Thermage FLX in Gangnam, Seoul:
What to Expect and How Many Shots
Thermage FLX is a radiofrequency treatment that heats the skin to tighten it and stimulate new collagen. At Secret Plastic Surgery, 600 shots is our standard for treating the whole face, and 300 shots is used for selected areas such as the eye area, cheeks and jawline. Results begin to appear from about 2–3 months, and redness or swelling usually settles within a few days.
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Heat is built up by repeated passes
Thermage FLX delivers radiofrequency energy that heats the dermis and the connective tissue just beneath it, while the skin surface is protected by cooling. The heat prompts existing collagen to contract and new collagen to form, which is how it supports skin firmness.
The heat is not produced by a single pass. The same area is passed over several times so that the temperature rises gradually. In our clinical experience, much of the energy in the early passes goes into raising the temperature of the tissue, which is why repeated passes are needed.
We treat with the Thermage FLX device. After treatment, we attach the authenticity sticker from the tip box to a certificate card for you.
Broader heating of the dermis
When we consider Thermage FLX
Thermage is mainly about tightening the skin itself. We consider it for the following.
- Loss of firmness: skin that has become less firm overall and feels soft or slack.
- Enlarged pores: pores that look elongated and where tightening the skin is the goal.
- Preventive care: no visible sagging yet, but you want to look after skin firmness early.
- Heaviness from fat or volume: double chin, jowls and sagging of the front of the cheeks are usually better suited to Ultherapy.
For the differences between the two treatments, see Ultherapy vs Thermage: What Is the Difference?
300 shots vs 600 shots
A shot count is not a measure of strength. It describes how large an area can be treated, and how many passes each area receives.
| 600 shots | 300 shots | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment area | The whole face | Selected areas, such as the eye area, cheeks and jawline |
| Often considered for | Loss of firmness across the face, together with enlarged, elongated pores | Firmness concerns in specific areas, or starting early as preventive care |
| Where change is noticed | Across the face | In the treated areas |
| Swelling | Tends to be greater | Tends to be less |
| Repeat treatment | Usually about every 6–12 months, depending on your skin and goals. We do not apply the same interval to everyone. | |
Our approach. Heat builds up through repeated passes, so each treated area needs enough of them. When the number of shots has to be limited, we narrow the treatment area rather than thin out the passes.
Two sessions of 300 shots are also not the same as one session of 600. Because the early passes of each session go partly into raising the temperature again, a single 600-shot session leaves more of the treatment available for the effect itself, and in our experience it is usually the more efficient choice.
Which is right for you is decided after examining your skin thickness and firmness. Some people start with 300 shots on the areas that concern them and widen to the whole face later. Others who found swelling after 600 shots difficult choose selected areas next time.
Does it hurt? What happens afterwards?
During treatment
You may feel heat as the dermis is warmed. How strongly varies a great deal between individuals. Patients who tolerate discomfort well may be treated with topical numbing cream, and sedation may be considered for patients who are more sensitive. The method is decided at your consultation.
After treatment
The treated area may be red, warm or mildly swollen, and this usually settles within a few days. 600 shots tend to cause more swelling than 300 shots, and swelling is often most noticeable the day after treatment. If swelling or your schedule is a concern, tell us beforehand.
Skin injury from excess heat, such as small blisters or burns, can occur. If you notice anything unusual after treatment, contact the clinic.
When results appear, and how often to repeat
You may feel some temporary tightening right after treatment, but the change that comes from new collagen builds up over months. In our experience, results begin to appear from about 2–3 months, and collagen continues to form until about 6 months. After that, we do not expect further new collagen from that treatment, which is why we suggest repeating Thermage every 6–12 months. Results and how long they last vary between individuals.
Consultation and treatment by a specialist
Your doctor personally examines your face, plans the treatment area and performs the treatment. Treatment areas and shot counts are decided after examination, not from a preset package.
You can discuss your main concerns, past treatments and the proposed treatment areas directly with your doctor.
Plan for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at the clinic, including consultation. The duration may vary depending on the treatment areas. Let us know any important dates when you book, and we will try to arrange the appointment around them.
Secret Plastic Surgery
4F, FINE TOWER, 372 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Gangnam Station, Exits 3 and 4 · Underground parking available
Thermage FLX: questions
What is Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX is a non-surgical radiofrequency treatment that heats the dermis to support skin tightening and firmness. Unlike Ultherapy, which is used to address sagging in deeper layers, Thermage works mainly on the dermis.
How much does Thermage FLX cost?
Can I have Thermage and Ultherapy on the same day?
Sometimes. We may do both in one visit, and patients concerned about swelling or getting back to daily life may have them on separate days. If both are done on the same day, we do Ultherapy first and Thermage second. Having both together can increase swelling.
One-on-one appointments · Your doctor personally handles every step, from consultation to treatment.
Not sure how many shots you need?
Ask us about appointment availability or planning your treatment.