Thermage Effects, Duration, and Is 300 Shots Enough?

This post has been written in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act.

It was written for the sole purpose of providing information, and is absolutely not intended to promote this clinic.

Because results and side effects may vary from person to person, please be sure to have a thorough consultation with the medical staff.

Hello.

This is Wee Young-jin from Beauty's Doctors.

If I had to choose just one of the most sought-after treatments among tightening or radiofrequency lifting procedures,

I would choose Thermage without hesitation.

If you are reading this now, you may also have been looking up Thermage effects.

In particular, these are the things many people are curious about:

✔ Whether there is really a change

✔ When the results start to show after treatment

✔ How long the effects of Thermage last

Many people seek it simply for lifting, but Thermage is a device that creates more than that.

Are you going to keep pulling only?

The reason skin texture, density, and feel change

One of the most common misconceptions among first-time users is

that this treatment simply pulls the skin tighter.

Of course, it is classified as a radiofrequency lifting device, but its mechanism goes beyond simple lifting.

Radiofrequency thermal energy reaches deep into the dermis layer of the skin,

causing collagen fibers to contract and stimulating new collagen production.

The reason it does not just make the surface feel tighter, but creates a sensation from within,

is exactly here.

Will it last for the period? Is it really a lifting device?

The reason wrinkles appear on the skin and elasticity decreases is simple.

It is because collagen and elastin in the skin's dermis layer decrease.

Thermage is a treatment that replenishes this support structure.

By delivering radiofrequency energy deep into the skin, it applies thermal stimulation to the dermis, and that stimulation promotes collagen production.

In fact, to lift a sagging face upward, the energy must reach not only the dermis but deeper subcutaneous fat layers or the fascia layer (SMAS).

At this point, high heat of 65 degrees Celsius or more causes instantaneous coagulation, leading to tissue contraction,

and that is the domain of HIFU-type treatments such as Ulthera.

(If you are interested in Ulthera ▼)

In contrast, Thermage regenerates collagen in the dermis and refines the skin to make it denser.

So when discussing the effects of Thermage, "tightening" is a more accurate term than "lifting."

Only by receiving a clear explanation of this difference in treatment purpose

can beginners make the choice that is right for them.

Is 300 shots enough?

I often hear the question, "Is 300 shots enough?"

But more important than the simple number is where and how it is delivered.

I often compare the number of shots to sewing.

Just as tighter stitching makes fabric sturdier, the skin's density and elasticity change depending on how evenly the energy is delivered.

And in fact, 300 shots is close to the minimum dose.

That is because radiofrequency needs to slowly raise the skin temperature to 40–42°C

before collagen production truly begins, and the initial shots are like a preheating stage.

In other words, the shots that actually work effectively may be around 150–200 shots.

That is why, in general, higher-dose treatments of 600 or 900 shots or more

allow for a more stable and sufficiently overlapping design.

Especially in areas like the cheeks, jawline, and the nasolabial fold area, where elasticity tends to break down easily,

energy needs to overlap once more to lead to more satisfying results.

We focus not only on the number of shots, but also on customized overlap by area.

When will the skin start to change?

Thermage is characterized by changes that appear gradually, rather than immediately.

Some people feel that the skin seems to tighten slightly right after the procedure,

but this is a temporary contraction reaction caused by radiofrequency heat.

The real change begins when collagen starts to form.

Although collagen regeneration speed varies from person to person,

generally, actual changes in the skin begin to be felt about one month after the procedure.

Collagen production continues for about six months after treatment, and accordingly, the effects usually last for an average of about six months to one year.

The duration of Thermage effects is relatively long, though individual differences exist.

Since satisfaction with Thermage depends on how long the results are maintained, it is best to consider the maintenance cycle as well.

Key summary

✅ Thermage is a tightening procedure, not a lifting procedure

✅ 600–900 shots or more is more stable than 300 shots

✅ Changes begin after 1 month → last for 6 months to 1 year

Through an accurate diagnosis and consultation, please experience the effects of Thermage for yourself.

The effects of Thermage are focused on restoring the overall health of the skin, rather than simple lifting.

The duration of Thermage effects is also one of the key points that determines treatment satisfaction.

Thank you for reading.

This was Wee Young-jin.