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After age 25, skin begins to age and loosen, and many people turn to aesthetic medicine. There are many kinds of aesthetic skincare treatments, and the ones you hear about most are Ultraformer MPT and Thermage FLX. Among these popular treatments, Thermage FLX stands out (its ads are everywhere!). It is popular because it has almost no downtime, needs no anesthesia, and is non-invasive. So what is the appeal of Thermage FLX? This article answers your questions one by one, covering how Thermage FLX works, its side effects and more, and we hope it helps you understand the treatment better!
How Thermage FLX Works
Thermage FLX (called “Phoenix RF” in Chinese) uses high-frequency radiofrequency energy to generate heat and stimulate collagen production. It delivers high-frequency RF energy into the dermis, and the heat generated between the RF energy and the skin’s electrical resistance stimulates collagen production, making the skin smoother and firmer. A session lasts 45-60 minutes. It is mostly used to treat early signs of aging such as mild fine lines and laxity, and different tips can be used on different parts of the body to achieve the best results.
*Thermage FLX has four main tips, each used and combined for different areas
Eye Tip (Green):
Suited to the eye area. Its distinguishing feature is US FDA clearance for improving laxity around the eyes
Body Gold Tip (Yellow):
Suited to the abdomen and buttocks and other body areas. Its features are a comfortable vibration and the ability to improve postpartum laxity
Blue Diamond Tip (Blue):
For the face and limbs. This is the classic tip
Purple Diamond Tip (Purple):
For the face and limbs. Its features are a brand-new upgraded design, 25% faster treatment speed and a 33% larger treatment area
Is Higher Thermage FLX Energy Always Better?
It needs to be made clear here that because everyone has a different fat thickness, nerve density and skin resistance, tolerance for RF intensity also varies. Women tend to be more sensitive to pain, so their pain tolerance may be lower than men’s, and Asians are also more sensitive to pain than Caucasians.
On the Thermage FLX energy scale of 1.0-8.0, most people can tolerate an energy level of 3.5-5.5 on the face. On the neck, where the skin is thinner, the tolerable level is about 2.5-4.0. Above 5.5, clear pain develops, and only about 1% of patients can tolerate an energy level above 7.0.
Some people online mistakenly believe that higher RF energy means better results. In fact, if you receive an energy level beyond your tolerance range, it can instead cause severe redness and stinging, raise the chance of side effects, and even compromise the results of the treatment.
In this case, a gradual, cumulative “stacking method” can be used, applying an appropriate level of energy in overlapping passes, concentrated precisely on the key lifting anchor points, so that the treatment delivers better benefits. In addition, always give your physician feedback on how it feels during the treatment, so that they can find the RF intensity that suits you best and adjust it in real time, balancing comfort and safety.
Thermage FLX Side Effects
Most patients have no abnormal reactions after treatment and can return to normal life immediately.A few people may have mild skin redness or swelling, but this is a normal reaction and usually fades gradually within several days to a week.
One thing to note: some aesthetic clinics attract customers with low-priced Thermage FLX treatments but use RF devices of unknown origin, which can damage patients’ skin. Before getting Thermage FLX, be sure to confirm that the clinic uses genuine Thermage FLX tips and equipment, and look for the manufacturer’s purchase certificate.
How to Check Whether a Clinic Is Manufacturer-Certified
Many clinics that advertise Thermage FLX treatments have not actually purchased the device. They borrow it from other clinics or rent it from leasing companies, which lets them attract customers with cheaper prices. To protect consumers’ rights, the manufacturer of Thermage FLX has set up a lookup system that lets the public check which partner clinics are truly certified and have devices covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and regular inspections.
3 Steps to Identify a Genuine Thermage FLX Tip
Here are the 3 steps to identify a genuine Thermage FLX tip:
Check the packaging and have it opened in front of you: Before the treatment, check that the tip’s packaging is intact, then ask the clinic to open it in front of you to make sure the tip is being used for the first time.
Check the manufacturer’s anti-counterfeit laser label: The outer box of a genuine tip carries a Solta Medical anti-counterfeit laser label, and the “S” on the two labels appears to rotate 360 degrees as the viewing angle changes.
Scan the code with your phone to verify the tip: Scratch off the silver coating on the label and scan the QR code above it with your phone to connect to the manufacturer’s system and verify that the tip is authentic.
Who Is Thermage FLX For?
Basically, anyone looking to improve mild fine lines or skin laxity concerns can have Thermage FLX. However, if you have any of the following characteristics, we recommend discussing it thoroughly with your physician first, who will professionally assess whether it is suitable:
1. Diabetes (before treatment, it must be confirmed that there is no risk of infection at the treatment site)
2. A history of photosensitivity
3. Regular use of retinoic acid (it must be stopped for at least one week before treatment)
4. An immune system disorder
5. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
6. Heart disease or a pacemaker
In addition, if there is an implant in the treatment area, or you have recently had filler injections there, please tell your physician honestly, to build a foundation of transparency and trust and keep risks to a minimum.
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Thermage FLX Aftercare
In the first week after treatment, you should put even more emphasis on moisturizing and soothing the skin, while avoiding skincare products that contain alcohol, fragrance or acids to reduce skin irritation, and step up sun protection.
Does Thermage FLX Hurt? Is Anesthesia Needed?
The new-generation Thermage FLX treatment has an upgraded cooling system and pain-reduction mechanism, so the tip sprays coolant onto the skin from time to time to cool it, and the tip also activates a vibration mode, so you do not feel excessive burning, pain or other discomfort. In addition, with the precisely targeted “anchor lifting” technique, high energy is concentrated at the depth of the thick ligaments and tissue, which reduces the pain of heat spreading into other, more superficial areas. Not only is sedation anesthesia unnecessary, so the treatment can be done fully awake, but there is also no need for numbing cream, which would dull the skin’s response to the protective coolant and actually undermine the pain-reduction benefit.
Tip: If you start to feel a burning sensation that gradually becomes unbearable during the treatment, tell your physician right away so they can adjust according to your skin’s tolerance.
How Long Do Thermage FLX Results Last?
Thermage FLX results can last 1.5-2 years. Basically, one treatment every 2 years is enough, but if you want your skin to stay in its best condition at all times, you can also increase the frequency, getting a treatment once a year on a regular basis as maintenance to keep the skin firm and youthful.
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How Long Is the Recovery Period After Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX is a non-invasive treatment and leaves no wound on the skin. Mild redness gradually fades within a day after treatment, so no downtime is needed; with proper daily skincare and sun protection, you can go out as usual.
This article is for general information only. Results vary from person to person; please consult a doctor in person before deciding on any treatment.
