How does Exilis skin tightening compare to alternative treatments in Portland, OR?

The hands of time can be unkind, particularly to the skin. Dr. Maddox and the team at Thrive offer an extensive variety of treatment options, including Exilis skin tightening.

Exilis vs surgical facelift

There was a time when tightening up and shaping required going under the knife. Thankfully, that era ended with the introduction of nonsurgical, even noninvasive, rejuvenation techniques. Although surgery still does, and always will, have an important place in aesthetic medicine, it is no longer the only way. Today’s cosmetic patients have virtually endless options to choose from.

• Cosmetic surgery for dramatic improvement of a single area – This is the only procedure that removes excess tissue and physically restores optimal position of displaced muscles or other tissues. It is a popular choice for patients with the most severe skin laxity, and those seeking dramatic improvement with a single procedure. A facelift is considered quite safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, it is important to understand that any surgery has some risk of complications and involves some downtime. Additionally, the treatment area is very specific. Patients seeking to improve multiple areas or their overall body shapes would likely need a series of surgeries, some being much more involved than a facelift.
• Exilis for comprehensive noninvasive rejuvenation – In most cases, the problem is not actually excess skin, but rather extreme laxity. With age, the collagen network breaks down, and skin loses its elasticity. At the same time, production of new collagen slows dramatically, so skin fails to rejuvenate itself. Nonsurgical tightening procedures such as Exilis address both issues, firming and tightening fibers while triggering healing responses that speed collagen development. It can be used nearly anywhere, and multiple areas of the body may be treated in a single session.

Exilis vs Vanquish

Exilis and Vanquish are excellent skin treatments, both of which are frequently performed at our office in Portland, OR. These devices use radiofrequency (RF) energy to increase the temperature of targeted tissue, which can reduce localized fat deposits as well as increasing firmness and elasticity of skin. Although similar, each device excels in different situations.

• Vanquish for fat reduction – As a non-contact device, Vanquish can be used virtually anywhere on the body, and it is a good choice for large treatment areas. It gently heats tissue, melting away stubborn fat pockets and sculping body contours. There is no restriction on the size or shape of body that can be treated with Vanquish, so nearly anyone is a potential candidate.
• Exilis for skin tightening – Like Vanquish, Exilis works with RF energy. However, unlike Vanquish it does contact the skin. Therefore, it provides powerful energy, which can be targeted to specific skin layers. Exilis helps restore elasticity and induce collagen production, firming and tightening lax skin.

Exilis vs laser therapy

The most obvious difference between these therapies is the type of energy used. The Exilis Elite device works with radiofrequency (RF) energy, whereas lasers harness the power of light. More importantly, each type of energy has a different effect on skin.

• Laser therapy for resurfacing – Dark spots, superficial scars, visible blood vessels, poor complexion, and similar skin concerns are largely caused by damage to the upper layers. Light energy is easily absorbed, so it usually has the greatest impact on skin’s surface. Depending on the wavelength, it may target pigmentation of vascular tissue, making it extremely effective for targeting certain types of skin lesions. Laser and other light therapies also trigger overall rejuvenation, but a minimal amount of energy reaches the deep layers where collagen production occurs.
• Exilis for reducing laxity – Skin folds, jowls, and overall looseness are associated with the loss of volume, and degradation of collagen. These effects largely occur in deep tissue, well below the surface of skin. Exilis works with RF energy, which can safely pass through the surface. It is also essentially neutral to pigment, making powerful treatments safe for all skin types and colors.

Which option is right for you?

The above discussed are just a few of the many premier anti-aging treatments that we offer here at Thrive. When you visit us for a consultation, we will take time to learn about your concerns and goals, then discuss all viable options. For most patients, the best choice is a tailored treatment plan, with a combination of procedures to address various concerns. Just give us a call at to get started.