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.
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 deeper layers are heated whilst the surface remains protected – they simply do so in different ways. Thermage uses bursts of cryogen between energy pulses. Volnewmer cools continuously using water at a controlled temperature and also features several vibration modes. Earlier generations of Thermage were considered noticeable, and in some cases uncomfortable; this has improved over the years. Volnewmer is designed from the ground up for comfort – the treatment is carried out without anaesthetic, and most people find it quite tolerable, feeling more warm than painful.
More than just firming – volume and collagen
The second difference lies in the objective. Thermage is traditionally designed to tighten the skin: the skin becomes firmer and contours appear more defined. Volnewmer goes one step further and also restores volume. At first glance, this may sound similar, but it is not. With age, the face loses not only elasticity but also volume in the cheeks, midface and temples – from the inside out. Volnewmer stimulates new collagen precisely in these areas and restores some of this fullness to the face, entirely without fillers. For us, that is the real reason why we chose 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.
| In comparison | Volnewmer® | Thermage |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | RF monopole, 6.78 MHz | monopolar (capacitive) RF |
| On the market since | 2024 · with us since May 2025 | 2002 |
| Cooling | continuous water cooling (12–20 °C) | Cryogenic spray cooling |
| Comfort | Designed for comfort, 5 vibration modes, no numbing required | chilled; earlier generations were considered noticeably |
| Applicators | several tips (e.g. I-tip for the eyes, V-tip for the stomach/décolleté) | various tip sizes (0.25–16 cm²) |
| Body | yes | yes |
| Focus | Volume + Collagen + Firming | Tightening / Lifting |
| Research evidence | new generation | the most extensive body of evidence (20+ years) |
Volnewmer or RF microneedling?
Many people confuse two things here. Volnewmer and Thermage are RF lifting treatments – the energy is delivered externally via an applicator. Devices such as Vivace or Morpheus8 are RF microneedling treatments – in these, fine needles deliver the radiofrequency energy directly into the skin. These are two different tools for two different goals: RF lifting for deep firming and volume, RF microneedling for skin quality and texture. For microneedling, we use Vivace® – we’ll explain why in this article 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 energy-based devices for aesthetic treatments for years. When we looked at the device, we were impressed by the combination: volume restoration and firming in a single, comfortable treatment – without anaesthesia and usually in just one session. We were the first clinic in Switzerland to start using it in May 2025, and we were trained directly by the manufacturer. This fits with our philosophy: pre-ageing means strengthening skin quality early and regularly, rather than having to make drastic corrections later on. A treatment that maintains volume and fits easily into everyday life is exactly what we’re looking for. You can read exactly how the facial treatment works on the Volnewmer Treatment Page.
Who is Volnewmer suitable for?
Volnewmer is particularly suitable if you notice the first signs of volume loss or a loss of definition – softer cheeks or a less defined jawline, along with slight 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 tailored to your face – how much volume, which areas, and what the goal is. During the treatment, you’ll feel warmth, which remains comfortable thanks to the cooling and vibration; no anaesthetic is required. Afterwards, you can get straight back to your day; there is no significant downtime. In the same session, Volnewmer can be effectively 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. Over the next few months, your skin builds up new collagen and the results develop. A touch-up once or twice a year maintains the results.
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 treatments – the energy is delivered from the outside via an applicator and tightens the skin deep down. Thermage has been established since 2002 and has the most clinical studies; Volnewmer is the newer generation, designed with a greater focus on comfort and volume restoration. Morpheus8, on the other hand, is RF microneedling: here, fine needles deliver the energy into the skin, which is aimed more at 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 quite comfortable. The continuous water cooling and the vibration make the heat pleasant, so there’s no need for anaesthetic. We’ll discuss at length beforehand exactly how the treatment will feel for you.
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?
The price depends on the area being treated – Volnewmer is charged per session. A full-face treatment costs around CHF 1,600, with individual areas starting from CHF 700. You can find the current prices on our 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®.
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