer sessions comfortably without the need for numbing cream or pain medication.
Results Comparison
Both devices produce genuine skin tightening results, but there are important distinctions in how those results develop and how long they last.
With Volnewmer, patients typically notice an immediate mild tightening effect due to collagen contraction. The more substantial results develop over 2 to 6 months as new collagen matures and remodels. Most patients see peak results around the 3 to 4 month mark.
Thermage results follow a similar timeline, though some practitioners report that the peak improvement window can be slightly longer. Both treatments generally produce results that last 1 to 2 years, depending on the patient's age, skin condition, and lifestyle factors.
Why Silk Clinical Chose Volnewmer
After extensive research and hands-on evaluation of both devices, we selected Volnewmer for several reasons. The superior comfort profile means we can treat at optimal energy levels without patient tolerance being a limiting factor. The Hidden Edge Technology allows for more efficient treatments with better tissue coverage. And the single-pulse energy delivery gives us greater precision and control during each session.
As the only Volnewmer provider in the South Island, we are proud to offer Christchurch patients access to this advanced RF technology. Our team of registered nurses has completed comprehensive training on the device, ensuring every treatment is delivered to the highest clinical standard.
Who Should Consider RF Skin Tightening?
RF skin tightening with either device is best suited for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want to improve firmness without surgery. Ideal candidates include those noticing early jowling, loss of jawline definition, crepey skin on the neck or body, or general skin looseness that has developed with age.
Patients with significant skin laxity or those seeking dramatic results may be better served by surgical options or combination treatment plans, which we are happy to discuss during a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Volnewmer FDA approved? A: Volnewmer has received approval from the MFDS (Korea's equivalent of the FDA) and is marketed as EVERESSE in the United States, where it has also received FDA clearance. The device is manufactured by Classys Inc, a globally recognised medical device company.
Q: How many Volnewmer sessions do I need? A: Most patients achieve excellent results with a single treatment session. However, depending on the degree of skin laxity and your aesthetic goals, a second session may be recommended 6 to 12 months after the initial treatment. During your consultation at Silk Clinical, we will assess your skin and recommend a personalised treatment plan.
Q: Is there any downtime after Volnewmer compared to Thermage? A: Both treatments are considered "no downtime" procedures. You may experience mild redness or warmth in the treated area for a few hours following either treatment, but most patients return to normal activities immediately. Volnewmer tends to produce less post-treatment redness due to its advanced cooling system.
Q: Can Volnewmer be combined with other treatments? A: Absolutely. At Silk Clinical, we frequently combine Volnewmer with HIFU (Ultraformer MPT) for patients who want to address both superficial skin tightening and deeper tissue lifting. We also combine it with injectable treatments, skin boosters, and clinical skincare for comprehensive rejuvenation plans.
Q: How much does Volnewmer cost compared to Thermage? A: Pricing varies based on the treatment area and the size of the region being treated. Volnewmer is generally comparable in price to Thermage for similar treatment areas. At Silk Clinical, full face Volnewmer treatments start from $2,500. We recommend booking a consultation so we can provide an accurate quote based on your specific needs.
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