Thermage
Thermage, Thermage FLX, Thermage CPT, RF Skin Tightening, Radiofrequency Lifting
tag:Loss of Elasticity
If your skin is losing elasticity and your pores are getting bigger, Thermage is worth trying. It's way less painful than HIFU and there's basically no downtime. But if your jawline is actually sagging, this won't cut it — you'd need Shurink or Ultherapy for that. Think of Thermage as making your skin feel 'bouncy and tight.' Just make sure they're using a genuine tip.
How it works
Like a microwave heating food from the inside out, radiofrequency (RF) energy delivers heat deep into the dermis. This heat causes collagen fibers to contract and tighten, making your skin feel noticeably firmer and more 'bouncy.'
Types
The latest and most widely used generation in Korea. The 4.0cm² tip is 25% larger than the previous CPT, making sessions faster. Omnidirectional vibration and cooling pulses significantly reduce pain, and the AccuREP auto-tuning algorithm calibrates energy to your skin thickness with every shot.
The 3rd-generation Thermage device with a 3.0cm² tip and vertical vibration. Prices have dropped since the FLX launch, and some clinics still use it.
A compact FLX tip designed specifically for the eye area. Targets the eyelids, under-eyes, and crow's feet, with 225 shots as the recommended session.
A large-format tip designed for body areas — abdomen, arms, thighs. Used for cellulite reduction, skin tightening, and postpartum tummy sagging.
Doctor skill dependency
3/5Pain level
2/5Warm with a mild prickling/stinging sensation — much more tolerable than HIFU. The 4th-gen FLX has enhanced cooling, so most people can handle it without numbing cream. Bony areas (forehead, chin tip) may feel hotter.
Not recommended for
People with cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, or similar implanted electronic devices (RF energy can interfere with them) Metal implants in the treatment area Pregnant or breastfeeding Active skin infections or inflammation at the treatment site
Procedure
Cooling gel is applied → a single-use tip is pressed against the skin to deliver RF energy → you feel warmth along with vibration and simultaneous cooling → 300–400 shots across the full face takes about 30–40 minutes. Most people can handle it without numbing cream.
Ask JISOO anything about skin or clinics.