September 19, 2026
When evaluating non-surgical skin lifting options in Singapore, patients frequently compare Volnewmer RF vs Ultherapy, asking whether ultrasound or a radiofrequency system is better suited for their facial goals. While Ultherapy (Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualization, or MFU-V) is one of the many options for deep structural lifting, monopolar radiofrequency (RF) devices such as Volnewmer offer distinct clinical advantages under specific circumstances.
Delivers intense, focused ultrasound beams that bypass the upper skin to form discrete Thermal Coagulation Points (TCPs) at precise depths including the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) layer at 4.5mm1. This acts as a deep structural anchor to lift sagging tissues2.
Uses a continuous 6.78 MHz monopolar frequency to generate bulk thermal heating uniformly across the skin3. Instead of isolated thermal points, it warms the entire area to trigger widespread collagen tightening and remodelling4.
A common misconception among patients looking for lifting treatments is that targeting deeper tissues yields superior aesthetic outcomes. While reaching the deeper layers are critical for repositioning heavy sagging tissues, deep treatment is not always appropriate for every face1.
Facial anatomy differs significantly across individuals and facial zones. The skin around the periorbital area, forehead, and mid-face is often significantly thinner than the lower cheeks. Delivering high-energy ultrasound pulses too deep in these regions bypasses the target tissue entirely or risks heat dissipation into underlying fat compartments1,5.
In leaner patients or individuals with naturally low subcutaneous fat, applying aggressive deep-layer ultrasound can contract delicate facial fat pads. This can sometimes lead to a “hollowed” or aged appearance rather than a refreshed, lifted contour1.
Skin laxity is frequently caused by collagen breakdown within the dermal layer itself, not just sagging of the underlying muscle frame. Treating the SMAS layer alone will not restore lost elasticity, refine crinkly surface texture, or thicken a thinning dermis3,4.
In these scenarios, uniform energy delivery focused and tailored across all layers provides safer, more visually effective tightening without compromising facial volume3,5.
A primary concern among slimmer patients or those with hollow cheeks is post-treatment facial volume depletion. Ultherapy delivers high-energy pulses deep into structural layers; if applied incorrectly over thin subcutaneous fat or if too much power is used, it can risk worsening facial hollowing.
Volnewmer distributes volumetric, continuous energy evenly throughout the dermal layer. This contracts the overlying skin while safeguarding underlying fat compartments, making it ideal for patients seeking tighter skin without compromising natural facial fullness.
Ultherapy acts primarily as an underlying tether to pull up deep sagging tissue, but its isolated thermal points do not directly treat the entire superficial skin.
Volnewmer heats collagen fibres uniformly across layers. This broad-field heating stimulates rapid collagen contraction and long-term fibroblast renewal, making it more effective at smoothing fine lines, tightening thin, crepey skin, and improving skin elasticity.
Certain facial regions feature thinner skin and complex contours that are difficult to treat with rigid ultrasound transducers. Volnewmer utilises specialised curved tips (such as the ultra-precise “I-Tip”) and curved edge technology that adapt to curved anatomical structures. This allows practitioners to safely target delicate areas including the periorbital region, upper eyelids, and forehead area.
Patients experiencing early-stage skin ageing often present with loss of dermal density rather than severe tissue descent. While Ultherapy targets deep layers, Volnewmer focuses energy where collagen degradation actively affects skin quality. By thickening the superficial skin layer, Volnewmer corrects sagging and tightens early skin laxity.
Sometimes after a patient completes multiple HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) or Ultherapy treatments, they still notice some residual skin sagging. Ultrasound primarily tightens the structural SMAS foundation (the deep frame), but if the overlying skin itself lacks dermal density and elasticity, the surface will continue to drape loosely over the tightened frame.
Switching to or adding Volnewmer targets the dermal layer directly, contracting loose skin sheets and rebuilding collagen thickness to ‘tighten the surface’ that deep ultrasound cannot fix alone.
A 38-year-old woman presented with persistent crepey skin and superficial laxity seven months after undergoing a full-face Ultherapy treatment, with little visible improvement. On assessment, she had a relatively lean facial structure with minimal deep tissue sagging, but more noticeable changes in superficial skin firmness and texture. This suggested that her main issue was not simply deeper tissue descent, but loss of dermal firmness and skin quality1. Rather than repeating the same treatment, we recommended Volnewmer to provide a broader and more volumetric heating to the skin and superficial soft tissue2,3, with the aim of improving firmness and stimulating collagen remodelling. Over the following 12 weeks, her skin appeared firmer and less crepey, with improved surface texture and elasticity, while maintaining her existing facial volume3,5.
Key Takeaway: A treatment can be technically well performed but still produce limited results if the energy-delivery approach does not match the patient’s underlying concern. For patients with predominantly superficial laxity and poor skin quality, Volnewmer may be more appropriate than simply repeating a deeper lifting treatment.
Conclusion
Volnewmer and Ultherapy can both improve facial laxity, but they are not interchangeable treatments. The right choice depends on which facial layer is contributing to your laxity, how deep the changes are, your facial structure and what you actually want to improve. Rather than choosing a treatment based simply on the device’s reputation or energy depth, a proper assessment should determine which tissue layer needs to be addressed and how much tightening is appropriate for your facial structure.
Not every type of facial sagging responds in the same way to a particular energy treatment. If your main concern is superficial skin laxity, crepey texture and reduced skin firmness, rather than significant deep tissue sagging, Volnewmer may be more appropriate for your concerns. Treatment results also depend on facial anatomy, energy settings and treatment techniques.
Yes, but the eye area requires careful treatment planning because the skin is thin and delicate. Volnewmer excels at targeting the undereye area due to its unique ‘I-Tip’, which is specially designed for the delicate area.
No. Volnewmer is engineered to target superficial skin layer rather than fat tissues. Its 6.78 MHz monopolar frequency distributes heat evenly across the superficial layer to contract skin sheets while preserving delicate subcutaneous fat pads, making it an ideal treatment choice for naturally lean or slimmer faces.
Yes, combining Volnewmer and HIFU is not only safe, but clinically advantageous for multi-layer facial rejuvenation. Known as the Astria Volformer Dual Lift Protocol – which pairs Volnewmer with 4th-generation micro-focused ultrasound like Ultraformer MPT. This synergistic approach targets facial ageing at different depths, ensuring a more holistic approach to your concerns.
Dr. Marcus earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. His early medical training included rigorous rotations across multiple specialties in both the UK and Singapore, providing him with a strong foundation in patient care and clinical excellence…
Whether you have questions about our treatments, want to book an appointment, or simply like to learn more about how we can help you achieve your skin goals, our team is here to assist!
Astria Medical Aesthetics believes in a sustainable aesthetic journey. Beauty can be a continuous, timeless goal.
51 Bras Basah Road, #04-06A
Lazada One, Singapore 189554
OPENING hours
Monday – Friday
10.30am – 8.30pm
Saturday
10.30am – 6.30pm
Sun & PH closed
contact
Connect with us
links
