Things to Know Before Getting Treatment at the Best Place for Lifting in Seocho

Hello, this is Lee Jiham Dermatology Gangnam Branch.

Today, I’d like to write about a topic that comes up often in the clinic, and one that began with a conversation I personally had with a patient. Have you ever looked in the mirror and sighed at how your facial contours seem different from before? Cheeks that feel like they’ve sagged, deeper nasolabial folds, and a less defined jawline. I feel every day in practice that this is not just in your head.

Among those reading this, I’m sure there are people with similar concerns. So today, I’ll slowly walk through what Thermage FLX is, who it may be suitable for, and how to care for it, through one patient’s story. If you’re looking for the best place for lifting in Seocho, I hope this article will be of some practical help.

A few months ago, a patient in her mid-40s opened the clinic room door and came in. Her expression was full of worry, and I still remember her first words clearly. She asked, “Doctor, I haven’t even lost weight, so why does my face look like it’s sagging so much?” The patient was someone who generally took very good care of herself. She washed her face carefully, used basic skincare products regularly, and paid attention to sun protection, but at some point she became concerned that her cheeks felt saggy, the area under her eyes felt heavy, and her nasolabial folds seemed deeper than expected.

In fact, this concern is something many people experience in common. Aging does not arrive all at once; it progresses very slowly, little by little, until one day, when you look in the mirror, you realize, “Ah, it’s changed.” That patient was in exactly that situation.

It wasn’t especially painful, and it didn’t interfere with daily life, but she said it kept bothering her and seemed to be gradually lowering her confidence. Her words stayed with me. Once again, I was reminded that concerns about appearance are not simply about outward looks, but are connected to quality of life and self-esteem as well.

What is Thermage FLX?

First, let me explain why skin sagging happens. Our skin is broadly divided into the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layer. The structures responsible for elasticity among these are the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis. It may be easier to understand if you think of collagen as the skin’s “framework” and elastin as the “spring” that helps the skin stretch and return.

The problem is that collagen begins to decrease by about 1% every year starting in the mid-20s. By the 40s, collagen production is significantly lower than in the 20s, and the existing collagen structure also loosens, causing the skin to sag downward. Add to this the effects of gravity, cumulative sun damage, and hormonal changes, and sagging progresses even faster.

Thermage FLX is a lifting procedure based on radio frequency (RF) used in situations like this. It delivers RF energy deep into the skin to stimulate the dermis and the SMAS layer (the subcutaneous fascial system), and through that thermal energy it contracts collagen fibers while also inducing new collagen production. Simply put, you can think of it as using heat to tighten the loose structures inside the skin while simultaneously adding new material.

Thermage is a device that has been widely used around the world based on a long record of clinical data, and FLX is an upgraded version with improved treatment convenience and energy delivery. Lee Jiham Dermatology has also introduced and uses this device. What matters is that RF lifting does not merely affect the skin’s surface, but induces real changes in deeper layers of the skin.

Thermage FLX: how does it work, and what results can you expect?

When I explained Thermage FLX to the patient mentioned earlier, I used this analogy: “Think of collagen as an old rubber band. When you apply heat, it contracts and becomes tighter, and that stimulation helps create new rubber bands.” After hearing this, she said, “Ah, so there are both immediate changes and long-term changes?” and that was exactly right.

The effects of Thermage FLX can be divided into two main stages. Immediately after the procedure, you may feel some firmness due to the immediate contraction of collagen fibers, and then over the next 2 to 3 months, as new collagen is produced, improvement in sagging and skin tightening appears gradually. Because the effects appear step by step, some people expect dramatic changes right after the procedure and feel disappointed; it is important to explain this clearly in advance.

Expected effects include improvement in cheek sagging, refined jawline contour, reduction of nasolabial folds, improvement in drooping eyelids, and overall skin tightening. However, results may vary depending on the individual’s skin condition, age, lifestyle, and treatment area, and the duration of the effect generally varies from about 6 months to 1 year.

Before and after Thermage FLX, try managing it like this

Treatment does not end when the procedure is over. In fact, post-treatment care is an important factor that determines the result. I also carefully explained pre- and post-treatment care to the patient, and I’ll share that here as well.

As a precaution before treatment, if there is active inflammation or a skin issue, it is better to postpone the procedure. If you are pregnant, have heart disease, or have metal foreign objects inside the body (such as artificial joints or a pacemaker), you must inform the medical staff in advance.

The most important part of post-treatment care is sun protection. Apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher every day, and avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, and strenuous exercise for one week after the procedure. This is because additional heat stimulation while warmth remains in the skin can place a burden on the skin. Also, drinking enough water and maintaining moisturization help the treatment effects last longer.

Daily habits should not be overlooked either. Regular sleep, not smoking, avoiding excessive drinking, and eating a balanced diet are basic conditions for maintaining skin elasticity, even more fundamental than any procedure. No matter how good a treatment you receive, if your lifestyle does not support it, the effect will inevitably diminish. If a place is truly the best for lifting in Seocho, I think it should pay attention to this kind of lifestyle guidance just as much as to the treatment itself.

A word I’d like to share as a doctor

I believe dermatology treatment is not simply a medical procedure, but a process of helping a person live better with their skin. Whether it’s Thermage FLX, ultrasound lifting, or a skin booster, I first think about what this person’s skin needs now, rather than saying which treatment is best.

If you’re worried about skin sagging, the starting point is to accurately understand your skin’s condition. You need to consider age, skin thickness, the degree of sagging, lifestyle habits, and even the direction of the results you want in order to provide customized care. Thermage FLX may not be the right answer for everyone, and there are people for whom ultrasound lifting may be more suitable. Or, in some cases, combining both may be better.

Lee Jiham Dermatology values natural results that are not excessive, as well as long-standing trust. Being a place that people can rely on over time, rather than just from one procedure—that is the direction we aim for. I hope this article has been meaningful information for those looking for the best place for lifting in Seocho.

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