Pelleve uses advanced radiowave technology to heat the deepest layers of skin without causing damage to the superficial skin or epidermis. No anaesthesia is required as the procedure is generally painless. Instead, a sensation of heat may be felt as the skin is heated to a temperature between 39 to 42 degrees Celsius with a wand like handpiece.

Clearlift is a non-ablative laser that tightens the skin by emitting laser light in a specific wavelength and in a fractionated manner. Fractionated lasers spread the laser energy into tiny dots instead of concentrating the energy into one place. For certain purposes, fractionated laser treatments are known to produce excellent results but with a better safety profile than non-fractionated lasers. The fractionated laser energy heats fibroblasts (collagen producing cells) and stimulates them to produce more collagen.

Both technologies work by heating fibroblasts (collagen producing cells) and stimulating them to produce more collagen. Pelleve achieves this through monopolar radiofrequency (radio waves) while Clearlift is a laser that selectively targets the layer of the skin containing fibroblasts. While both treatments have no downtime and both have minimal pain, Pelleve provides some immediate results due to initial collagen contraction from heat. Further improvements will occur over the next few months as new collagen is produced. In contrast, Clearlift does not have the same immediate lifting but is able to produce significant long-term lifting. Clearlift also has the added benefit of improving signs of photoaging and pigmentation changes.

Clearlift is generally restricted to the face, neck, chest and back of hands while Pelleve also has provides a Pellefirm system that can provide tightening and cellulite reduction to the abdomen, buttocks, arms and thighs.

Ultrasound based skin tightening works by a similar mechanism of stimulating collagen production through heat. However, the treatment tends to be more painful than Pelleve and Clearlift. It also does not address pigmentation and photo-aging concerns like Clearlift.

Pelleve typically requires 3 treatments spaced 2 months apart. Clearlift typically requires 3 to 5 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart.

Pellefirm for body skin tightening is typically done in a series of biweekly treatments, with 6 monthly touch-ups to maintain the results.

Typically after both Pelleve and Clearlift a patient may experience some temporary redness and swelling. Other less common risks include changes to pigmentation of the skin, blistering, scarring and loss of fat. These risks are low when appropriate treatment protocols are followed.