DM DERMATOLOGY
Thermage FLX
THERMAGE FLX
A treatment that uses radiofrequency heat
to care for elasticity beneath the skin
Thermage FLX is a non-invasive treatment that delivers radiofrequency heat to the dermis while cooling the skin surface.
Radiofrequency (RF) is a type of electrical energy. As it passes through skin tissue, it meets resistance and turns into heat. Thermage FLX delivers this heat to the dermis and the connective tissue beneath it. It relies on the response in which heated collagen contracts and new collagen is made over several months.
Thermage FLX is a device made by Solta Medical. It has a separate tip for the face and an eye tip for the eye area. DM Dermatology in Apgujeong has a Thermage FLX device.
In the consultation, we first check skin thickness, degree of sagging, and medical history. Then we decide the treatment areas and number of shots. Results and recovery vary from person to person.
- Monopolar RF
- Epidermal cooling
- Dermis · fibrous septa
- Face tip · eye tip
600shots
DM Dermatology
Thermage FLX standard shots225shots
DM Dermatology
Thermage FLX eye tip standard shots6.78MHz
RF frequency
per the manufacturer0.25cm²
Eye tip area
stated by the manufacturer
TREATMENT AREA
Tips and shots are divided
to suit each facial area
Skin thickness differs by area. So we change the tip, energy, and shot distribution to suit each area.
- Face tip
A wide face tip is used on the forehead, cheeks, around the mouth, and jawline. We explain which tip is used during the consultation.
- Eye tip
A small eye tip with an area of 0.25 cm² is used on the eye area and eyelids. Eyelids are treated after protective eye shields are placed.
- Shot distribution
The number of shots for each area is set based on face size, skin thickness, and degree of sagging.
- 1
Forehead Horizontal forehead lines and the brow area
- 2
Eye area Fine lines around the eyes and the eyelids — eye tip
- 3
Cheeks Cheek elasticity and skin texture
- 4
Around the mouth Fine lines around the mouth
- 5
Jawline Loosened skin around the jawline
HOW IT WORKS
How it works: cooling the epidermis
while heating the dermis
A 6.78 MHz radiofrequency current flows between the treatment tip and a pad attached to the body, creating heat in the dermis and fibrous septa.
- EpidermisCooled by the chilled tip
- DermisCollagen fibers
- Fibrous septaConnective tissue bands between fat
- Subcutaneous fat
- Fascia layer (SMAS)Layer reached by focused ultrasound
Layers mainly reached by RF heatStudies explain that this heat contracts collagen and leads to collagen remodeling over several months.
- Epidermal cooling
The tip, chilled with a cryogen, cools the epidermis it touches. The heat is designed to gather deeper than the skin surface.
- Vibration
The manufacturer explains that it combines vibration and cooling to reduce discomfort during treatment.
- Output adjusted for each shot
How easily electricity passes through skin (impedance) differs by person and area. The AccuREP feature reads this value for each shot and adjusts the output.
Diagram for explanation only. Actual depth varies by person and area.
DEVICES
Equipment used for Thermage
Thermage FLX
Thermage FLX
Radiofrequency that cools the epidermis and warms the dermis
A device that delivers monopolar radiofrequency energy to the dermis. Heat forms in the dermis while the tip cools the epidermis.
- Monopolar RF
- Epidermal cooling
- Dermis
This is equipment DM Dermatology has on site.
Collagen remodeling
Changes appear slowly
over several months
Right after treatment — there may be redness, swelling, and a feeling of warmth.
1–3 months — described as the period when new collagen is made.
About 6 months — the manufacturer states that changes appear over 2–6 months.
The degree and timing of change vary from person to person, and some people notice little change.
HIFU · RF
Ultrasound and radiofrequency
use different energy
These are general differences in how they work. This does not mean either method is better. Sensations and reactions vary by person, area, and settings. We choose between them or plan them together based on your areas of concern and skin thickness.
RECOMMEND
If you have these concerns,
book a consultation
- Case01
The skin around your cheeks and jawline looks looser than before.
- Case02
More fine lines on your forehead, around your mouth, and around your eyes bother you.
- Case03
The skin around your eyes has thinned, and your eyelids look heavier than before.
- Case04
You want to look into treatments done on the skin surface before surgery or injections.
- Case05
There are many methods, such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, and microneedling, and you want to know how they differ.
Whether the treatment is right for you is decided after checking your skin and medical history at your appointment.
PROCESS
Thermage FLX treatment process
Treatment time varies with the areas and number of shots. We explain the details during the consultation.
Consultation and skin check
We check skin thickness, degree of sagging, and your areas of concern. We ask about implanted electronic devices such as a pacemaker, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and past treatments such as filler or threads.
Numbing cream · grid marking
Makeup is removed and numbing cream is applied. After the cream is wiped off, a grid is marked on the skin so the tip does not overlap the same spot. A thin pad that returns the current is attached to the body.
Thermage FLX treatment
Coupling fluid is applied, and the tip is placed on the grid one square at a time, like a stamp. Each area is covered in several passes. If the heat feels strong, tell us right away. Eyelids are treated with the eye tip after protective eye shields are placed.
Soothing and care at home
The grid marks are removed and the skin is soothed. You go home after receiving aftercare instructions. At home, keep up with moisturizing and sun protection.
INFORMATION
Treatment info
- Procedure time
- Usually 30–60 min depending on the area; numbing cream time not included
- Numbing
- Usually numbing cream (we explain the method during the consultation)
- Number of shots
- 600 shots · eye tip 225 shots (DM Dermatology options)
- Recovery
- Redness and swelling usually last a few hours to a few days; swelling sometimes lasts a few weeks
- Recommended interval
- Progress is checked after one session; it is often planned about once a year
Results vary from person to person; the above is a general guide for radiofrequency treatments. We explain DM Dermatology's treatment method and schedule during the consultation.
Caution
Aftercare and
what you should know
Until redness and swelling settle, reduce heat and irritation to the skin.
- 01Gentle cleansing and moisturizing
From the day of treatment, wash gently with a mild cleanser. Apply plenty of moisturizer.
- 02No rubbing or irritation
Until redness settles, do not rub the treated area hard. Pause harsh cosmetics such as exfoliants for a while.
- 03Avoid heat, alcohol, and intense exercise
While redness and swelling remain, avoid saunas, hot compresses, alcohol, and intense exercise.
- 04Sun protection
Apply sunscreen when you go out. While redness remains, avoid strong sunlight.
- 05Space out other treatments
Schedule treatments that cause skin reactions, such as lasers or peels, only after setting the interval with our medical staff.
- 06Contact us right away about unusual symptoms
If blisters form, pain keeps getting worse, the skin becomes dented, or abnormal sensations last a long time, contact the clinic right away.
- Mild to moderate pain and heat may occur during treatment. After treatment, redness, swelling, temporary whitening of the skin, hives, or bruising may occur. Swelling usually settles within 5 days but sometimes lasts a few weeks.
- If heat builds up at the skin surface, burns, blisters, or scabs may form. Rarely, scars may remain.
- Rarely, the skin surface may become dented or uneven. This can appear more than a month later. It usually recovers over time, but there are reports where corrective treatment was needed.
- Numbness or tingling may occur. Rarely, facial muscle movement may weaken for a while. These usually recover but may last a few weeks.
- Small lumps may be felt under the skin. They mainly occur on the neck and usually disappear within 1–2 weeks. If pigment changes occur, they usually fade over several months. Rarely, herpes (cold sores) around the mouth may recur.
- Treatment is not given if you have a pacemaker, an implantable defibrillator, or any other electronic device implanted in your body. The radiofrequency current may affect the device.
- Areas with filler, pregnancy or breastfeeding, diabetes, autoimmune disease, a history of lip blisters (herpes), epilepsy, and areas with tattoos (including eyebrow and eyeliner tattoos) are cases the manufacturer has not studied. If any of these apply to you, be sure to tell us during the consultation. Please also tell us about any metal implants or threads in the treatment area.
- If your eyes hurt or your vision is blurry after eyelid treatment, contact the clinic right away.
Results, duration, pain, and recovery vary from person to person with skin condition and lifestyle.
DM DOCTOR
A board-certified dermatologist as medical director
Personal diagnosis · Accountable care
Thorough care from a board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of treating skin
At DM Dermatology, our medical director, a board-certified dermatologist, examines your skin in person and plans treatment around your concerns and daily life.
Dr. Shin Young-ik Medical Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist
- M.S., Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University
- Full Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Clinical Fellowship in Dermatology, Jefferson Medical College (Thomas Jefferson University), USA
Care by a board-certified dermatologistPatients here are seen by a dermatologist certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare
DM DERMATOLOGY
Related treatments
FAQ
01When will I see results from Thermage, and how long do they last?
Some people feel a tightening sensation right after treatment. Changes generally appear gradually over 2–6 months after treatment. How long results last depends on your skin condition and the pace of aging, so we cannot promise a set duration.
02How painful is Thermage?
Each time the tip touches, you feel a brief heat, followed by a cool sensation. Treatment is usually done after numbing cream is applied, and we explain the waiting time and the numbing method after an examination. Pain may be mild to moderate and varies by person and area. Telling us right away when the heat feels strong helps us adjust the energy.
03How long does Thermage FLX treatment take?
Thermage FLX treatment usually takes 30–60 min, depending on the area. This does not include the time for applying numbing cream and waiting. Treatment time depends on the area and the number of shots, and we tell you the total time, including numbing, after an examination.
04Can I go to work the day after Thermage?
Redness and swelling usually settle within a few hours to a few days, and rarely swelling lasts a few weeks. Everyday activities such as office work are usually fine after treatment. Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser from the day of treatment; we tell you when to start wearing makeup after an examination. While redness and swelling remain, avoid saunas, hot compresses, alcohol, and intense exercise, and avoid scheduling treatment right before an important event.
05How often should I get Thermage?
Generally, progress is checked after one session, and then the next timing is decided. The next treatment is often planned about 1 year later. We explain DM Dermatology's recommended interval after an examination, based on your skin.
06Can I combine Thermage FLX with other treatments?
Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency to deliver heat across an area of the dermis and fibrous septa. Ulthera and Shurink use focused ultrasound to create dot-shaped heat down to the fascia layer (SMAS). Because they reach different layers, they are sometimes planned together. If you have had or plan to have other treatments, tell us the type and dates during the consultation. Whether to have them on the same day, and the order and interval, are decided after an examination, based on your skin.
07What does 600 shots of Thermage mean? How many shots are right?
A shot is one touch of the tip on the skin that delivers energy once. The Thermage tip is a single-use consumable, and each tip has a set number of shots. DM Dermatology's Thermage FLX option is 600 shots, and there is a separate 225-shot eye tip option for the eye area. The number of shots for each area is decided during the consultation based on face size, skin thickness, and degree of sagging.
08How is Thermage different from Ulthera?
Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency to deliver heat across an area of the dermis and fibrous septa. Ulthera uses focused ultrasound to create dot-shaped thermal coagulation points at set depths inside the skin and can reach the fascia layer (SMAS). They differ only in the energy and the layers they reach; neither can be called better. We choose between them or plan them together based on your areas of concern and skin condition.
09What is the difference between Thermage CPT and FLX?
Both devices use the same 6.78 MHz radiofrequency and epidermal cooling method. FLX is the next-generation device built on CPT. FLX adds a 4.0 cm² tip, the AccuREP feature that adjusts output for each shot, and a new handpiece design.
10Can Eye Thermage be done on the eyelids?
Generally, a small eye tip with an area of 0.25 cm² is used on the eye area and the upper and lower eyelids, and protective eye shields are worn when the eyelids are treated. DM Dermatology has a separate 225-shot eye tip option. Whether treatment is possible, and its extent, is decided after an examination of the area around your eyes.
11Will Thermage make my face lose fat or look hollow?
Rarely, cases of the skin surface becoming dented or uneven have been reported. Excessive heat has been named as the main cause, so treatment is generally done at lower energy in multiple passes. If you have little facial fat and are worried, let us know during the consultation.
12Are there cases where I should not get Thermage FLX?
Treatment is not given if you have an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. Let us know in advance if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have areas with filler, autoimmune disease, or a history of lip herpes. We decide whether to treat after checking your medical history at your appointment.
CONSULTATION
Consultation comes first
Before any treatment is chosen, a board-certified dermatologist checks your skin in person.
DM Dermatology, 4F, 579-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5, walk straight for 50 m. 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Weekdays
- am 10:00 - pm 07:00
- Saturday
- am 10:00 - pm 04:30
- Lunch break
- pm 01:00 - pm 02:00
- Sun & holidays
- By appointment only
- Subway
3Apgujeong StationExit 5
Walk straight for 50 m · 2 min on foot · 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Bus
Apgujeong Station Exit 4 · Exit 32310523429
Blue bus147 · 148 · 240 · 463 · 343Green bus4211
Kwanglim Church · Hyundai High School2310323104
Blue bus143 · 240 · 345 · 472Green bus3011 · 4312 · 4318
- By car
Search in your navigation app158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu디엠피부과의원
Use the building’s underground parking · Parking available in the building
