EMFACE and Ultherapy both aim to lift the face without surgery, but they work on different tissue. EMFACE combines radiofrequency with HIFES muscle stimulation to tone facial muscles and stimulate collagen over a course of about 4 to 6 short sessions. Ultherapy PRIME uses image-guided micro-focused ultrasound to reach the deeper SMAS layer, usually in one longer session. A physician assessment decides which suits your face.
Below is a side-by-side comparison, then the questions people ask most when choosing between them. Prices are not covered here; plans are quoted after assessment.
How do EMFACE and Ultherapy compare at a glance?
EMFACE works on skin and the muscles beneath it in a series of sessions, while Ultherapy works on deeper support layers in one session, so they differ in depth, feel and timeline.
| EMFACE | Ultherapy PRIME | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Synchronized radiofrequency heating plus HIFES muscle stimulation through the same applicator | Micro-focused ultrasound creating small thermal coagulation points, with real-time ultrasound imaging |
| What it targets | Muscle tone and skin quality on the cheeks, forehead and brow, and jawline | Laxity of the brow, mid-face, jawline, under-chin, neck and décolletage |
| Depth / layer | Dermis (RF) and the facial muscles beneath it (HIFES) | Treated at 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm, reaching the SMAS layer |
| Typical session feel | Warmth and tingling with rhythmic muscle contractions; about 30 minutes for one or two areas | Brief points of heat or tingling as energy is deposited; 60 to 90 minutes |
| How results develop | Initial change often within 2 to 4 weeks, continuing over about 3 months | Some tightening may be felt early, with lifting developing over 2 to 3 months |
| Common reactions | Temporary redness or mild warmth | Temporary flushing, swelling, tingling or tenderness |
| Who it may not suit | Pregnancy or breastfeeding, a pacemaker or defibrillator, certain metal implants, active skin infection | Pregnancy or breastfeeding, open wounds, severe or cystic acne, active implants in the area, some autoimmune conditions |
How does EMFACE work?
EMFACE delivers radiofrequency heat to the dermis and HIFES (high-intensity facial electrical stimulation) to the facial muscles at the same time, aiming to firm the skin and tone the muscles that support it.
The radiofrequency warms the dermis to encourage collagen and elastin production, which helps texture and fine lines. HIFES produces thousands of muscle contractions to improve tone in the muscles under the cheeks, brow and jawline. Because muscle conditioning builds with repetition, EMFACE is planned as a course: typically 4 to 6 sessions spaced about a week apart, with maintenance every 6 to 12 months. No needles are used.
How does Ultherapy work?
Ultherapy PRIME focuses ultrasound energy at set depths under the skin, creating tiny heated points that start a collagen-building response in the deeper structural layers.
Its real-time imaging (DeepSEE) lets the clinician see tissue layers while treating, so energy is placed at the intended depth. Treatment lines are mapped to your anatomy. Because it reaches the SMAS, the layer addressed in a surgical facelift, Ultherapy is used for early jowling, a lowered brow line and loose skin under the chin and on the neck. Most people have one treatment, and some return about once a year depending on laxity.
Which concerns lean toward EMFACE, and which toward Ultherapy?
Concerns that come from softening muscle tone and thinning skin lean toward EMFACE, while sagging that comes from deeper support layers, such as early jowls or brow descent, leans toward Ultherapy.
EMFACE suits mild to moderate facial sagging where the face looks flatter and less defined, plus fine lines and texture. Ultherapy suits mild to moderate laxity where tissue has started to descend along the jaw, neck or brow. Neither replaces lost volume or repositions advanced sagging the way surgery can; if your main issue is hollowness, volume treatments are usually discussed instead.
What does each treatment feel like?
EMFACE feels like warmth and tingling with a tapping or contracting sensation in the muscles, while Ultherapy feels like brief, deeper points of heat as each line of energy is delivered.
EMFACE energy can be adjusted during the session for comfort, and most people describe it as well tolerated. With Ultherapy, comfort levels vary by area and person; comfort management is discussed beforehand, and topical numbing may be provided. Neither involves incisions.
How soon do results show, and how many sessions are typical?
EMFACE is a course of about 4 to 6 weekly sessions with change building over about 3 months, while Ultherapy is usually a single session with lifting developing over 2 to 3 months.
With either treatment, change is gradual and natural-looking, more "fresher and slightly more defined" than "a different face". Results vary with age, skin and lifestyle, and both are maintained rather than done once for life, since skin keeps ageing.
What are the common reactions and recovery?
Most people resume normal activities the same day after either treatment; temporary redness, warmth, swelling, tingling or tenderness are possible.
After EMFACE, makeup can be worn and sun protection is advised. After Ultherapy, flushing usually fades within hours, while slight swelling or tingling can last a few weeks. Contact the clinic if anything seems unusual.
Who should not have either treatment?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding rule out both, and implants in the treatment area need review for each.
- EMFACE is not suitable with a pacemaker or defibrillator, certain medical or metal implants, active skin infections or open wounds, or severe medical conditions.
- Ultherapy is not used over open wounds or lesions, severe or cystic acne, or active metal implants such as pacemakers in the area, and certain autoimmune conditions are discussed at consultation.
Can they be combined?
Yes, they can be planned together because they work at different layers, with order and spacing set by your physician.
A plan might use Ultherapy for deeper lifting along the jaw and neck and EMFACE to support muscle tone and skin quality across the cheeks and brow. Either can also sit alongside Thermage FLX or volume treatments. Combining is not automatic; it depends on what is driving your concern.
How is the choice made at RAAC?
At RAAC in Richmond, BC, the choice is made at a physician assessment led by Dr. Charles Jiang, who looks at where the laxity comes from before recommending one, the other or both.
The assessment considers laxity pattern and vector, SMAS depth, muscle tone, skin thickness, volume, medical history and implants. Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese at Unit 110, 5580 No. 3 Rd, about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line, open every day from 9:00 to 18:00. Pricing is quoted after the assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is EMFACE a replacement for Ultherapy?
Not usually. EMFACE tones muscle and supports skin quality; Ultherapy targets deeper support layers. They answer different questions, which is why some plans use both.
Which one has more sessions?
EMFACE is typically 4 to 6 sessions about a week apart. Ultherapy is usually one session, with some people returning about once a year.
Does either use needles?
No. EMFACE uses applicators placed on the skin, and Ultherapy uses an ultrasound transducer moved across the skin.
Which areas can each treat?
EMFACE is used on the cheeks, forehead and brow, and jawline. Ultherapy is used on the brow, mid-face, jawline, under-chin, neck and décolletage.
Can I wear makeup afterwards?
After EMFACE, yes. After Ultherapy, most people return to their usual routine the same day; ask your clinician if your skin is flushed.
How long do results last?
Both are maintained over time. EMFACE maintenance is often every 6 to 12 months; Ultherapy results can last a year or more depending on your response and ageing.
For how Ultherapy compares with radiofrequency tightening, see Thermage vs Ultherapy.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment.
