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GraysGrays Dermatology
Lifting & FirmingUnder review

Target layerL2 · DermisDermis

Duration
40-60 minutes depending on area
Recommended sessions
About once a year recommended
Downtime
Immediate return to daily life; temporary flushing possible

Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Reviewed by our medical director

Board-certified dermatologist · review date to be posted

Thermage is a monopolar radiofrequency system. The change varies widely between individuals and is generally gradual; how much the jawline changes cannot be stated in advance, and it does not replace surgery or volume treatments. Tip, area, settings and fees require individual assessment.

Thermage
  • Loss of firmness
  • Fine lines and texture
  • Facial contour tightening
  • Non-surgical maintenance
People and scenes shown are AI-generated for illustration. They are not actual patients, staff, our clinic, or treatment results.

01Overview

Thermage Monopolar RF tightening that rebuilds dermal collagen

Thermage is a skin-tightening treatment that delivers monopolar radiofrequency (RF) energy throughout the dermis to improve skin firmness.

Duration
40-60 minutes depending on area
Recommended sessions
About once a year recommended
Downtime
Immediate return to daily life; temporary flushing possible
How long it lasts
Typically around 1 year (individual results vary)

How we approach it

The same device can be run very differently. This is how Grays approaches this treatment.

We work with a high-output, low-pain Thermage technique: energy is delivered densely while holding the temperature range that is most efficient for collagen formation, with discomfort kept to a minimum.

Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Reviewed by our medical director

02What to expect

Changes over time

RF heat immediately contracts lax collagen fibers in the dermis and stimulates new collagen production over the following months.

Right after treatment01

Right after treatment

Mild flushing or swelling is possible, but most people return to daily life the same day. No wounds or crusts are left behind.

1 month02

1 month

Early collagen remodelling begins, and a subtle change in firmness appears first.

2–3 months03

2–3 months

New collagen continues to form, and changes in firmness and contour become clearer.

6 months04

6 months

The point at which the change comes close to its maximum. How much, and when, differs from person to person.

Follow-up05

Follow-up

It usually holds for about a year, and whether to treat again is decided after reviewing your own course, not on a fixed schedule.

These images were generated with AI. They are not photographs of patients and do not show treatment results; they illustrate the recovery process. The actual course varies from person to person.

03Device & Technology

Thermage (model designation pending review) Device

Solta Medical (USA) · FDA cleared · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved

Thermage (model designation pending review)
Thermage

Monopolar radiofrequency

Radiofrequency heat is delivered across the whole dermis to induce collagen contraction and regeneration.

Vibration and cooling

Vibration and cooling work together to lower the discomfort of heat delivery.

Genuine tips

We use genuine Solta Medical tips, and confirm the system and tip details with you before treatment.

04Procedure

How your visit goes

Consultation and diagnosis01

Consultation and diagnosis

We first look at your skin thickness, how the firmness has changed, and the area that bothers you most — starting with whether this is a problem in the layer Thermage reaches.

Treatment plan02

Treatment plan

Energy distribution by area, shot count, and whether to combine other treatments are set according to what the examination shows.

Before we begin03

Before we begin

We explain the sequence, the warmth you may feel during treatment, and the course of recovery before starting.

Aftercare plan04

Aftercare plan

We agree on how to care for your skin and when to review your course. Whether to repeat is decided after that review.

Every procedure is performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.

05Before / After

Before & After

Thermage firmness improvement over time

Clinical photos. Results vary with skin condition, age and treatment plan. Before-and-after photos are published with the patient's written consent, taken under identical conditions (lighting, angle) and never retouched. Results vary by individual.

06Aftercare

Recovery & care

  1. 01

    First 1–2 hours

    Mild flushing and warmth are possible and usually settle within a few hours. You can wash your face and wear makeup the same day.

  2. 02

    First week

    Avoid strong heat — sauna, hot baths, heavy drinking — for a few days, and moisturise more than usual.

  3. 03

    1–12 weeks

    This is the collagen remodelling window. Use SPF 30 or higher every day to protect skin that is regenerating.

  4. 04

    Follow-up

    Whether to treat again is decided after reviewing your course, not on a fixed schedule.

Recovery & care

07FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does Thermage work?

Thermage is a tightening treatment that delivers monopolar radiofrequency (RF) heat throughout the dermis to improve skin firmness. The heated collagen first contracts, and new collagen then forms over the following months. It is widely used for fine lines and laxity at the stage before sagging becomes pronounced.

Who is Thermage suited to, and are there cases where it is not suitable?

We consider it for those whose skin feels thinner and looser overall, or who are concerned about fine lines and reduced firmness around the eyes and mouth. If SMAS-layer sagging is pronounced, an Ultherapy-type treatment may be more appropriate. It is not recommended if you have an implanted electronic medical device, have metal implants, infection, or wounds in the treatment area, or are pregnant.

Which Thermage model do you use?

As a rule, we use authentic Solta Medical devices and genuine tips. We show you the model and tip information directly before treatment.

Does Thermage hurt? How is anesthesia handled?

The pain is moderate, with a brief heat sensation, and how much you feel differs by individual. Treatment proceeds after topical numbing cream, and the device's vibration and cooling functions ease the heat sensation. The board-certified dermatologist adjusts the intensity while checking the heat response in each area.

How long does treatment take, and what is the recovery time?

It takes about 40-60 minutes depending on the area, with separate time needed for topical numbing. You can return to daily life right after treatment and wash your face and wear makeup the same day. Temporary redness or swelling may occur but mostly settles within a few hours.

When do results appear, and how often should I have it?

Results generally appear gradually over 2-3 months as new collagen forms, and typically last around 1 year. The recommended cycle is about 1 session per year. Rather than expecting a dramatic change from 1 session, it is a treatment for managing firmness year by year, and the degree of change varies by individual.

How is the number of Thermage shots decided?

It is decided after consultation according to the area, skin thickness, and degree of lost firmness. Shots are allocated by area, such as the cheeks, jawline, and eye area, so even with the same number of shots, the distribution differs from person to person. The configuration also varies with the type of tip used, which we explain at consultation.

Can Thermage be done around the eyes?

Yes, we offer Eye Thermage, performed with a dedicated eye tip, in 225-shot and 450-shot options. Whether to apply it, and which shot option, is decided after checking the skin around your eyes. Details are provided on the Eye Thermage page.

How is it different from Ultherapy, and can I have both?

They act on different layers, so they can be combined. Thermage is relatively better suited to overall dermal firmness and fine lines, and Ultherapy to SMAS-layer sagging. Whether to do them on the same day or space them apart is planned after consultation, along with the order.

I heard Oligio works on the same principle. How do I choose?

Both devices belong to the same family, delivering monopolar RF heat to the dermis. They differ in device, tip configuration, and cost, so we choose by looking at your areas of concern, budget, and maintenance schedule together. We compare the two devices for you at consultation.

Is there anything to be careful about after Thermage?

For a few days after treatment, avoid strong heat such as saunas, jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses), and heavy drinking, and moisturize more than usual. We recommend applying sunscreen of SPF30 or higher daily for 1-12 weeks while collagen regenerates. If redness or swelling persists or discomfort worsens, please contact the clinic.

How is the cost of Thermage determined, and how do I book?

The cost depends on the number of shots and tip type, so it is confirmed after consultation. Reference prices can be found on the price list on our website. Booking is available via Naver Booking, our KakaoTalk channel, or phone (+82-51-710-1891), and consultations are also available via LINE.

Fees

Pricing depends on the number of shots and tip type, and is confirmed after consultation.

See the fee schedule →
References 5
  1. Approval: Thermage (model designation pending review) · FDA cleared · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved
  2. Manufacturer: Solta Medical (USA)
  3. Korea MFDS medical device registry — searchable by approval number
  4. Korean Dermatological Association — specialist credential lookup
  5. Reviewed by: Dr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director

⚠ Cautions & contraindications

  • —An implanted electronic medical device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator
  • —Metal or electronic implants in the treatment area
  • —Active infection or an open wound in the treatment area
  • —Pregnancy (not recommended — safety data are insufficient)
Summary & comparison
TreatmentTarget layerMain changeDurationHow long it lastsDowntime
Thermage ←L2 DermisMonopolar RF tightening that rebuilds dermal collagen40-60 minutes depending on areaTypically around 1 year (individual results vary)Immediate return to daily life; temporary flushing possible
Ultherapy PRIMEL3 Fat layerUltrasound lifting that reaches the SMAS layer40-60 minutes depending on areaTypically 6 months to 1 year (individual results vary)Immediate return to daily life; temporary swelling or tingling possible
Tune FaceL3 Fat layerRF lifting that tunes texture, firmness, and contour together30-50 minutesMaintained over several months (individual results vary)Immediate return to daily life
Oligio—Monopolar RF tightening with a lighter footprint30-50 minutesSeveral months to 1 year (individual results vary)Immediate return to daily life
InMode—RF lifting that addresses fat pockets and laxity together20-40 minutesBuilds over a course of sessions (individual results vary)Immediate return to daily life; temporary flushing or swelling possible

Treatments used for the same concern, placed side by side. Which one fits is decided in consultation after the layer is identified.

Reviewed byDr. Kim Tae-hoon, Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · review date to be posted

Aftercare

Draft — pending medical director's review

Radiofrequency lifting

Heat is built up in the dermis to address firmness. Redness and warmth right after treatment usually settle the same day, and normal life resumes from the next day.

Recovery course

  1. Day of treatmentWarmth and redness are expected. Cool the skin gently with a cold towel and moisturise well.
  2. Next dayRedness has mostly faded. Makeup and face washing can continue as usual.
  3. Week 1The skin may feel drier than usual; focus on moisturising and sun protection.
  4. Months 1–3Firmness improves gradually. If treatment is split into sessions, the next one is scheduled in this window.

Avoid during this period

  • Sauna, hot baths, strenuous exercise and alcohol — for 2–3 days after treatment
  • Exfoliating and peeling products — for 1 week

Contact the clinic if

  • Redness has not calmed after 3 days
  • Blisters or weeping appear
  • Pain worsens in one particular area

Next session · next visitDepends on the device and goal, usually every 6–12 months. If areas are treated separately, we will advise at consultation.

Individual recovery varies. If it differs from what you expected, do not judge on your own — please contact the clinic. Tel +82-51-710-1891

View all aftercare →

People and scenes shown are AI-generated for illustration. They are not actual patients, staff, our clinic, or treatment results.

Next step

Wondering if this treatment fits you?

Leave your main concern and request a consultation. Suitability, schedule and fees are confirmed at your consultation.

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