Thermage FLX, the 4th generation Thermage!
What are the differences from the existing 3rd generation Thermage CPT, Ulthera, Density, and Olligio?
Today's article focuses on Thermage FLX.
The lifting procedure that anyone interested in lifting has either had or wants to have, Thermage.
Thermage FLX Device Photo
Thermage FLX - Approved by the US FDA, this lifting procedure is received by almost all celebrities, from famous Hollywood figures like Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt to Korean celebrities! Don't you wonder why it's Thermage?
Thermage FLX Treatment Scene - Dr. Woong-chul Jang, W Clinic
First, let's look at a summary of the <Features of Thermage FLX>.
It is the lifting procedure with the most clinical research and sufficient FDA approvals worldwide.
It is almost the only lifting device that has been upgraded to the 4th generation FLX.
It has a uniquely large number of pain-reducing features, such as vibration and cooling spray, compared to competing treatments like Ulthera.
A lifting procedure often performed once a year (finished with one session), with a treatment time of about 30 minutes based on 600 REP.
A procedure that improves most facial wrinkles and elasticity, such as sagging jawline, sagging cheeks, neck wrinkles, fine lines around the eyes, and nasolabial folds.
Although some improvements are visible immediately after the procedure, the actual improvement in wrinkles and elasticity is considered best after 2-3 months.
These features might be why Thermage has remained the most popular and most frequently performed cosmetic dermatology procedure for wrinkle and elasticity improvement in the world for nearly 20 years (based on the 1st generation Thermacool TC). In fact, if you look at the before and after photos of improved wrinkles and elasticity from a Thermage procedure...
Before and After Photos of Improved Wrinkles and Elasticity with Thermage
As shown in the photo above, various skin conditions such as sagging cheeks, double chin, fine wrinkles, and skin texture are improved, making the person look younger. (Before and after photos are usually taken around 2 months after the procedure.)
So, what does it feel like to actually receive a Thermage procedure?
Actual Thermage treatment scene, Dr. Woong-chul Jang (W Clinic)
Before getting Thermage, as shown in the photo above:
A simple consultation is needed first.
Given the nature of monopolar radiofrequency treatments, a 'Return Pad' is attached to a large area like the back, and the patient lies down to begin the procedure.
Once the treatment starts, 'Coupling Fluid,' a gel, is applied to the face (it helps to transmit the radiofrequency), and the square-shaped tip is fired one count at a time.
Each shot takes 2-3 seconds and is expressed in units of REP.
It is common to use 600 REP for the entire face, which takes about 30 minutes.
During the procedure, a 'buzzing' vibration from the tip helps to reduce pain.
After the procedure, the face may feel slightly red and a bit swollen, but this usually disappears quickly, allowing for a return to daily life.
So, what is the principle behind the Thermage procedure?
The principle of Thermage (what happens in the skin during the procedure)
The diagram above shows what happens during the Thermage procedure. Thermage applies radiofrequency energy to the skin and under the skin to generate heat.
Radiofrequency is literally an alternating current where the positive and negative poles change at a high speed, or high frequency. When this exceeds a certain level, it creates 'Joule Heat' instead of an electric shock. The principle of Thermage is to deliver an appropriate level of energy that is not damaging to the skin and the layer below the skin, but sufficient to cause skin regeneration.
What happens under the skin after a Thermage procedure
The diagram above explains what happens under the skin after the Thermage procedure. The radiofrequency heat delivered by Thermage to the underlayer of the skin breaks down old proteins and tissues. It doesn't stop there; new collagen regeneration occurs in that spot (handled by fibroblasts). As a result, after 2-3 months, new collagen creates new skin with improved wrinkles and elasticity.
So, what is the difference between the existing Thermage 3rd generation CPT and the 4th generation FLX?
Thermage 3rd generation CPT treatment photo (W Clinic)
Our W Clinic has been performing Thermage for 15 years, starting from the 2nd generation. By the 3rd generation, Thermage's pain was significantly reduced compared to the 1st generation due to the completion of the vibration and cooling spray features. Looking at the procedure above, the 3rd generation Thermage doesn't seem to have a big difference from the 4th generation, does it?
Thermage 4th generation (FLX) (left) and 3rd generation (CPT)
Yes, that's actually the case. The manufacturer itself does not talk about a big difference in terms of 'effectiveness' in the 4th generation. However, the tip of the FLX is larger than the existing Thermage 3rd generation.
After Thermage, What happens?
The larger tip means not only faster treatment time but also that the depth of energy delivery to the underlayer of the skin is deeper, as radiofrequency energy decreases in inverse proportion to distance.
From left to right: Thermage FLX, Thermage CPT, Olligio tips
Next, let's find out about Eye Thermage, which is said to improve sagging eyelids and fine lines around the eyes, and Body Thermage, which improves sagging and elasticity of the stomach, thighs, and knees.
Eye Thermage Before and after (W Clinic)
First, let's look at Eye Thermage.
Eye Thermage treatment scene (left, W Clinic) and before and after changes
Eye Thermage is not a different device; it uses a green Eye Thermage tip with the same Thermage FLX device. This tip is small, allowing for treatment to be performed closely on the eyelids, around the eyes, or under the eyes.
Below are the various tips of Thermage FLX and the number of counts available for treatment.
Various tips and available counts of Thermage FLX
So, what are the effects of Body Thermage? The photo below shows before and after photos of a Body Thermage procedure.
Body Thermage before and after photos (W Clinic)
Body Thermage used to have a large tip, but the current FLX is being performed with the same total tip as the face due to licensing issues. In the old CPT days, we used the body tip which was 4 times larger. When will the importers solve this import problem...?
Finally, a comparison of Olligio, Density, and Volnewmer with Thermage FLX.
rom left: Olligio, Density, Volnewmer Olligio, Density, and Volnewmer are all domestic (Korean)radiofrequency lifting devices that are similar to Thermage. From left: Olligio, Density, Volnewmer
Olligio, Density, and Volnewmer are all domestic radiofrequency lifting devices that are similar to Thermage.
They all use the same radiofrequency energy with a 6.78 MHz wavelength as Thermage.
They all have the common feature of being monopolar radiofrequency lifting procedures that use a return pad.
In fact, our clinic has not only Thermage FLX and Ulthera, but 'also' Olligio, Density, and Volnewmer. After receiving and performing these treatments daily, I feel that:
'Although similar to Thermage, the time it takes for lifting effects to appear, the sensation, and the duration are all different for Olligio, Density, and Volnewmer.'
It's like how cars with similar specs, for example, a 3000cc 6-cylinder gasoline engine, don't all feel the same to drive. Nevertheless, because they are a bit more affordable than Thermage, we also have Olligio, Density, and Volnewmer available and perform them frequently for those who want more frequent lifting treatments without the burden.
In dermatology, especially for cosmetic procedures, there is no 'one right answer'. The most important procedure is the one that you are satisfied with and want to receive.
For those who want to know more about Olligio, Density, and Volnewmer, here are the YouTube links.
Olligio
https://youtu.be/zKSWBvh36oQ?si=muGo4ItfnWJlALIn
Density
https://youtu.be/D_hqTMgB_wY?si=SpOsmaL7LqgIxpHa
Volnewmer
https://youtu.be/Cmij90rjxkc?si=_Z6pTpYwW-_2jqxy
To conclude, we have many people at our clinic who have been coming for Thermage every year for over 10 years, and some who get it whenever they visit from overseas. They say the same thing that I do for myself when I look in the mirror and receive Thermage more than once a year.
"When I get Thermage, I don't feel like I'm aging for about a year when I look in the mirror or take photos. But after a year, I look in the mirror or at photos and feel the need to get it again."
Written by Dr. Woong-chul Jang (Representative Director of W Clinic / Samsung branch)
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