Full Face Thermage FLXin Gangnam, Seoul
Full Face Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the deep dermis across the whole face, tightening skin and stimulating collagen. The FLX handpiece adds a vibrating tip and cooling spray for comfort and surface protection, and AccuREP technology tunes the energy for each pulse. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we map the face with a treatment grid 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 and loss of firmness across the face
- People who want to address skin texture and tightness together
- Those who prefer a single radiofrequency session per cycle
- Anyone who prefers little downtime
Radiofrequency tightens and improves texture; for deeper lifting an ultrasound approach may suit better. The right plan is decided at consultation.
How it works
Monopolar radiofrequency heats the deep layers of the skin across the face while the vibrating tip and cooling spray keep the surface comfortable and protected. The heat contracts existing collagen for an immediate firming effect and prompts gradual renewal over the following months. AccuREP adjusts the energy in real time for more even heating. Thermage is a radiofrequency technology cleared by the US FDA for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01Radiofrequency heats the deep dermis
Monopolar radiofrequency heats a broad volume of the deep dermis across the face, rather than focusing energy to separate points — a different way of delivering heat than ultrasound.
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.
04Energy tuned per pulse
AccuREP technology reads and adjusts the energy for each pulse, helping the heating stay even across the treatment area.
Treatment areas
- Cheeks & mid-face
- Overall tightening and texture.
- Jawline & lower face
- Firming a softening contour.
- Under-chin
- Tightening beneath the jaw.
- Forehead
- Firmness across the upper face.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and skin assessment
- 2Cleansing and mapping with a treatment grid
- 3Radiofrequency delivery with cooling and vibration
- 4Soothing and aftercare guidance
Time: A full-face 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 across the face may occur.
- Use sun protection 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 face, 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 generally eases. Makeup and normal skincare can usually resume as advised.
WEEK 2-8 Early firming
Early firming may be noticeable as the skin responds. This varies from person to person.
2-6 MONTHS Collagen renewal
As collagen renews, a gradual tightening and improved texture across the face become more noticeable for many people. This is typically when results are assessed. (Results vary by individual.)
~6 MONTHS Review & maintenance
Thermage is often repeated per cycle; your doctor reviews the outcome and discusses timing for a further session based on your skin.
Sessions & results
Many people have a single session per cycle, with changes appearing gradually over about 2–6 months as collagen renews. Your plan is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
These are all non-invasive, energy-based lifting treatments — but they use different energy and reach different depths, so they suit different goals.
| Comparison | Thermage FLX | Ultherapy PRIME | Sofwave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Monopolar radiofrequency | Focused ultrasound (imaging-guided) | Ultrasound (SUMS) |
| Main depth | Broad heating of the dermis | Up to ~4.5 mm — reaches the SMAS | Mid-dermis (~1.5 mm) |
| Often chosen for | Overall tightening and texture | Deeper lift; jawline and neck laxity | Fine lines and early laxity |
| Sensation | Warm heating cycles with cooling | Brief warmth at each point | Warmth with integrated cooling |
| 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
- Tenderness in treated areas 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 treatment area, or recent fillers or threads — tell your doctor so timing can be planned
- A history of keloid or difficulty with wound healing
Radiofrequency tightens skin and improves texture but does not lift as deeply as some ultrasound approaches; the right method depends on your skin. 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 comfort features
We use the Thermage FLX handpiece — vibrating tip, cooling spray and AccuREP energy tuning — for more even and 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 areas treated and the number of shots. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
A full-face plan maps the cheeks, jawline and lower face, the under-chin and often the forehead. The exact grid and number of shots are decided at consultation.
Thermage uses radiofrequency to tighten and improve texture; Ultherapy PRIME uses ultrasound to reach deeper layers for lifting. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
The FLX handpiece adds vibration and cooling for comfort; most people feel brief heat with each pulse. Comfort options are discussed at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
Some firming can be felt early, with changes continuing gradually 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.
+Full Face Ultherapy PRIME
If deeper lifting is the goal, focused ultrasound reaches the SMAS — deeper than radiofrequency tightening — and can be combined to address different depths. Decided at consultation.
+QD Full Face Sofwave
Mid-dermis ultrasound addresses fine lines and early laxity and can complement radiofrequency tightening — sequencing decided by your doctor.
+Botulinum toxin
For dynamic lines from muscle movement (forehead, frown, crow’s feet), often planned alongside lifting for a balanced result.
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.