العربية 🇦🇪 UAE Book Now
Thermage FLX
Massage

Thermage FLX

Thermage FLX is a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment that gently heats the deeper layers of the skin to help tighten and smooth loose skin on the face, around the eyes and on the body, with no needles and little to no downtime.

Book an appointment →
Background

Understanding Thermage FLX

  1. 01

    Background

    How Did Thermage Develop?

    Radiofrequency (RF) energy has been used in medicine for many decades. In the early 2000s it was adapted for skin tightening with the first Thermage system, which was designed to heat the deeper layers of the skin while a cooling system protects the surface[1].

    Thermage FLX is the latest generation of the device. It offers a Total Tip of 4.0 cm² for treatments on and off the face, which uses precise heating to address skin laxity and adds vibration, and a Body Tip of 16.0 cm² for larger areas of the body, also with vibration to help with comfort. Integrated cooling and pulsed RF are designed to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

    Early 2000sfirst monopolar RF skin-tightening system
    Coolingprotects the skin surface during heating
    Vibrationhelps patient comfort on the FLX platform
    Two tipsTotal Tip 4.0 cm² and Body Tip 16.0 cm²

    Figure 1. How Thermage technology has developed.

  2. 02

    Modern Scientific Perspective

    How Does Thermage FLX Work?

    The device delivers an oscillating electrical current into the skin. This makes charged molecules and ions collide, and the resistance of the tissue turns that energy into heat in the deeper layers of the skin[3].

    Radiofrequency heat
    in the deep dermis
    Collagen contractionHeat changes the structure of existing collagen fibres, which can contract and tighten straight away.
    New collagenOver the following months the skin’s healing response lays down new collagen on this tightened scaffold.
    Surface protectionCooling protects the outer skin layer so it is left largely undisturbed.

    Figure 2. How radiofrequency heat is thought to tighten the skin[2][3].

    A small study of skin biopsies after RF treatment showed immediate changes in collagen and signs of new collagen formation[2]. In a multicentre study of 86 people having a single periorbital treatment, independent assessors reported at least a one-point improvement in wrinkle score in most treated areas, and around half of participants said they were satisfied with the result; a small number of burns and areas of scarring were reported with that early device[1]. Results are usually gradual, vary between individuals and are not permanent, which is why maintenance treatments are often recommended.

References

  1. Fitzpatrick R, Geronemus R, Goldberg D, Kaminer M, Kilmer S, Ruiz-Esparza J. Multicenter study of noninvasive radiofrequency for periorbital tissue tightening. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2003;33(4):232–242. doi.org/10.1002/lsm.10225
  2. Zelickson BD, Kist D, Bernstein E, et al. Histological and ultrastructural evaluation of the effects of a radiofrequency-based nonablative dermal remodeling device: a pilot study. Archives of Dermatology. 2004;140(2):204–209. doi.org/10.1001/archderm.140.2.204
  3. Beasley KL, Weiss RA. Radiofrequency in cosmetic dermatology. Dermatologic Clinics. 2014;32(1):79–90. doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2013.09.010
Your session

What you need to know

  1. 1Before your treatment

    What to Prepare

    At your consultation your practitioner will assess your skin and check that the treatment is suitable for you. Please tell us if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or any other implanted electronic device, have metal implants in or near the treatment area, or have any skin condition, recent injury or recent cosmetic treatment in the area.

    Please come with clean skin and no make-up on the area to be treated.

  2. 2During your treatment

    What to Expect

    • A temporary grid may be marked on your skin to guide the treatment.
    • The tip is moved across the skin in a set pattern, delivering short pulses of RF energy.
    • You will feel brief pulses of deep heat, combined with cooling and vibration to help comfort. Let your practitioner know if anything feels too hot.
    • A treatment typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area.
    • There are no needles and no cutting.
  3. 3After your treatment

    Aftercare

    • Most people go straight back to their usual activities.
    • Temporary redness, mild swelling or tingling may occur and usually settles within hours to a few days.
    • Use a gentle moisturiser and daily SPF.
    • Contact us if you notice blistering or any area that stays sore.

    Results tend to develop gradually over the following months as new collagen forms. Treatments repeated every 12 months may help maintain and continue the tightening and smoothing, and some patients choose a treatment every 1–2 years.

Who can benefit

Who Thermage FLX is for

Thermage FLX is often chosen by people with mild to moderate skin laxity who would prefer a non-surgical approach. These are some of the most common reasons our patients ask about it.

Skin laxity

Mild to moderate loose skin on the face or neck. Heating the deeper layers may help skin look firmer.

Learn more →

Jawline and jowls

Early softening of the jawline, which many patients choose Thermage FLX to help define.

Around the eyes

Crepey skin and fine lines around the eyes, including the eyelid area.

Fine lines and wrinkles

Fine lines on the face, which may soften as new collagen forms.

Learn more →

Uneven texture

Skin that looks less smooth than it used to, which may improve as the skin remodels.

Body skin

Loose skin on areas such as the abdomen, arms or thighs, treated with the larger Body Tip.

Maintenance

People who want to keep their skin firm as part of a yearly skin rejuvenation plan.

Your practitioner will assess whether Thermage FLX is right for you at your consultation. Results vary and are not guaranteed.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Thermage FLX hurt?
You will feel short pulses of deep heat. The device uses integrated cooling and vibration to help with comfort, and your practitioner can adjust the settings if you find it too warm.
How long does a treatment take?
Usually 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Is there any downtime?
Usually very little. Most people return to work and normal activities the same day. Temporary redness or mild swelling may occur.
When will I see results and how long do they last?
Some people notice a subtle change soon after treatment, but results usually build gradually over several months as new collagen forms. Results vary between individuals and are not permanent; many patients have a maintenance treatment every 12 months to 2 years.
Are there any risks?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as redness, swelling or tingling. Rarely, blistering, burns or changes in skin texture can occur. Your practitioner will check your suitability and discuss risks with you before treatment.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.

Patient reviews

What our patients say on Google

Google reviews
4.9★★★★★533 Google reviews across our 3 clinics: London Victoria, City of London & Abu Dhabi
London Victoria · 4.9★ (261) →City of London · 4.9★ (209) →Abu Dhabi · 5.0★ (63) →
Explore

Conditions we often help with

Thermage FLX® Wrinkles

More massage treatments

Mesotherapy

Learn more →

Thai Massage

Learn more →

Indian Massage

Learn more →
Book today

Ready to try Thermage FLX?

Our experienced TCM practitioners are here to help. Book online in under two minutes and choose the time that suits you.

  • Fully licensed practitioners
  • Covered by private health insurance
Book an appointment →