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Head to head

Skinwave vs HydraFacial Elite MD (2026)

Compare purchase costs, running costs and the evidence behind each device.

Read the comparison overview
Purchase cost
Catalog new-price ranges: Skinwave, $28k–$40k; HydraFacial Elite MD, $25k–$32k. Check the source notes and request current quotes.
Technology
Skinwave: Hydradermabrasion. HydraFacial Elite MD: LED / photobiomodulation.
Practice fit
Both are listed under hydradermabrasion. Check each model’s US regulatory status and labeled indications for your intended use.

Hydradermabrasion

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Hydradermabrasion

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Price comparison

New price range

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
$28k–$40kSource not documented
HydraFacial Elite MD
$25k–$32kSource not documented

Used asking range

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
$15k–$22kSource not documented
HydraFacial Elite MD
$10k–$18kSource not documented

Payback calculator

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
View ROI calculator
HydraFacial Elite MD
View ROI calculator

Next step

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
HydraFacial Elite MD

Explore this model’s specs and owner reviews. For new-equipment inquiries, browse current models.

Browse current models

Consumable economics

Consumable cost / lock-in

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
Supply pricing is not documented with a dated source yet. Request an itemized supply quote.
HydraFacial Elite MD

Service cost

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
Not published
HydraFacial Elite MD
Not published

FDA clearance

FDA status & indication

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
Registered — no device clearance identified
HydraFacial Elite MD
Registered — no device clearance identified

Which chains run each

Chain adoption

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
0 recorded pairings
HydraFacial Elite MD
2 recorded pairings

Chains using it

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
HydraFacial Elite MD
  • VIO Med Spa(Confirmed)
  • The Covery(Confirmed)

Approved reviews

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
0
HydraFacial Elite MD
1

Specs and platform

Manufacturer

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
Cartessa Aesthetics
HydraFacial Elite MD
HydraFacial

Built by (OEM)

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
Cartessa Aesthetics
HydraFacial Elite MD
Edge Systems LLC

Category

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
Hydradermabrasion
HydraFacial Elite MD
Hydradermabrasion

Technology

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
Hydrogen-water hydradermabrasion + contour roller (Hydradermabrasion)
HydraFacial Elite MD
Vortex-Fusion + LED + lymphatic attachments (LED / photobiomodulation)

Launch year

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
2019
HydraFacial Elite MD
2017

Status

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
Current
HydraFacial Elite MD
Discontinued

Manufacturer source record

Cartessa Aesthetics Skinwave
No linked source on file.
HydraFacial Elite MD
No linked source on file.

Current alternatives

Current catalog models in related categories. Confirm availability and configuration with the supplier.

Device and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. The Aesthetic Index is not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer, distributor or lender named here, except as disclosed. Price figures are references, not current offers. Check each device’s source notes. Not medical, legal or regulatory advice.