Eye Thermage FLX: Eye Tip, 225 vs 450 Shots
A dermatologist in Gangnam, Seoul explains eye Thermage: where it is used, what the eye tip is, how 225 and 450 shots differ, and what recovery is like. Eye Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to improve the firmness of the skin on the upper and lower eyelids and at the outer corners of the eyes, and to soften fine lines there.
English consultations available
What is eye Thermage, and who may benefit?
Fine lines and a loss of firmness around the eyes are among the first changes many people notice as their skin ages. Eye Thermage is a non-surgical treatment that delivers radiofrequency heat to the skin to stimulate collagen remodeling. We treat the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids and the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet).
Looser eyelid skin
As the skin loses firmness, the upper eyelids can start to look heavier and the lower eyelids can show more fine lines. Eye Thermage may be an option when these changes come mainly from reduced skin firmness.
Crow’s feet
Some crow’s feet are expression lines from smiling or squinting, and some come from lax skin and stay visible at rest. They have different causes, so the best treatment can differ too.
Keeping skin firm after eyelid surgery
Skin around the eyes can lose firmness over time even after eyelid surgery. We generally consider eye Thermage at least six months after surgery, depending on the type of surgery and how you have healed.
Where is eye Thermage performed, and what is the eye tip?
Eye Thermage treats the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids and the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet).
Thermage FLX uses different tips for different areas.
- Total Tip (4.0 cm²): covers the larger areas of the face.
- Eye Tip (0.25 cm²): much smaller, so it can follow the narrow, curved skin of the eyelids and the outer corners of the eyes.
For the treatment of the whole face with the Total Tip, see Thermage FLX in Gangnam, Seoul.
Are my eyes protected during eye Thermage?
Yes. Eyelid skin is thin and the eyeball lies directly beneath it, so protecting the eye is a key part of eyelid treatment.
Before we treat the eyelids, we place a plastic eye shield over the eye, and we remove it when the treatment is finished.
How do 225 and 450 shots differ in eye Thermage?
More shots do not automatically mean better results. What matters is which areas need treatment and how the shots are distributed.
Targeted, or alongside face Thermage
- With full-face Thermage, the Total Tip covers suitable skin around the eyes.
- The Eye Tip is then used mainly on the upper eyelids.
- Can also be done on its own, with the shots shared between the upper and lower eyelids when appropriate.
Upper and lower eyelids, and the outer corners of the eyes
- This option allows broader treatment of the eyelids and the outer corners of the eyes.
- Shots are spread across the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids and the outer corners of the eyes, according to what each area needs.
Your treatment areas and number of shots are decided at your examination, based on the condition of your eyelid skin and on whether you are also having full-face Thermage.
When will I see results from eye Thermage, and how often should I repeat it?
Eye Thermage does not reach its full effect right away. The skin improves gradually as collagen remodeling continues.
- 1Right after treatmentSome people feel their skin is firmer. The effect is not complete yet.
- 2Around 2–3 monthsMany people notice the change more clearly. The timing varies from person to person.
- 3Every 6–12 monthsThe interval we generally recommend for repeating treatment, adjusted to your skin and your response.
We decide when to repeat the treatment after reviewing how you responded to the previous one and how firm your eyelid skin is now.
Is eye Thermage painful?
You may feel a brief sensation of heat or discomfort as the radiofrequency energy is delivered. How strongly you feel it varies a great deal from person to person.
Sensitivity can also differ by area and skin condition. We choose the anesthesia method according to how sensitive you are, how extensive the treatment is and your general health. If you are worried about pain, tell us at your consultation.
What is recovery like after eye Thermage?
Downtime is short. You may have mild redness or swelling, but most people can go about their day and wear light makeup on the same day.
Redness and swelling
- Mild and short-lived.
- Avoid rubbing the area around your eyes and avoid heavy eye makeup for the first day or so.
- If you have an important event coming up, tell us before treatment.
Dry or gritty eyes
- After the eye shield is removed, some people feel temporary dryness, grittiness or a sense that something is in the eye.
- To ease this, we apply or provide artificial tears when needed.
When to get in touch
- Burns are uncommon, but tell us about blisters or redness that lasts longer than expected.
- If you have severe eye pain or changes in your vision, contact us promptly. We can arrange an eye examination if needed.
How is eye Thermage different from Ultherapy around the eyes?
Both treatments are used for concerns around the eyes, but they use different energy and they work on different areas.
| Eye Thermage FLX | Ultherapy around the eyes | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Radiofrequency (heat) | Focused ultrasound |
| Often considered when | Loose, thin eyelid skin or fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes are the main concern | Dropped brows make the upper eyelids look heavy, or fat under the eye bulges |
| Where it is used | Upper and lower eyelids, and the outer corners of the eyes | Forehead, brow, beside the eye and under the eye, but not the eyelid itself |
| Tip and shots | Eye tip (0.25 cm²), 225 or 450 shots | 1.5 mm or 3.0 mm tips, usually 100–200 shots |
We first look at what is causing the sagging:
- If the skin of the eyelids itself has lost firmness, eye Thermage is usually the one we consider.
- If the brow has dropped and is pressing down on the upper eyelid, we may consider Ultherapy around the eyes.
Many people have a bit of both, which is why we decide at the examination. To read more, see Ultherapy Around the Eyes in Gangnam, Seoul and Ultherapy vs Thermage: What Is the Difference?
When is eye Thermage not enough?
Eye Thermage improves skin firmness, but it cannot solve every cause of drooping eyelids or under-eye fullness.
- 1A lot of extra upper-eyelid skin. If the skin folds over, or is so loose that it affects your vision, tightening alone may not give enough change. We may discuss upper eyelid surgery after examining you.
- 2Difficulty lifting the eyelid. Sometimes an eyelid looks droopy because of the muscle that opens the eye (ptosis), not because of the skin. This needs a separate evaluation.
- 3Prominent under-eye fat. Loose lower-eyelid skin and bulging fat are different problems. When the fat protrudes a lot, eye Thermage alone is unlikely to smooth the bulge, and lower-eyelid fat repositioning or lower blepharoplasty may suit you better.
The goal is not to choose surgery over a non-surgical treatment, but to find the approach that best addresses the cause of your concern. Please tell us about any previous eye surgery or treatment at your consultation.
Consultation and treatment by a specialist physician
Your doctor personally examines the skin around your eyes, plans the treatment and performs the procedure. English consultations are available.
Common questions
Can I have eye Thermage on its own?
Yes. Eye Thermage can be done on its own, including the 225-shot option. It does not have to be combined with full-face Thermage.
Can I have eye Thermage after eyelid surgery?
We generally consider it at least six months after surgery, once the area has healed well. The timing depends on the type of surgery and on how you have recovered, so please tell us about any previous eye surgery.
How often should I repeat eye Thermage?
We generally recommend repeating it every 6 to 12 months. We adjust the timing according to how you responded to the last treatment and the current firmness of your eyelid skin.
Can I wear makeup after eye Thermage?
Light makeup and normal daily activities are usually fine on the same day. For the first day or so, avoid rubbing the area around your eyes and avoid heavy eye makeup.
Can eye Thermage treat under-eye bags?
Eye Thermage tightens loose lower-eyelid skin. It does not remove fat that protrudes under the eye, which is a different problem. If bulging fat is your main concern, see "When is eye Thermage not enough?" above.
How much does eye Thermage cost?
The cost depends on the treatment area and the number of shots, and it is confirmed after an examination, so we do not list a fixed price here. Message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk and we can explain your options in English.
One-on-one consultations · Your doctor personally plans and performs your treatment.
Questions about eye Thermage?
Ask us about appointment availability, treatment options or planning your visit to Seoul.