Thermage
Thermage FLX is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis and the fibrous layer beneath it, causing collagen to contract immediately and remodel over the following months. We perform more than 600 Thermage treatments a year and use it across the face and the body. One treatment is typical; many patients repeat every one to two years. There is no downtime.
Which Thermage treatment do I need?
Thermage is a single technology applied to different areas with different tips and settings. The page you want depends on what you are treating.
| If you are treating | Go to | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Facial skin laxity, jawline, jowls, under-eye and neck crepiness | Thermage for Face | $2,500–$2,800 |
| Loose or crepey skin on the abdomen, arms, thighs, knees or above the knees | Thermage for Body | from $3,000 |
Full pricing, including package and multi-area terms, is on our non-surgical pricing page.
Thermage or Ultherapy? They treat different layers
This is the most common question we are asked about skin tightening, and the honest answer is that they are not competitors. They heat different depths, and which one suits you depends on what is loose.
| Thermage FLX | Ultherapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Monopolar radiofrequency | Micro-focused ultrasound |
| Depth treated | Dermis and subdermal fibrous tissue — the skin envelope | Three separate depths including the SMAS, the layer a facelift addresses |
| Best for | Skin quality, crepiness, surface laxity | Lift and deeper support |
| Areas | Face and anywhere on the body | Mainly face and neck, some chest |
| Fee | $2,500–$3,000 | From $4,500 |
| Volume we perform | 600+ per year | ~500 per year |
Many of our patients alternate between the two, treating different layers of the skin in different years. If you are unsure which applies to you, that is a reasonable thing to decide at consultation rather than in advance. See the Ultherapy page for the deeper-layer option.
Who is a good candidate for Thermage?
- Mild to moderate skin laxity or crepey skin texture
- Someone who wants improvement without surgery or downtime
- Realistic expectations — Thermage tightens skin, it does not reposition tissue
- Any skin type; radiofrequency is not affected by pigment, so it is safe across all Fitzpatrick types
Who is not a good candidate?
- Significant sagging. If there is real descent of the jawline or neck, skin tightening will disappoint you and a deep plane facelift or neck lift is the appropriate operation.
- Volume loss rather than laxity. Hollowing responds to filler, Sculptra or fat grafting, not to tightening.
- Fat you want removed. Thermage tightens the skin over fat; it does not reduce it. See non-surgical fat reduction.
- An implanted electrical device. Radiofrequency is not used in patients with a pacemaker or similar implanted device.
What does the treatment feel like?
Each pulse delivers a brief heating sensation followed by cooling. Most patients tolerate it comfortably, and we offer a range of comfort options depending on the area and your preference: topical numbing, Zimmer forced-air cooling, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation for larger body areas.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually one. Collagen remodelling continues for three to six months after treatment, so the result builds gradually rather than appearing immediately. Many patients choose to repeat every one to two years to stay ahead of ongoing laxity.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any downtime after Thermage?
No. Mild redness or swelling may last a few hours. Most patients return to normal activities and makeup the same day.
When will I see results?
There is some immediate tightening from collagen contraction, but the meaningful change develops over three to six months as new collagen forms.
How long do Thermage results last?
Typically one to two years, depending on your skin and how quickly you continue to age. Thermage slows the process rather than stopping it.
Is Thermage safe for darker skin?
Yes. Radiofrequency energy is not absorbed by pigment, so unlike many lasers it carries no added risk in darker skin types.
Can Thermage replace a facelift?
No. Thermage improves skin quality and mild laxity. A facelift repositions deeper tissue. If your anatomy calls for surgery we will tell you so.
Can I combine Thermage with other treatments?
Yes. It is commonly combined with injectables, and many patients alternate it with Ultherapy in different years.
Next steps
A consultation will establish whether skin tightening is the right tool for what is bothering you, or whether volume or surgery is the better answer.
Schedule a consultation or ask us a question. You can also view our before and after gallery.
Medically reviewed by Sam Naficy, MD, FACS, board-certified facial plastic surgeon and medical director, Naficy Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center, Bellevue, Washington.
