Body Thermage FLXin Gangnam, Seoul
Body Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency to firm areas of body skin laxity — commonly the abdomen, the upper arms, the thighs or the knees. A larger body tip heats the deep dermis to tighten skin and stimulate collagen, and it may temporarily improve the look of cellulite. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we decide the areas after assessing your skin; a session usually takes about 45–90 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- Mild skin laxity on the abdomen, arms or thighs
- Crepey skin above the knees or elbows
- People who want to firm body skin without surgery
- Those looking to temporarily improve the look of cellulite
Body Thermage addresses skin firmness, not weight or fat volume — it is not a fat-reduction or weight-loss treatment. Whether it suits you is confirmed during consultation.
How it works
A larger body tip delivers monopolar radiofrequency to the deep dermis of the body area, contracting existing collagen for an early firming effect and prompting gradual renewal over the following months. The vibrating tip and cooling spray keep the surface comfortable. Thermage is a radiofrequency technology cleared by the US FDA for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and for the temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01A larger tip for body skin
A larger body tip delivers monopolar radiofrequency to the deep dermis of the body area, heating a broad volume rather than focusing energy to separate points.
02An early effect, then renewal
The heat contracts existing collagen for an immediate firming effect, and prompts gradual collagen renewal over the following months.
03Cooling and vibration for comfort
The FLX handpiece pairs each pulse with a cooling spray and a vibrating tip, which protect the surface and ease the sensation of heat.
04Firmness, and the look of cellulite
Thermage is FDA-cleared for the temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite; it addresses skin firmness and texture, not fat volume or weight.
Treatment areas
- Abdomen
- Loose or crepey skin on the tummy.
- Upper arms
- Laxity along the back of the arms.
- Thighs / above knees
- Crepey skin and the look of cellulite.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and assessment of the body area
- 2Cleansing and grid mapping of the treatment zone
- 3Radiofrequency delivery with cooling and vibration
- 4Soothing and aftercare guidance
Time: A body session takes about 45–90 minutes.
Recovery & aftercare
- Little to no downtime; most people return to daily activities the same day.
- Temporary redness, mild swelling or warmth in the treated area may occur.
- Use sun protection on exposed areas and follow the aftercare guidance we provide.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0 Treatment day
Brief heat with each pulse across the body area, eased by cooling and vibration; some people feel an immediate tightening. Afterwards mild redness or warmth that usually settles within hours. Most people return to daily activities the same day.
DAY 1-3 Settling
Any redness, mild swelling or warmth in the treated area generally eases. Normal activity and skincare can usually resume as advised.
WEEK 2-8 Early firming
Early firming of the body skin may be noticeable. This varies from person to person.
2-6 MONTHS Collagen renewal
As collagen renews, a gradual firmness in the treated area becomes more noticeable for many people. This is typically when results are assessed. (Results vary by individual.)
~6 MONTHS Review
Thermage is often repeated per cycle; your doctor reviews the outcome and discusses whether to repeat treatment for that area.
Sessions & results
A single session per area per cycle is common, with changes appearing gradually over about 2–6 months as collagen renews. Whether to repeat is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
On the body, several energy treatments address different things — skin firmness versus fat. They are not interchangeable, and the right choice depends on your goal.
| Comparison | Thermage FLX | Sofwave | ONDA Lifting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Monopolar radiofrequency | Ultrasound (SUMS parallel beams) | Microwave (Coolwaves) |
| Main target | Skin tightening across the dermis | Skin firmness in the mid-dermis | Selective targeting of deeper fat |
| Often chosen for | Lax skin and the look of cellulite | Crepey or lax body skin | Localized fat with some laxity |
| Sensation | Warm heating cycles with cooling | Warmth with integrated cooling | Deep warmth over the area |
| Downtime | Little to none | Little to none | Little to none |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary redness, a warm feeling, or mild swelling in the treated area
- Tenderness for a short time
- Occasionally small areas of bruising
- Rarely, temporary changes in skin sensation, or surface marks, that typically settle
When to take extra care
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — let us know at consultation
- A pacemaker or other implanted electronic or electrical device — important for radiofrequency, tell your doctor
- Active skin infection, inflammation or open lesions in the treatment area
- Metal implants in the area, or recent fillers or threads — tell your doctor so timing can be planned
- A history of keloid or difficulty with wound healing
Body Thermage addresses skin firmness and the look of cellulite, not fat volume or weight, and it does not suit every degree of laxity. Whether it is right for you is confirmed during consultation. Effects and downtime vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Your care at QD Clinic
Performed by a board-certified doctor
Your treatment is performed and medically reviewed by a board-certified doctor, not delegated unsupervised.
FLX system with a body tip
We use the Thermage FLX handpiece with a larger body tip and its cooling, vibration and AccuREP energy tuning for more even, comfortable heating.
Care in your language
Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.
A short walk from Gangnam Station
Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the area and the number of shots. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
Common areas include the abdomen, upper arms, thighs and the skin above the knees. The suitable areas are decided at consultation.
No. It firms skin and may temporarily improve the look of cellulite, but it does not reduce fat volume or weight. If fat is your main concern, we discuss other options at consultation.
Most people feel brief heat with each pulse, eased by cooling and vibration. Comfort options are discussed at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
Some firming can be felt early, with changes continuing over about 2–6 months as collagen renews. (Results vary by individual.)
Little to none. Temporary redness or mild swelling may occur and usually settles quickly.
Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.
Often considered together
Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.
+Body ONDA Lifting
If localized fat rather than skin laxity is the main concern, ONDA uses microwave energy to target deeper fat — a different aim from skin firmness. Sequencing is decided by your doctor.
+Body Sofwave
Mid-dermis ultrasound firms body skin and can complement radiofrequency on the same area — sequencing decided by your doctor.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.
For International PatientsMedically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.