Hello!
I am Dr. Bohwang Jeong, Director of Cleor Clinic Gangnam Branch.
"I clearly slept well, but why does my face look so heavy?"
"I never used to worry about skin elasticity,
but lately, I'm concerned because my cheeks seem to be sagging every time I look in the mirror."
Many patients visit our clinic with these exact concerns.
Skin elasticity begins to gradually decrease from the mid-20s,
and by the 30s and 40s, it manifests noticeably as sagging cheeks, a blurred jawline,
and fine lines around the eyes.
For those who find surgery burdensome but are too concerned to leave it as is,
today, I will guide you through Gangnam Thermage FLX
based on medical evidence.
What is Gangnam Thermage FLX?
Frequently searched as Gangnam Thermage,Thermage FLX is
a leading non-invasive skin treatment device in the field of radiofrequency (RF) lifting.
Developed and manufactured by Solta Medical in the USA,
it is a medical device approved by both the US FDA and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KFDA)
in Korea.
It works by delivering Monopolar RF energy
to the dermal and subcutaneous fat layers without damaging the skin surface,
contracting existing collagen
and inducing the production of new collagen.
As a non-invasive procedure requiring no incisions,
there is minimal burden in returning to daily life.
To explain the principle simply:
Just as a stretched-out knit sweater
shrinks back when dipped in hot water,
Thermage FLX applies RF thermal energy to loosened collagen within the skin
to induce contraction,
while simultaneously stimulating the production of new collagen.
As a result, you can expect the effect of the skin
becoming firm from within.
The core principle is the Reverse Thermal Gradient method.
While protecting the skin surface (epidermis) with cooling,
thermal energy is delivered only to the dermal layer beneath it.
By keeping the surface cool and the inside hot,
collagen regeneration can be induced in the deep layers
without epidermal damage.
Evolution of Thermage Generations
When researching Gangnam Thermage,
'4th Generation'is a term that frequently appears.
Thermage technology has continuously evolved since the launch of the first model (CT) in 2002.
The technology has been consistently advancing.
The model currently used primarily in domestic medical institutions is
Thermage FLX,
which features upgrades in four key areas compared to the previous generation, CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology).
Upgrades have been made in four core areas.
① Expansion of Treatment Tip Surface Area
3.0cm² → 4.0cm²
While the Thermage CPT tip is 3.0cm²,
the upgraded FLX tip has a larger surface area of 4.0cm².
This means the skin area that can be treated
with a single shot has increased.
Looking at the practical difference in numbers:
CPT 900 shots = FLX 600 shots
CPT 1,200 shots = FLX 900 shots
The same area can now be covered with fewer shots,
leading to shorter procedure times.
Clinical Significance:
While a wider tip is advantageous for uniform energy distribution,
the delicate technique of the medical staff remains crucial
for contoured areas like the face.
② AccuREP™ Technology
Real-time Automatic Energy Calibration for Every Shot
This is the most critical technical upgrade of the FLX.
CPT measured and adjusted energy
only once before the procedure began.
The AccuREP algorithm in FLX
automatically measures and calibrates energy with every single shot.
Why is this important?
Skin thickness, moisture content, and fat distribution differ
across the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Through AccuREP, RF energy delivery becomes more precise,
and with automatic feedback for every shot,
more consistent results can be expected.
To use a simple analogy:
If CPT is like tuning an instrument once before starting a performance,
FLX is closer to a smart instrument
that automatically calibrates the pitch
for every note during the performance.③ Multi-directional Vibration System
Upgraded Pain Relief Mechanism
Unlike the previous CPT model, which vibrated only vertically,
Thermage FLX implements multi-directional vibration.
This applies the Gate Control Theory
of neuroscience,
where vibration stimuli reach the brain before pain signals,thereby reducing the perception of pain.
Additionally, the FLX cooling system has been upgraded,
providing intermittent cooling in three stages:
before, during, and after energy emission.
This method simultaneously protects the epidermis and alleviates pain.
Since individual pain sensitivity varies,
it is recommended to decide on the anesthesia method
through thorough consultation with medical staff before the procedure.
④ Reduction in Procedure Time
Approximately 24–25% Decrease
As a combined result of the expanded tip area and AccuREP algorithm efficiency,
FLX procedure time has been reduced by approximately 25% compared to the previous generation.
A full-face procedure that previously took over 1 hour and 30 minutes
has been reduced to around 1 hour.
Who is a good candidate for Gangnam Thermage FLX?
Gangnam Thermage RF lifting
may be suitable for those with the following skin concerns:
Individuals in their 30s and 40s whose skin elasticity is beginning to decline
Those with blurred cheek and jawlines
Those concerned about fine lines around the eyes or sagging eyelids
Those who want improvement through a non-incisional method
Those who need body elasticity management for areas like the abdomen, arms, and thighs
Cases where the procedure may be restricted
During pregnancy
Presence of implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers or cochlear implants
Presence of metal implants in the treatment area
If any of the above apply to you,
a precise consultation with medical staff is required beforehand.
Gangnam Thermage vs. Ulthera
How are they different?
While both are non-incisional lifting procedures,
the energy used and the target layers differ.
Gangnam Thermage FLX
→ Radiofrequency (RF) Energy
→ Targets Dermal and Subcutaneous Fat Layers
→ Collagen Regeneration + Skin Tightening
Ulthera
→ Ultrasound (HIFU) Energy
→ Reaches the SMAS (Fascia) Layer
→ Lifting that pulls up sagging tissue
If the primary goal is improving skin elasticity and volume,
Gangnam Thermage FLX is more suitable.
If correction of facial contours with prominent sagging is needed,
Ulthera may be more appropriate.
When both procedures are combined,
they offer a complementary approach as they target different layers.
The most suitable method should be decided
after consulting with medical staff based on individual skin conditions.
Onset of Effects and Duration
You may feel slight skin firmness immediately after the procedure,
but collagen regeneration takes time.
Significant changes begin 1–2 months after the procedure
Maximum effects can be expected around the 6-month mark
The duration is typically reported to be around 1 year to 1 year and 6 months.
The duration of effects varies
depending on individual skin condition, lifestyle habits, and aftercare.
Treatment effects and duration vary by individual.
Post-Treatment Precautions
On the day of treatment, washing with cold or lukewarm water and a mild cleanser is recommended.
Avoid saunas, hot baths, and strenuous exercise for about one week after the procedure.
Refrain from peeling or scrub treatments for one week.
Metal accessories must be removed before the procedure.
Temporary redness and swelling usually subside naturally within 1–2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When do the effects of Gangnam Thermage FLX appear?
A. While it varies by individual,
changes generally begin to appear 1–2 months after the procedure,
and it is known that maximum effects can be expected
around the 6-month mark.
Q. How painful is Gangnam Thermage?
A. The 4th generation FLX is reported to have less pain than previous generations
thanks to the multi-directional vibration system and 3-stage cooling.
Individual pain sensitivity varies,
and it can be managed through topical or sleep anesthesia.
Q. How is the number of Gangnam Thermage FLX shots determined?
A. It is determined based on the treatment area and individual skin condition.
Full face (including forehead) + Neck: Approx. 600–900 shots
Eye Tip for the eye area: 225–450 shots
The exact number of shots will be determined after consultation.
Q. Is it true that there is no downtime?
A. Generally, there is almost no downtime,
but temporary redness and swelling may occur.
Most cases resolve naturally within the same day to a few days.
Q. Can I receive Thermage and Ulthera together?
A. The two procedures target different layers, so they can be performed together.
However, the decision to combine them must be made by medical staff
based on individual skin condition and goals.
Choosing the right RF lifting for your skin comes first
Gangnam Thermage FLX is
an RF lifting device with improved precision and convenience compared to previous generations,
based on proven technical upgrades such as AccuREP™ technology,
multi-directional vibration, and expanded tip surface area.
However, regardless of the device used,
the results are a complex combination of factors including
the medical staff's treatment design skills, individual skin condition, and post-treatment care.
Cleor Clinic Gangnam Branch directly diagnoses each individual's skin condition
and creates a customized treatment plan so that you can reasonably expect
the effects of RF lifting.
Please feel free to contact us for a consultation if you have any questions. 😊
결과에는 의료진의 시술 설계 능력,
개인 피부 상태, 시술 후 관리 등
여러 요인이 복합적으로 작용합니다.
클레오르 의원 강남점은 개개인의 피부 상태를 직접 진단하고,
고주파 리프팅 효과를 합리적으로 기대할 수 있도록
맞춤 시술 계획을 함께 세워드립니다.
궁금한 점은 편하게 상담 문의 주시기 바랍니다 😊