What Kind of Device Is Thermage FLX?

Hello.

I’m Wi Young-jin from Beauty’s Doctor.

When looking into lifting procedures,

you will likely come across the name

Thermage FLX at least once.

Because it is such a well-known device,

questions like these also come up frequently.

“Is it a procedure that is completed in just one session?”

“How is it different from the original Thermage?”

“How does it compare with Ulthera?”

To summarize first,

Thermage is a medical device that uses radiofrequency (RF).

However, the need for a procedure cannot be determined

by the device name alone.

In practice, whether it is appropriate is determined

after examining the current condition of the skin

and the areas of concern.

Today, we will take a step-by-step look at

what kind of device Thermage FLX is,

how it differs from the original Thermage,

and what is helpful to know before a consultation.

What Is Radiofrequency (RF)?

To understand Thermage,

it is first necessary to learn about radiofrequency (RF).

Radiofrequency (RF) uses electrical energy

to deliver energy to a specific depth of the skin.

It is one of the technologies used in lifting devices,

and its operating principle differs from that of devices that use ultrasound.

Therefore, even when devices are classified as lifting treatments,

the way each device works may differ.

When comparing devices,

rather than simply asking “Which device is better?”

it is helpful to understand which principle each one uses.

What Kind of Device Is Thermage?

Thermage is a radiofrequency (RF)-based medical device

by Solta Medical.

It uses monopolar radiofrequency,

in which energy is delivered through a specific structure,

and it is one of the lifting devices

that continues to be used today.

The way the device is used and its areas of application

are limited to the scope for which it has been approved,

and it is applied within the scope of approvals

from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

and Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

However, it is difficult to determine whether a procedure is suitable

based only on an explanation of the device.

Even when the same device is used,

the approach may vary depending on skin thickness,

tissue characteristics, and the areas of concern.

What Is the Monopolar Method?

One of the terms that frequently comes up

when explaining Thermage is

monopolar.

Monopolar refers to a structure

in which radiofrequency energy generated on one side

flows toward the opposite side.

Thermage is designed to deliver energy

using this method.

Of course, understanding the principle

and understanding how the actual procedure is performed

are two different matters.

Because the areas of application may vary

depending on the current condition of the skin,

it is important to review this thoroughly during the consultation.

What Has Changed with Thermage FLX?

Thermage FLX, which is widely used today,

is the fourth-generation device in the Thermage line.

Its basic operating principle

is the same as that of the original Thermage.

It still uses radiofrequency (RF).

However, some convenience features

were added as the generations changed.

For example, it includes a function that measures skin condition

and adjusts the energy,

as well as a cooling function

to protect the skin’s surface.

In addition, a handpiece

with a vibration function

may be used during the procedure.

These functions are among the device’s features.

However, the experience during the actual procedure

may differ from person to person.

Not Everyone Has the Same Experience with Thermage FLX

Some people assume that if the device is the same,

the results and sensations will also be similar for everyone.

In reality, this is not necessarily the case.

Even when the same Thermage FLX is used,

skin thickness and tissue characteristics

differ from person to person.

Age and lifestyle habits also vary,

as does each person’s history of previous procedures.

These are factors that are reviewed together

during the consultation.

Therefore, rather than deciding whether to undergo a procedure

based only on the device name,

it is important to first examine

the current condition of your skin.

What Is Helpful to Check Before a Consultation

During a consultation, practitioners generally review

the condition of the skin and tissue characteristics,

the areas of concern, and any history of previous procedures.

This is because the treatment area and the way the procedure is performed

may vary even when the same Thermage FLX is used.

If you are taking any medication

or have recently undergone a skin procedure,

it is advisable to mention this in advance during the consultation.

If your skin is usually sensitive,

explaining this as well may be helpful.

Also, if you have an important event coming up,

it is best to plan with sufficient time

after a thorough consultation.

This is because reactions after a procedure

and the course of recovery

may vary from person to person.

What Should Be Used as a 기준?

Thermage FLX

is a medical device that uses radiofrequency (RF),

with some additional functions

based on the same principle as the original Thermage.

However, the need for a procedure

is not determined by the device name alone.

Because skin condition varies from person to person,

no particular procedure is necessary for everyone.

After checking your current condition and whether treatment is needed

through a consultation,

it is important to distinguish between

what may be beneficial and what may not be necessary.

If you are considering a lifting consultation in Hapjeong,

rather than comparing only the device names or specifications,

first check whether the approach is appropriate

for your current skin condition.

Detailed information about each procedure

is available on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How is Thermage different from Ulthera?

A. Both devices

are medical devices in the lifting category,

but they use different principles.

Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF),

while Ulthera uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

Which method is appropriate

may vary depending on the individual’s condition,

so it is best to determine this through a consultation.

Q. Is Thermage FLX

a completely different device from the original Thermage?

A. Its basic operating principle is the same.

It uses radiofrequency (RF) in the same way,

with some convenience and energy-adjustment functions

added to the model.

Q. What does the procedure feel like?

A. Individual experiences vary

depending on skin condition and sensitivity,

as well as the treatment area.

If you are usually sensitive to pain

or have sensitive skin,

it may be helpful to mention this

during the consultation.

Thank you for reading this lengthy post.

This was Wi Young-jin.