Thermage, don’t believe the claim that

the machine alone is enough

Beauty's Doctor

I’m Director Wi Young-jin of Beauty Stone Clinic in Hongdae.

Please check this before reading

Q. Is a clinic that uses the latest-generation Thermage machine

always better?

A. More than the generation difference, what matters is how deeply the energy

reaches into the dermis.

Results are determined by that.

Energy settings and

the practitioner’s experience matter far more than the machine.

Q. Is one Thermage session enough?

A. It usually takes

about 3 to 6 months for collagen regeneration to complete, and for maintenance,

repeat treatment every 1 to 2 years is often recommended.

Key points of this article

Thermage is a proven non-invasive lifting procedure that

regenerates dermal collagen with

radiofrequency heat energy.

What is Thermage (Thermage)?

Thermage (Thermage FLX)

delivers radiofrequency (RF, Radio Frequency) heat energy

deep into the dermis

to induce collagen contraction and regeneration,

making it a non-invasive lifting device.

If Ulthera uses ultrasound

to directly stimulate the SMAS layer (fascial layer),

Thermage targets

the collagen structure in the middle and lower dermis with radiofrequency heat energy.

The depth of action and the target tissue are different.

'Radiofrequency heat energy',

don’t just brush it off

Honestly, when you first encounter the sentence 'collagen is stimulated by radiofrequency',

most people just pass it by.

But there’s something important here.

Thermage does not transfer heat by

'simply heating the surface'.

When the radiofrequency current passes through the skin tissue,

the water molecules in the tissue vibrate,

generating frictional heat.

This heat is generated not in the epidermis,

but in the deep layers of the dermis.

What makes this tricky is that while protecting the epidermis with a cooling tip,

only the dermis must be heated to the exact temperature

(around 65~70°C).

Why is this temperature range important?

Because collagen fibers contract immediately in this range,

and that stimulus acts as a signal that

induces new collagen production.

If the energy is too low,

it won’t even reach the temperature at which collagen contracts,

and if it’s too high, tissue damage occurs.

Handling this boundary properly is

the practitioner’s role.

During the first consultation,

I check skin thickness and the distribution of subcutaneous fat,

then adjust the energy level and number of passes accordingly.

Because even with the same machine, different energy settings

can lead to different results.

Director Wi Young-jin’s key summary

Thermage works on the principle that radiofrequency heat energy

is generated directly in the dermis.

It’s not the machine generation that determines the result,

but how accurately energy is delivered to the dermis

at the right temperature that matters.

Remember that this control depends on the practitioner’s experience

and judgment.

Ulthera vs. Thermage

— Which choice is right for you?

Thermage is a good fit for people who

have reduced skin elasticity, enlarged-looking pores, or

are bothered by fine lines.

On the other hand, if the cheeks have noticeably sagged or

the facial contour itself has changed, then rather than Thermage alone,

you should consider combining it with Ulthera

or exploring another approach.

However, because it works by naturally changing the tissue,

it can take 3 to 6 months for collagen regeneration,

so it’s best to take your time and watch the results.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What’s the difference between Thermage, InMode, and Potenza?

They all use radiofrequency, but the delivery method differs.

InMode acts even on the subcutaneous fat layer,

and Potenza uses needles to deliver energy directly at a specific depth.

Thermage uses a surface-contact method

to deliver energy evenly across a wide area.

Q2. How much does it cost,

and how many sessions are needed?

The cost varies greatly depending on the tip type and the treatment area.

Thermage is often maintained with one treatment per year,

and if you didn’t see any effect after one session,

it’s a good idea to check the energy level settings.

Q3. What side effects or

precautions are there after the procedure?

Being non-invasive doesn’t mean

there are no side effects at all.

Temporary redness or swelling may occur, so

it’s important to apply the energy appropriately.

For 1 to 2 days after the procedure, avoid strong UV exposure

and keep the skin well moisturized.

That’s all from Wi Young-jin.

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