Head to head

Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy (2026)

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

Read the comparison overview

Purchase cost: Catalog new-price ranges: Thermage FLX, $100k–$145k; Ultherapy, $130k–$175k. Check the source notes and request current quotes.
Technology: Thermage FLX: Radiofrequency — monopolar. Ultherapy: HIFU / Ultrasound.
Practice fit: Thermage FLX: monopolar RF skin tightening. Ultherapy: HIFU/ultrasound lifting. Check each model’s US regulatory status and labeled indications for your intended use.

Device A

Monopolar RF skin tightening

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Device B

HIFU/Ultrasound Lifting

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Price comparison

Price comparison: Solta Medical Thermage FLX vs Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
Attribute	Solta Medical Thermage FLX	Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
New price range	$100k–$145kReported source: Dealer quote · Aug 12, 2026	$130k–$175kSource not documented
Used price reference	$40k–$80kReported source: Used listing · Aug 12, 2026	$20k–$60kSource not documented
Payback calculator	View ROI calculator	View ROI calculator
Next step		Explore this model’s specs and owner reviews. For new-equipment inquiries, browse current models. Browse current models

New price range

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: $100k–$145kReported source: Dealer quote · Aug 12, 2026
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): $130k–$175kSource not documented

Used price reference

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: $40k–$80kReported source: Used listing · Aug 12, 2026
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): $20k–$60kSource not documented

Payback calculator

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: View ROI calculator
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): View ROI calculator

Next step

Solta Medical Thermage FLX

Ulthera System (Ultherapy)

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Supplies & running costs

Supplies & running costs: Solta Medical Thermage FLX vs Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
Attribute	Solta Medical Thermage FLX	Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
Supplies & restrictions	Read supply costs & requirements One of the most consumable-heavy platforms in the market: the Total Tip is single-use and shot-limited, one patient per tip. The September 4, 2026 catalog review did not verify a US manufacturer Total Tip list price; the figures previously shown mixed euro export pricing with undated reseller quotes. Dealer quote · Aug 30, 2026 Supply restrictions: hard-lock — electronic lockout enforces single use View running-cost details	Supply pricing is not documented with a dated source yet. Request an itemized supply quote. Supply restrictions: usage-metered — treatment credits, pulses or usage charges apply View running-cost details

Supplies & restrictions

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: Read supply costs & requirements
One of the most consumable-heavy platforms in the market: the Total Tip is single-use and shot-limited, one patient per tip. The September 4, 2026 catalog review did not verify a US manufacturer Total Tip list price; the figures previously shown mixed euro export pricing with undated reseller quotes.
Dealer quote · Aug 30, 2026
Supply restrictions: hard-lock — electronic lockout enforces single use
View running-cost details
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): Supply pricing is not documented with a dated source yet. Request an itemized supply quote.
Supply restrictions: usage-metered — treatment credits, pulses or usage charges apply
View running-cost details

FDA status & indications

FDA status & indications: Solta Medical Thermage FLX vs Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
Attribute	Solta Medical Thermage FLX	Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
FDA status & indication	FDA record cited — see scopeK170758 Record scope: 510(k): K170758 names the Thermage/ThermaCool family. Checked 4 Sep 2026. Read FDA indication wording “The radiofrequency-energy only delivery components of the Thermage FLX System are indicated for use in: • Dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis; • Non-invasive treatment of periorbital wrinkles and rhytids including upper and lower eyelids; • Non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids. The simultaneous application of radio frequency energy and skin vibration by the Thermage FLX System is indicated for use in: • Dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis; • Non-invasive treatment of periorbital wrinkles and rhytids; • Non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids; • Temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite; • Relief of minor muscle aches and pains; • Relief of muscle spasms; • Temporary improvement of local circulation (i.e., blood circulation).”	FDA record cited — see scopeDe Novo: DEN080006, K121700, K122528, K132028, K134032, K180623, K233996, K243035, K250418, K260618 Record scope: De Novo: DEN080006 (decision 11 Sep 2009). 510(k): K121700, K122528, K132028, K134032, K180623, K233996, K243035, K250418 and K260618. Checked 4 Sep 2026. Read FDA indication wording “1064nm: The Cynosure Affirm Family laser is intended for the coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions, such as, but not limited to, port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins, spider veins and poikiloderma of civatte; and treatment of benign cutaneous lesions such as warts, scars, striae and psoriasis. The laser is also intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), Caf6 au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi, chloasma, verrucea, skin tags, keratoses, tattoos (significant reduction in the intensity of black and/or blue/black tattoos) and plaques. The laser is also indicated for the treatment of wrinkles such as, but not limited to, periocular and perioral wrinkles. 1320nm: The Cynosure Affirm Family laser is indicated for use in general surgery and dermatology for the incision, excision, ablation, vaporization, coagulation and hemostasis of soft tissue. It is also indicated for the treatment of periorbital and perioral wrinkles. It is also indicated for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. 1440nm: The Cynosure Affirm Family laser is indicated for use in general surgery and dermatology for the incision, excision, ablation, vaporization, coagulation and hemostasis of soft tissue. It is also indicated for the treatment of periorbital and perioral wrinkles and pigmented lesions. The XPL Pulsed Light System Handpiece is intended for permanent hair reduction and the treatment of dermatological vascular lesions, facial and leg veins, benign pigmented lesions, and inflammatory acne. The Affirm Family System Laser Attachment is intended for: Er:YAG 2,940 nm - for skin resurfacing and for the incision, excision, ablation or vaporization of soft bodily tissues.”

FDA status & indication

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: FDA record cited — see scopeK170758
Record scope: 510(k): K170758 names the Thermage/ThermaCool family. Checked 4 Sep 2026.
Read FDA indication wording
“The radiofrequency-energy only delivery components of the Thermage FLX System are indicated for use in: • Dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis; • Non-invasive treatment of periorbital wrinkles and rhytids including upper and lower eyelids; • Non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids. The simultaneous application of radio frequency energy and skin vibration by the Thermage FLX System is indicated for use in: • Dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis; • Non-invasive treatment of periorbital wrinkles and rhytids; • Non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids; • Temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite; • Relief of minor muscle aches and pains; • Relief of muscle spasms; • Temporary improvement of local circulation (i.e., blood circulation).”
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): FDA record cited — see scopeDe Novo: DEN080006, K121700, K122528, K132028, K134032, K180623, K233996, K243035, K250418, K260618
Record scope: De Novo: DEN080006 (decision 11 Sep 2009). 510(k): K121700, K122528, K132028, K134032, K180623, K233996, K243035, K250418 and K260618. Checked 4 Sep 2026.
Read FDA indication wording
“1064nm: The Cynosure Affirm Family laser is intended for the coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions, such as, but not limited to, port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins, spider veins and poikiloderma of civatte; and treatment of benign cutaneous lesions such as warts, scars, striae and psoriasis. The laser is also intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), Caf6 au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi, chloasma, verrucea, skin tags, keratoses, tattoos (significant reduction in the intensity of black and/or blue/black tattoos) and plaques. The laser is also indicated for the treatment of wrinkles such as, but not limited to, periocular and perioral wrinkles. 1320nm: The Cynosure Affirm Family laser is indicated for use in general surgery and dermatology for the incision, excision, ablation, vaporization, coagulation and hemostasis of soft tissue. It is also indicated for the treatment of periorbital and perioral wrinkles. It is also indicated for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. 1440nm: The Cynosure Affirm Family laser is indicated for use in general surgery and dermatology for the incision, excision, ablation, vaporization, coagulation and hemostasis of soft tissue. It is also indicated for the treatment of periorbital and perioral wrinkles and pigmented lesions. The XPL Pulsed Light System Handpiece is intended for permanent hair reduction and the treatment of dermatological vascular lesions, facial and leg veins, benign pigmented lesions, and inflammatory acne. The Affirm Family System Laser Attachment is intended for: Er:YAG 2,940 nm - for skin resurfacing and for the incision, excision, ablation or vaporization of soft bodily tissues.”

Which chains run each

Which chains run each: Solta Medical Thermage FLX vs Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
Attribute	Solta Medical Thermage FLX	Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
Chain adoption	1 recorded pairing	0 recorded pairings
Chains using it	LaserAway(Confirmed)	—
Approved reviews	0	0

Chain adoption

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: 1 recorded pairing
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): 0 recorded pairings

Chains using it

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: LaserAway(Confirmed)
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): —

Approved reviews

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: 0
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): 0

Specs and platform

Specs and platform: Solta Medical Thermage FLX vs Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
Attribute	Solta Medical Thermage FLX	Ulthera System (Ultherapy)
Manufacturer	Solta Medical	Ulthera
Built by (OEM)	Solta Medical Inc.	Ulthera Inc.
Category	Monopolar RF skin tightening	HIFU/Ultrasound Lifting
Technology	4th-gen monopolar RF (Radiofrequency — monopolar)	Microfocused ultrasound + DeepSEE imaging (HIFU / Ultrasound)
Launch year	2017	2009
Status	Current	Legacy-used-market
Manufacturing relationship evidence	No separate manufacturing-relationship record linked.	No separate manufacturing-relationship record linked.

Manufacturer

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: Solta Medical
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): Ulthera

Built by (OEM)

Solta Medical Thermage FLX: Solta Medical Inc.
Ulthera System (Ultherapy): Ulthera Inc.

Current alternatives

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

Classys EVERESSE (Volnewmer)

Monopolar RF skin tightening

New-equipment price not yet documented.

Classys Shurink Universe

HIFU/Ultrasound Lifting

New-equipment price not yet documented.

Classys Ultraformer III

HIFU/Ultrasound Lifting

New-equipment price not yet documented.

Classys Ultraformer MPT

HIFU/Ultrasound Lifting

New-equipment price reference

$40k–$70k

Source not documented

Check the profile for configuration and price details.

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