Volnewmer vs. Thermage: what’s the difference?

If you’re looking into non-surgical skin tightening, you’ve probably already come across Thermage. It’s been on the market for over twenty years and is one of the best-known names in monopolar radiofrequency lifting. Volnewmer is newer – it uses the same family of technology but is a generation ahead, particularly in terms of comfort. Here at alestetics® in Zurich, we use Volnewmer and are the first clinic in Switzerland to do so. Here, you’ll find honest information on what both devices can do, where the differences lie, and for whom Volnewmer is the right choice.

In short: Volnewmer® and Thermage are both monopolar radiofrequency for skin tightening without surgery. Thermage delivers the energy in pulses with gas cooling, while Volnewmer® continuously with water cooling. This usually makes the treatment more comfortable.

At alestetics® at Zurich HB, we have been working with Volnewmer® since May 2025, as the first clinic in Switzerland. Open Eye costs CHF 700, the entire face CHF 1’600, usually in one session. Before that, we measure your skin in the free AURA 3D skin analysis.

Book your free skin analysis → · More about Volnewmer® in Zurich →

What is monopolar RF lifting?

Monopolar radiofrequency lifting delivers heat in a controlled manner to the deeper layers of the skin. The energy heats the tissue with pinpoint accuracy, causing the existing collagen to contract, and over the following weeks the skin produces new collagen. The results build up gradually: firmer skin, without incisions and without a long recovery period. Unlike RF microneedling, no needles are used – the energy is delivered externally via an applicator. Both devices we are comparing here work on precisely this principle.

What Volnewmer and Thermage have in common

First things first: both are reputable, effective treatments. Volnewmer and Thermage use monopolar radiofrequency; neither requires surgery; and both rely on the body’s own collagen production rather than fillers. With both, the results are not immediate but become apparent over a period of weeks to months. Thermage has a clear advantage in one respect: experience. It has been on the market since 2002 and has the most extensive body of clinical studies of any monopolar RF device. Anyone wishing to know whether monopolar RF works in principle will find the most clinical data here. It is precisely on this foundation of over twenty years of experience that the newer generation of devices is built.

What is the difference?

If the underlying technology is the same, how do the two differ? In three ways that you’ll actually notice during the session and afterwards.

Comfort

Both devices cool the skin so that only the deep layers are heated and the surface remains protected – they just do it differently. Thermage works with cryogenic spray pulses between energy pulses. Volnewmer cools continuously with water at a controlled temperature and has several vibration modes in addition. Earlier Thermage generations were considered noticeable, sometimes unpleasant; this has improved over the years. Volnewmer is designed from the ground up for comfort – most people find the treatment well-tolerable, rather warm than painful.

More than just tightening – firmness and collagen

The second difference lies in the goal. Thermage is classically focused on tightening: the skin becomes firmer, its contours appear more defined. Volnewmer, in addition to tightening, focuses strongly on strengthening the skin itself. This may seem similar at first, but it is not. As we age, the skin not only loses its elasticity but also its density – from within. Volnewmer stimulates new collagen and elastin there, making the skin appear denser and fresher over time, without the need for fillers. For us, this is the real reason why we decided to go with it.

One session, results lasting for months

Volnewmer usually requires just one session. After that, a touch-up once or twice a year is usually sufficient. The results don’t appear overnight: over a period of around three to six months, your skin gradually builds up new collagen, and the change becomes visible during this time. This is normal for any collagen-based treatment and a good sign – it means the result comes from your own skin and isn’t just a filler.

Volnewmer or RF microneedling?

Many people confuse two things here. Volnewmer and Thermage are RF lifting – the energy comes from the outside via an applicator. Devices like Vivace or Morpheus8 are RF microneedling – fine needles deliver the radiofrequency directly into the skin. These are two different tools for two different goals: RF lifting for deep-level tightening and firmness, RF microneedling for skin quality and texture. For microneedling, we work with Vivace® – we explain why in the post Vivace vs. Morpheus8. Often, the two approaches actually complement each other; we then leave a gap of around two weeks between Volnewmer and a microneedling treatment.

Why we are the first clinic in Switzerland to use Volnewmer

Volnewmer is made by a Korean manufacturer Classys, which has been developing aesthetic energy devices for years. When we looked at the device, the combination convinced us: tightening and new collagen in one comfortable treatment – usually in just one session. We were the first clinic in Switzerland to work with it since May 2025, and we were trained directly by the manufacturer. This fits with our philosophy: Pre-aging means strengthening skin quality early and regularly, rather than correcting it later. A treatment that keeps the skin firm and is easy to integrate into everyday life is exactly what we believe in. You can read about how the treatment works on the Volnewmer Treatment Page.

Who is Volnewmer suitable for?

Volnewmer is particularly suitable if you notice softer eyelids, a diminishing contour or less firm skin – softer cheeks or a less defined jawline, plus fine sagging on the neck or forehead. It can also be used on the body, for example to Tightening of the stomach or décolleté. To be honest, it isn’t the right choice for every situation: in cases of very severe sagging, surgery may be the better option, and radiofrequency treatment isn’t possible if you have a pacemaker or metal implants in the treatment area. We’ll take the time to discuss what’s right for you beforehand – even if the answer isn’t Volnewmer.

This is how your Volnewmer treatment works

We start with a skin analysis and a plan that suits your face – which zones, how many shots, what target. During the treatment, you feel warmth that remains pleasant thanks to the cooling and vibration. After that, you can immediately get back to your day; there’s no significant downtime. In the same session, Volnewmer can be combined well with a peel like BioRePeel® or PRX-T33® or with active ingredients like NCTF® – the energy comes first, the peel afterwards. Over the next few months, your skin builds new collagen, and the result matures. A refresh once or twice a year keeps it up.

It’s best to start with a AURA 3D skin analysis + Plan. We’ll take a close look at your skin and discuss whether and how Volnewmer might be suitable for you.

What is the difference between Volnewmer, Thermage and Morpheus8?

Volnewmer and Thermage are both monopolar RF lifting – the energy comes from an applicator from the outside and firms deep within the skin. Thermage has been established since 2002 and has the most studies; Volnewmer is the newer generation, more focused on comfort and skin density. Morpheus8, on the other hand, is RF microneedling: fine needles deliver the energy into the skin, which is more focused on skin quality and texture. For microneedling, we work with Vivace®.

How many sessions will I need?

A single session is usually sufficient. After that, we recommend a touch-up once or twice a year to maintain the results. This is one of the advantages over treatments that require a whole course of sessions.

Does Volnewmer hurt?

Most people find Volnewmer to be well-tolerated. The continuous water cooling and the vibration make the heat pleasant. We will discuss how the treatment feels for you in detail beforehand.

When will I see results, and how long will they last?

The results become apparent over a period of around three to six months, as your skin produces new collagen during this time. With a touch-up once or twice a year, the effects are maintained.

How much does Volnewmer cost?

Volnewmer is calculated in shots. At alestetics®, Open Eye (eye area, 200 shots) costs CHF 700, the whole face (600 shots) CHF 1’600, and face + neck + décolleté (1’000 shots) CHF 2’500. You can find the current prices on our website. Pricing page.

Can I combine Volnewmer with other treatments?

Yes. During the same session, it can be easily combined with a peel such as BioRePeel® or PRX-T33® or with active ingredients such as NCTF® – the energy treatment comes first, followed by the peel. We leave a gap of around two weeks before carrying out treatments involving needles, such as Vivace® or SkinPen®.