Disadvantages of Alltite
Although it is an excellent treatment, there are several points of caution that should be communicated honestly. Understanding the following points before treatment can help you make a choice you will not regret.
- The Duration of the Effects Is Limited
- Treatment Costs Tend to Be Relatively High
- Pain or Heat May Be Felt
- The Risk of Hollow Cheeks Is Not Zero
- Results Vary More from Person to Person
- Differences in the Clinic’s Technique Affect the Results
We will explain each point in detail.
The Duration of the Effects Is Limited
The effects of Alltite are not permanent, and the general guideline is approximately 3–6 months. The duration varies from person to person depending on skin age, lifestyle, and the number of treatments. This is not so much a disadvantage as an inherent limitation of noninvasive treatment that does not use surgery.
Because permanent changes like those achieved with a surgical lift cannot be expected, it is important to understand from the outset that “regular maintenance will be necessary” when undergoing treatment. If you approach treatment with the understanding that “one session is all that is needed,” a gap between expectations and reality is more likely to arise.
Treatment Costs Tend to Be Relatively High
The cost of Alltite varies depending on the treatment area and number of shots, but it is not uncommon for some clinics to charge several tens of thousands of yen to over 100,000 yen per session. In addition, regular treatment is often recommended to maintain the effects, so the total annual cost tends to be higher than that of other sagging treatments.
If you are concerned about the cost, we recommend confirming during your consultation not only the per-treatment price, but also the recommended treatment frequency and annual maintenance costs. Understanding the approximate total cost in advance is the first step toward greater satisfaction after treatment.
Pain or Heat May Be Felt
Although Alltite is said to involve “almost no downtime,” this does not mean that pain or heat during treatment is completely absent. Some people experience a “sharp, stabbing sensation” or “a feeling of heat deep beneath the skin” during delivery, and the sensation appears to vary depending on the treatment area.
In general, many people report that it is less painful than conventional HIFU, such as Ulthera, and more patients are undergoing it without numbing cream. However, pain perception varies considerably from person to person, so it is reassuring to confirm this in advance during your consultation and discuss anesthesia options if necessary.
The Risk of Hollow Cheeks Is Not Zero
Even with a design that “limits energy delivered to the fat layer,” the risk of hollow cheeks does not disappear completely. People who naturally have little facial fat, or cases in which the output setting does not suit the individual’s facial condition, may develop a gaunt-looking appearance in the cheeks after lifting.
The practitioner’s skill has a major effect on the final result. The quality of the outcome depends on whether the doctor can accurately assess the patient’s three-dimensional facial structure, fat distribution, and ligament locations, and finely adjust the treatment areas and output.
Results Vary More from Person to Person
There are many variables that affect the results, including the severity of sagging, skin condition, age, and hormonal balance. Even when receiving the same treatment, some people feel they have experienced a “dramatic change,” while others feel that “not much changed.”
It is also important to remember that people with severe sagging or significantly diminished skin quality may not achieve sufficient improvement with Alltite alone. In such cases, considering a combination with Thread lift or another sagging treatment may be a more realistic option.
Differences in the Clinic’s Technique Affect the Results
With Alltite, the practitioner’s judgment and technique have a major effect on the results, in addition to the performance of the medical device itself. Even when the same device is used, satisfaction can vary depending on whether the practitioner can deliver treatment while understanding the patient’s anatomical facial structure and whether the clinic has an adequate aftercare system.
It is dangerous to assume that “as long as the device performs well, anyone will achieve the same result.” As with cosmetic medicine in general, the choice of clinic and doctor affects the final result as much as, or more than, the choice of device.