A Face Changed by Just One Thermage Session at Sinnonhyeon Station

Hello, this is Leejham Dermatology Gangnam Branch.

Have you ever looked in the mirror in the morning and wondered, “I definitely slept enough, so why do I look so tired?” If you don’t feel especially unwell yourself, but people around you keep saying, “You look exhausted these days,” it may be a signal from your skin rather than simple fatigue. When the cheeks gradually droop and the outer corners of the eyes and mouth sag under gravity, making your overall impression look heavy, that is the change created by decreased skin elasticity and sagging.

If you clicked on this article, you may be dealing with a similar concern. Today, focusing on the story of a patient I met in person in the clinic, I’d like to honestly and warmly explain Thermage FLX, a radiofrequency lifting treatment. I hope this article will be truly helpful for those who are just beginning to think about lifting treatments.

One ordinary afternoon, a woman in her mid-40s came in cautiously after finding Leejham Dermatology while searching for Thermage at Sinnonhyeon Station. As soon as she sat down, she took out a photo on her phone and showed it to me. “Doctor, this is a photo of me from three years ago. But when I look at my photos these days, it doesn’t feel like my face. Aging is natural, but I didn’t expect it to sag this suddenly.”

Those words stayed with me. The unfamiliar feeling between the face in the photo and the face now. She said that over the past two years, her cheeks had dropped downward, her nasolabial folds had deepened, and her jawline had become blurred, starting to look like a double chin. More than anything, what was hardest for her was repeatedly hearing that she looked tired and older, even though she didn’t actually feel especially ill or exhausted.

She said surgery felt too burdensome, but doing nothing also made her feel very uncomfortable. She was looking for a non-surgical way that would be natural and last a long time. Hearing that, I began explaining Thermage FLX.

What is Thermage FLX?

Thermage FLX is a lifting procedure that delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the skin to induce collagen contraction and new collagen regeneration. Put simply, it uses heat stimulation on the skin’s old, loosened support structure to tighten it again. Much like using heat to help an old rubber band regain some elasticity, the principle is to deliver appropriate radiofrequency energy to the tissue inside the skin and encourage elasticity recovery.

Our skin is composed of the epidermis, dermis, and the fascial layer called the SMAS layer. As we age, collagen density in the dermis decreases and the elasticity of the SMAS layer declines, causing the skin to sag in the direction of gravity. Thermage FLX delivers energy deep into the dermis while protecting the skin’s surface with a cooling system. This allows changes to be induced from within while minimizing the burden on the outer skin.

Compared with the previous Thermage version, Thermage FLX applies AccuREP technology, which detects the skin’s response in real time during treatment and adjusts the energy, and the Comfort Pulse Technology (CPT) has been further improved, making the procedure more comfortable. In addition, the tip size has been improved so that a wider area can be covered in the same amount of time.

Who is Thermage FLX suitable for?

Thermage FLX is often recommended after consultation for people whose main concerns are skin sagging and reduced elasticity, those whose jawline is becoming less defined or whose cheeks are starting to droop, and those worried about wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. In terms of age, it is broadly applied from the late 30s to the 50s, and quite a few people in their late 20s also show interest for preventive purposes.

Men can certainly receive it as well. In fact, it is known that men’s skin tends to be thicker and more elastic, so the effects may last longer. However, if you are pregnant, have metal foreign material in the skin, or have an underlying heart-related condition, the procedure may be restricted, so be sure to inform us in advance during your consultation.

Also, if there is active inflammation or skin trouble, it is better to coordinate the appropriate timing together after the condition has stabilized. Most importantly, just because a treatment is popular does not mean it should be applied identically to everyone; the direction should be decided after accurately understanding each person’s skin condition.

How is Thermage FLX performed?

One of the questions people ask most often when first looking into Thermage at Sinnonhyeon Station is, “How painful is it?” During Thermage FLX, you may feel heat and a tingling sensation. The experience can vary depending on an individual’s pain threshold, the treatment area, and the number of shots, and if necessary, a numbing cream is applied before the procedure to reduce discomfort.

The treatment time varies depending on the treatment area, but for the full face it is usually around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Compared with the previous version, Thermage FLX has improved tip efficiency, allowing a wider area to be covered even with the same number of shots. Right after the procedure, there may be slight redness or swelling, but it usually subsides within 1 to 3 days, and washing the face and light makeup are possible from the same day.

The time when results appear differs from person to person. Some people feel some change immediately after the procedure, but the full lifting effect that comes with collagen regeneration usually appears gradually between 4 and 12 weeks, and in many cases reaches its maximum effect after 2 to 3 months. The duration of the effect varies by individual, but it generally tends to last about 6 months to 1 year, and many people consider retreatment every 6 months to 1 year to maintain the effect.

A message from the doctor to patients

I think dermatology care is not just treatment, but a process of completing your beauty. What matters most is naturalness without overdoing it and trust that lasts over time. Because every skin is different, Leejham Dermatology does not simply provide procedures; we think together about diagnosis and solutions suited to each person’s skin.

For any lifting treatment, including Thermage at Sinnonhyeon Station, the first thing to do is accurately understand the current condition of your skin. A popular treatment is not right for everyone. Honest diagnosis, proven procedures, and heartfelt care. These are the principles Leejham Dermatology wants to uphold.

More than a single treatment, becoming a clinic you can trust for a long time. For those considering Thermage at Sinnonhyeon Station or interested in lifting treatments, I hope this article serves as a small guide.

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