Compare treatments
In-clinic treatments, side by side.
Microneedling, RF microneedling and Lipofirm-style contouring get confused constantly — the names sound alike and clinics describe them in near-identical language, even though what actually happens to your skin is different in each. This page sets them out beside every other treatment in our library, so you can see the mechanism, the time involved, the honest evidence label and what a full course really costs before you enquire anywhere.
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| Treatment | Mechanism | Where it's done | Session length | Downtime | Sessions in course | Per session | Total course | Evidence | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microneedling (collagen induction) | Needles only | Clinic | 45–60 minutes plus numbing | Redness like sunburn for 24-72 hours, sometimes light flaking. | 6Commonly 3-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. | £150.00–£350.00per session | £900.00–£2,100.00indicative, 6 sessions | Stronger evidence | TextureFine linesVisible signs of ageing |
| RF microneedling | Needles + RF heat | Clinic | 45–75 minutes including numbing | Redness and swelling for 2-5 days, sometimes a grid pattern of tiny marks. | 8Usually 3 sessions, 4-8 weeks apart. | £300.00–£900.00per session | £2,400.00–£7,200.00indicative, 8 sessions | Stronger evidence | TextureFine linesVisible signs of ageing |
| Lipofirm-style RF body and face contouring | RF heat + muscle stimulation | Clinic | 30–45 minutes per area | None; the skin may look flushed for a short while. | 8Typically a course of 6-8 weekly sessions. | £60.00–£180.00per session | £480.00–£1,440.00indicative, 8 sessions | Emerging evidence | Firmness and toneDry or tight body skinBumpy texture |
| Ayurvedic hair oiling | Oil applied before washing reduces how much water the hair absorbs and swells, which is one of the moments hair is most vulnerable to breakage. | At home · Salon | 10 minutes to apply, 30 minutes to overnight to sit | None, but expect to wash your hair. | —Weekly is a common rhythm | £8.00–£40.00per bottle | Depends on the course | Traditional practice | DrynessBreakage and split endsFrizz |
| Cold water immersion (cold plunge) | Cold triggers a strong stress response: fast breathing, adrenaline and noradrenaline release, and vasoconstriction. | Wellness centre · Spa | 2–5 minutes | None, but rewarming takes 15–30 minutes. | 4Two to four times a week is typical | £10.00–£35.00per session | £40.00–£140.00indicative, 4 sessions | Emerging evidence | Stress and calmEveryday energySleep quality |
| Facial cupping | The suction lifts the skin slightly and the gliding movement encourages local circulation and fluid movement. | At home · Salon · Spa | 5–10 minutes at home; 30–60 minutes as part of a salon facial | None, provided the cup is kept moving. Static cups can leave marks. | 3Two or three times a week at home | £15.00–£60.00per session or device | £45.00–£180.00indicative, 3 sessions | Traditional practice | DullnessUnder-eye bags or puffinessTexture |
| Sound bath | Sustained, predictable sound gives attention something to rest on, which many people find easier than silent meditation. | Wellness centre · Spa | 45–75 minutes | None. | —As often as you like | £15.00–£45.00per session | Depends on the course | Relaxation & cosmetic | Stress and calmSleep quality |
| Bond-building salon treatment | Chemistry inside the hair | Salon | 20–45 minutes as an add-on | None. | 4A course of three to four is common after heavy chemical work | £20.00–£70.00per treatment | £80.00–£280.00indicative, 4 sessions | Stronger evidence | DamageBreakage and split endsColour fading |
| Infrared sauna | Infrared warms the body directly rather than heating the air, which raises skin and core temperature and causes sweating at a gentler ambient temperature. | Wellness centre · Spa | 30–45 minutes | None, though you may feel drained for an hour. | 3Two to three times a week is a common rhythm | £20.00–£45.00per session | £60.00–£135.00indicative, 3 sessions | Emerging evidence | Stress and calmSleep qualityJoints and recovery |
| LED light therapy (in clinic) | Light, no heat | Clinic · Salon | 20–30 minutes | None — you can return to normal activity and makeup straight away. | 10Often booked as a course of 6-10 weekly sessions, then spaced out. | £25.00–£75.00per session | £250.00–£750.00indicative, 10 sessions | Emerging evidence | BreakoutsRednessDullness |
| Contrast therapy (sauna and cold) | Heat dilates blood vessels and cold constricts them, and the alternation is the point. | Wellness centre · Spa | 45–90 minutes for a full circuit | None. Most people feel tired and calm afterwards. | —Once or twice a week | £25.00–£60.00per session | Depends on the course | Emerging evidence | Stress and calmSleep qualityJoints and recovery |
| Indian head massage (champi) | Firm rhythmic work on the muscles of the shoulders, neck and scalp eases tension and increases local blood flow. | Salon · Spa · At home | 30–60 minutes | None. Hair will need washing if oil is used. | —As often as you like; many people go monthly | £30.00–£80.00per session | Depends on the course | Traditional practice | Dry or itchy scalpSensitive scalpDryness |
| Korean body scrub (seshin) | Soak and manual scrub | Spa · Wellness centre | 30–60 minutes plus soaking | None, though skin is temporarily more sensitive. | —Traditionally every few weeks to monthly | £30.00–£80.00per session | Depends on the course | Traditional practice | Dry or tight body skinBumpy textureKeratosis pilaris (rough bumps) |
| Pressotherapy | Sequential compression | Salon · Clinic · Wellness centre | 30–45 minutes | None. | 10Often sold in courses of six to ten | £35.00–£90.00per session | £350.00–£900.00indicative, 10 sessions | Emerging evidence | Heaviness or puffinessFirmness and toneJoints and recovery |
| Reflexology | The mapping theory is traditional and not supported by anatomy or published evidence. | Salon · Spa · Wellness centre · Clinic | 45–60 minutes | None. | —As often as you like | £35.00–£70.00per session | Depends on the course | Traditional practice | Stress and calmSleep qualityEveryday energy |
| Laser hair removal | Light absorbed by hair pigment | Clinic · Salon | 15–60 minutes depending on area | Redness and bumps around the follicles for a few hours. | 10Usually 6-10 sessions, 4-8 weeks apart. | £40.00–£300.00per session per area | £400.00–£3,000.00indicative, 10 sessions | Stronger evidence | Ingrown hairsBody breakoutsBumpy texture |
| Dermaplaning | Blade exfoliation | Salon · Clinic | 30–45 minutes | None to minimal. Skin can look flushed for a few hours and feel tight. | 4Roughly every four weeks if you like it | £40.00–£90.00per session | £160.00–£360.00indicative, 4 sessions | Limited evidence | TextureDullness |
| Scalp facial | Exfoliation and cleansing | Salon · Spa | 45–60 minutes | None. | 8One-off or every four to eight weeks | £40.00–£110.00per session | £320.00–£880.00indicative, 8 sessions | Emerging evidence | Flakes or dandruffOily scalpDry or itchy scalp |
| Float therapy | High magnesium salt concentration makes the body float effortlessly, removing most physical effort and much sensory input. | Wellness centre · Spa | 60 minutes | None. Many people feel spacey for an hour. | 1A one-off, or monthly | £40.00–£80.00per session | £40.00–£80.00indicative, 1 sessions | Emerging evidence | Stress and calmSleep qualityEveryday energy |
| Lymphatic drainage body massage | Light rhythmic strokes | Spa · Salon · Clinic | 60–90 minutes | None; you may need the bathroom more that day. | 6Often a course of 6, weekly. | £45.00–£120.00per session | £270.00–£720.00indicative, 6 sessions | Relaxation & cosmetic | Dry or tight body skinFirmness and toneStress and calm |
| Lymphatic facial massage | Light rhythmic strokes | Salon · Spa · Clinic | 45–60 minutes | None. | —Often booked before events, or weekly for a short period | £45.00–£110.00per session | Depends on the course | Emerging evidence | Under-eye bags or puffinessDark circles under the eyesDullness |
| Microdermabrasion | Mechanical abrasion | Salon · Clinic | 30–45 minutes | Minimal. Pink skin and mild sensitivity for up to 24 hours. | 6A course of four to six spaced two to three weeks apart is common | £45.00–£100.00per session | £270.00–£600.00indicative, 6 sessions | Emerging evidence | TextureDullnessCongestion / blackheads |
| Wood therapy (maderoterapia) | Firm mechanical pressure | Salon · Spa | 45–60 minutes | None to minimal. Tenderness and occasional bruising for a day or two. | 12Courses of six to twelve sessions are typically sold | £45.00–£110.00per session | £540.00–£1,320.00indicative, 12 sessions | Limited evidence | Firmness and toneHeaviness or puffinessBumpy texture |
| Hammam ritual | Steam, soap and mitt | Spa · Wellness centre | 60–90 minutes | None. Skin is temporarily more sensitive. | —Traditionally weekly or fortnightly in the culture of origin; monthly is realistic here | £45.00–£150.00per session | Depends on the course | Traditional practice | Dry or tight body skinBumpy textureKeratosis pilaris (rough bumps) |
| Thai massage | Compression along the limbs and torso plus passive stretching affects how tight muscles feel and how freely a joint moves. | Salon · Spa · Wellness centre | 60–120 minutes | Minimal. Some people feel worked-over the next day. | —As needed, or monthly | £45.00–£100.00per session | Depends on the course | Stronger evidence | Stress and calmJoints and recoverySleep quality |
| Korean scalp treatment | Cleansing plus devices | Salon · Clinic | 45–75 minutes | None. Occasional tingling from active ampoules. | 8Courses of four to eight sessions are commonly recommended | £50.00–£150.00per session | £400.00–£1,200.00indicative, 8 sessions | Emerging evidence | Oily scalpDry or itchy scalpFlakes or dandruff |
| Body wrap | Warmth and occlusion | Spa · Salon | 60–90 minutes | None. | 1A one-off treat, or as part of a spa day | £50.00–£120.00per session | £50.00–£120.00indicative, 1 sessions | Relaxation & cosmetic | Dry or tight body skinSensitivity or irritationStress and calm |
| Deep tissue massage | Firm manual pressure | Salon · Spa · Clinic · Wellness centre | 60–90 minutes | Minimal. Soreness like the day after training is normal for 24–48 hours. | —As needed, or fortnightly during a flare of tightness | £50.00–£120.00per session | Depends on the course | Stronger evidence | Stress and calmJoints and recoverySleep quality |
| Professional chemical peel | Acid exfoliation | Clinic · Salon | 30–45 minutes | From none for superficial peels to a week of flaking and redness for deeper ones. | 6Superficial peels are often done in a course of 4-6, spaced 2-4 weeks apart. | £60.00–£250.00per session | £360.00–£1,500.00indicative, 6 sessions | Stronger evidence | TextureDullnessPigmentation |
| Hydradermabrasion facial | Water-assisted exfoliation | Salon · Spa · Clinic | 30–60 minutes | None; skin usually looks fresher immediately. | —Monthly is the common cadence. | £60.00–£180.00per session | Depends on the course | Limited evidence | Congestion / blackheadsDullnessDehydration |
| Kobido facial massage | Rhythmic facial massage | Salon · Spa · Clinic | 60–90 minutes | None. Skin may look pink for around an hour. | 1Often booked as a one-off treat; some people go monthly | £60.00–£140.00per session | £60.00–£140.00indicative, 1 sessions | Traditional practice | DullnessUnder-eye bags or puffinessFine lines |
| Japanese head spa | Cleansing and scalp massage | Salon · Spa | 60–120 minutes | None. | 1A one-off experience for most; monthly for people with build-up or scalp discomfort | £60.00–£180.00per session | £60.00–£180.00indicative, 1 sessions | Traditional practice | Dry or itchy scalpOily scalpFlakes or dandruff |
| Buccal (inside-the-mouth) facial massage | Massage inside the mouth | Salon · Clinic | 45–75 minutes | None to minimal. Mild tenderness in the cheeks or jaw for a day is common. | 6A short course of three to six is commonly suggested for jaw tension | £70.00–£150.00per session | £420.00–£900.00indicative, 6 sessions | Limited evidence | Fine linesUnder-eye bags or puffinessTexture |
| Scalp microneedling | Needles to the scalp | Clinic | 30–45 minutes | Scalp tenderness and redness for 24-48 hours. | 6Often 4-6 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart. | £80.00–£250.00per session | £480.00–£1,500.00indicative, 6 sessions | Emerging evidence | Thinning or sheddingLack of volumeDry or itchy scalp |
| IPL photorejuvenation | Broad-spectrum light | Clinic · Salon | 20–30 minutes | Redness for a few hours to two days; darker spots may temporarily look more visible before fading. | 5Often 3-5 sessions, 3-4 weeks apart. | £90.00–£300.00per session | £450.00–£1,500.00indicative, 5 sessions | Stronger evidence | RednessPigmentationUneven tone |
| Keratin smoothing treatment | Heat-sealed smoothing | Salon | 2–4 hours | None to the hair, but many formulas require you to avoid washing or tying hair for 24–72 hours. | 1One treatment, repeated when it wears off | £120.00–£350.00per treatment | £120.00–£350.00indicative, 1 sessions | Emerging evidence | FrizzDrynessCurl definition |
| Cryolipolysis (fat freezing) | Controlled cooling | Clinic | 35–70 minutes per area | Numbness, swelling and tenderness for days to a couple of weeks. | 12One to three sessions per area, reviewed after 8-12 weeks. | £150.00–£600.00per area | £1,800.00–£7,200.00indicative, 12 sessions | Stronger evidence | Firmness and tone |
| Injectable skin boosters | Injected hydrating gel | Clinic | 30–45 minutes plus numbing | Minimal to moderate. Bumps, pinprick marks and possible bruising for two to five days. | 4Typically a course of two or three, four weeks apart | £180.00–£450.00per session | £720.00–£1,800.00indicative, 4 sessions | Stronger evidence | DehydrationFine linesTexture |
| PRP for hair (platelet-rich plasma) | Injected blood plasma | Clinic | 45–60 minutes | Minimal. Tenderness, small pinprick marks and occasional swelling for a day or two. | 4Commonly three to four sessions a month apart to start | £350.00–£1,200.00per course | £1,400.00–£4,800.00indicative, 4 sessions | Emerging evidence | Thinning or sheddingLack of volume |
| HIFU (focused ultrasound lifting) | Focused ultrasound heat | Clinic | 60–90 minutes | Usually none; some swelling or tenderness for a few days. | 3Often a single session, reviewed after 3 months. | £400.00–£1,500.00per area | £1,200.00–£4,500.00indicative, 3 sessions | Emerging evidence | Firmness and toneFine linesVisible signs of ageing |
| Morpheus8 | Deeper needles + RF heat | Clinic | 45–90 minutes plus numbing | Moderate. Redness, swelling and a visible grid pattern for two to five days; some people take a week to feel presentable. | 6Usually a course of three, four to six weeks apart | £600.00–£2,500.00per course | £3,600.00–£15,000.00indicative, 6 sessions | Stronger evidence | Fine linesVisible signs of ageingTexture |
| Endolift | Thin fibres are introduced beneath the skin and laser energy heats the tissue and small fat pockets from underneath, relying on the healing response over months. | Clinic | 30–60 minutes | Minimal to moderate. Swelling and tenderness for several days; bruising is possible. | 3Often a single session, reviewed at three months | £900.00–£2,500.00per session | £2,700.00–£7,500.00indicative, 3 sessions | Emerging evidence | Firmness and toneVisible signs of ageingFine lines |
Not sure which fits you?
Find what suits meTreatments and devices are listed for information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a promise of a result. Suitability depends on your health, skin and the specific device or practitioner — always check with a qualified professional first. Prices are indicative and vary widely by provider and area; course totals are simply the per-session range multiplied by a typical number of sessions. We don't take bookings or refer you to providers.