Treatment

What is Thermage FLX?

Thermage FLX is the fourth-generation Thermage system from Solta Medical. It delivers monopolar radiofrequency energy through a disposable tip that sits flat on the skin, heating a broad volume of tissue in the deep dermis and the fibrous layers just beneath it. A cooling spray protects the surface while the energy works underneath.

Heat causes existing collagen fibers to contract, which produces a subtle immediate firming for some patients. More importantly, it triggers a wound-healing response that builds new collagen over the following months. That is why Thermage FLX is described as a tightening treatment rather than a lifting one.

How is Thermage FLX different from ultrasound lifting?

Patients in Hongdae often ask whether they should choose Thermage FLX or Ultherapy. The two devices reach different depths and solve different problems.

Thermage FLX: Radiofrequency spread across a wide surface area. It is strongest on skin quality, crepiness, pores and the thin skin around the eyes.
Ultherapy Prime: Focused ultrasound delivered to precise points, including the SMAS layer. It is strongest on structural sagging along the jawline and lower face.

Many treatment plans at Re:berry combine both, because sagging and surface laxity often appear together. Our comparison page, Ultherapy Prime vs Thermage FLX, walks through the criteria in detail.

Who is Thermage FLX suitable for?

Thermage FLX tends to suit adults in their thirties and older who notice their skin looking looser, thinner or less smooth than it used to. It works best on mild to moderate laxity rather than heavy, overhanging skin.

Common reasons patients choose it

Soft, crepey skin on the cheeks, neck or around the eyes
Pores that look larger as skin loses firmness
Early softening of the jawline
Hooded upper eyelids or fine lines under the eyes, using the dedicated eye tip
Wanting a treatment with essentially no visible recovery time

When another option may fit better

Deep sagging with significant tissue descent may respond more to ultrasound lifting or thread lifting. Volume loss in hollow areas usually needs filler or a regenerative booster rather than heat. Your doctor will explain which issue is driving the change you see.

What happens during a Thermage FLX session at Re:berry Hongdae?

Consultation: A doctor assesses skin thickness, laxity and your goals, then recommends treatment areas and a shot count. Shot count matters because it determines how thoroughly each zone is covered.
Preparation: Makeup is removed and a temporary grid is marked on the skin so energy is distributed evenly. Topical numbing cream may be applied.
Treatment: The tip is pressed against the skin pass by pass. Each pulse brings a deep warming sensation followed by cooling and a short vibration.
Finish: The grid is wiped away and a soothing product is applied. Most people leave with light pinkness only.

The FLX system uses AccuREP technology, which reads tissue impedance before each pulse and adjusts energy delivery. This is designed to make treatment more consistent and generally shorter than earlier generations.

Does Thermage FLX hurt?

Sensation varies from person to person and from area to area. Most patients describe short bursts of intense heat that fade quickly, felt more strongly over bony areas such as the jawline and forehead. Numbing cream, cooling and the vibration feature help, and your practitioner can adjust energy levels if you feel uncomfortable. See Is Thermage FLX painful? for more detail.

Results, timeline and how long they last

Some people notice a slight tightening right after treatment, but the main change develops as new collagen forms. Improvement typically becomes visible from around two months and continues to build up to about six months.

Results commonly last one to two years, depending on age, skin condition, sun exposure and lifestyle. Many patients choose to repeat treatment every 12 to 24 months to maintain collagen. Results vary by individual, and Thermage FLX does not stop the natural aging process.

Side effects and who should avoid it

Thermage FLX is well tolerated by most people. Possible effects include:

Temporary redness and warmth for a few hours
Mild swelling, particularly around the eyes
Tenderness to touch for a few days
Rarely, small blisters, bumps or temporary surface irregularities

Treatment is generally not recommended during pregnancy, for people with implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers, or over areas with active infection or inflammation. Tell your doctor about any metal implants, recent filler, thread lifts or skin conditions so the plan can be adjusted.

Combining Thermage FLX with other treatments

Re:berry designs combinations rather than single procedures. Thermage FLX is often paired with a lifting device for deeper support, with skin boosters such as Rejuran Healer for surface quality, or with Botox for expression lines. Timing and order matter, so the doctor will set intervals if treatments are spread across your stay.

Aftercare and travel

You can usually wash your face and apply skincare the same evening. Use sunscreen daily and keep skincare gentle for a few days. Because there is no expected downtime, Thermage FLX can fit into a short trip, and most people can fly the next day. Our aftercare guide lists practical tips.

Pricing and booking

Pricing depends on the area, the shot count and the overall plan, and is confirmed in writing at consultation. Book through the channels on our Booking page, and see Location & Hours for the Hongdae branch address and opening times.

How many shots of Thermage FLX do I need?

Shot count depends on the size of the treatment area and the thickness and laxity of your skin. A full face typically needs more shots than an eye-only treatment, and adding the neck increases it further. Your doctor recommends a number at consultation so coverage is even, and the final count is written into your treatment plan before you start.

Can Thermage FLX treat the eyelids?

Yes. Thermage FLX has a dedicated eye tip designed for the upper and lower eyelids, used with protective eye shields. It is commonly chosen for mild hooding and crepey skin under the eyes. It does not replace eyelid surgery for heavy excess skin, and suitability is assessed during consultation.

Is Thermage FLX safe for Asian skin?

Radiofrequency energy is not absorbed by melanin in the way many lasers are, so Thermage FLX is generally considered suitable across skin tones, including Asian skin. Pigment risks are low, but any heat-based treatment can cause temporary irritation, so tell your doctor if you have sensitive skin or recent sunburn.

Can I wear makeup after Thermage FLX?

Most patients can wear makeup the next day, and many feel comfortable doing so the same evening once redness has settled. Use clean brushes and gentle products, and avoid strong exfoliating acids or retinoids for a few days while the skin is still warm and slightly sensitive.