How long do Thermage results last, and what determines the length?

Although it varies by individual, Thermage results are generally known to last about 1 to 2 years. This refers to the period during which the result is maintained after the change appears over 2 to 4 months, and it becomes shorter or longer depending on skin thickness, age, the degree of sagging, and lifestyle habits such as UV exposure and smoking. It is more accurate to judge by comparing with pre-treatment photos than by numbers.

How do Thermage results come to last?

Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis and the fibrous layer beneath it, contracting collagen and then guiding new collagen production over several months. The tightness right after treatment is a reaction of existing collagen contracting, and the change that corresponds to the lasting result comes from newly produced collagen.

At our Suwon clinic, we advise that changes from Thermage FLX appear gradually over 2 to 4 months and, although it varies by individual, are generally known to last about 1 to 2 years, and we consider maintenance treatment about once a year.

Factors that determine how long Thermage results last

If your skin is thick and sagging is mild, the change tends to last longer, while if your skin is thin and loses elasticity quickly, sagging may reappear earlier. If the cause of sagging lies in the fascial layer or fat deeper than the dermis, the extent of change from Thermage alone is small, so the results may feel short-lived.

Lifestyle habits also have an effect. Frequent UV exposure or smoking speeds up the breakdown of collagen, and losing a lot of weight in a short period can make the skin look loose again.

Signs that Thermage results are wearing off and how to care for your skin

If the skin under the jawline starts to sag again, or makeup settles into pores and fine lines about as much as before treatment, we consider it a sign that the effect is fading. Comparing with pre-treatment photos under the same lighting and angle makes it easier to judge.

A habit of consistently applying moisturizer and sunscreen may help maintain the change. On the day of treatment, avoid hot saunas, drinking, and strenuous exercise, and refrain from peels and scrubs for one week. In rare cases where redness or swelling persists, please contact the clinic.

Thermage in Suwon: what changes right after treatment and a few months later?

View Thermage FLX procedure information

FAQ

Q. Does how long Thermage results last depend on the number of shots?

A. More shots increase the area that can be covered and the number of overlapping passes, but it is hard to say that the duration is proportional to the number of shots. It is more important to distribute the shots evenly according to facial area, sagging areas, and skin thickness.

Q. It feels like my Thermage results did not even last a year.

A. If the cause of sagging lies in fat or the fascial layer, or if your skin is thin and loses elasticity quickly, the results may feel short-lived. We check the change by comparing with pre-treatment photos and decide in consultation whether to combine a treatment for another layer that matches the cause.

Q. What should I do to make Thermage results last longer?

A. Habits such as consistent sun protection and moisturizing and cutting down on smoking may help slow the loss of collagen. Large weight changes over a short period also reveal skin sagging quickly, so it is better to avoid them.