How is the number of Thermage shots chosen, and how should you care for your skin after treatment?
The number of Thermage shots is the number of times the tip delivers radiofrequency energy to the skin, so it is determined by which areas of the face will be covered and how densely.
More shots allow the same area to be covered more densely or the area to be widened, but the outcome cannot be determined in advance by shot count alone. Aftercare follows the same principles regardless of the number of shots.
Three criteria for determining the number of shots
- Treatment area: The number of shots needed varies depending on which areas are included among the forehead, cheeks, jawline, under-chin, and neck.
- Skin thickness and sagging: For areas with noticeable sagging, more shots may be allocated so the same spot is passed over several times.
- Previous treatments: If you have recently had lifting or injection treatments, we check the dates and areas as well.
Each tip is designed to be used for a set number of shots, so the shot count is decided before treatment and the matching tip is used. During your consultation, ask how many shots will be allocated to each area.
Thermage options at the Suwon branch
| Options | Radiofrequency shot count | Combined treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Includes LED | 300 shots | LED |
| Includes Skin Botox | 300 or 600 shots | Skin Botox (Korean-made); 600 shots includes LED |
| Includes Salmon injection | 600 shots | Salmon injection (PDRN) 2cc, LED |
| Tune Thermage | 600 shots | Tune Liner, 1 Session |
| Ulthermage | 300 or 600 shots | Ultherapy Prime 300 or 600 shots |
| 1200 shots alone | 1200 shots, can be split across 2 sessions | None |
The role of combined treatments
- Ultherapy Prime: This device uses ultrasound to target the fascial layer. It is sometimes planned alongside Thermage FLX, which uses radiofrequency to target the dermis. Whether to have both on the same day or on separate days is decided based on the depth of sagging and your skin condition.
- Skin Botox: A treatment injected in small, distributed amounts into the superficial skin layer, addressing fine lines as well as skin texture and tone. It is available as an add-on to Thermage FLX 300 shots or 600 shots.
See the order for having Ulthera and Thermage on the same day
Reactions right after treatment
Topical anesthetic cream is applied for about 30–60 minutes before treatment, and you may feel mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure. Right afterward, warmth, redness, and mild swelling may occur. Because swelling can make the face look tighter, changes according to the number of shots are assessed after the swelling subsides.
Precautions on the Day of Treatment (The Most Important 24 Hours)
- Avoid hot saunas, alcohol, and strenuous exercise.
- Wash your face gently with lukewarm water and do not rub the treated area hard.
What to Avoid for One Week
- Irritating treatments such as peels and scrubs
- Skincare products containing retinol or exfoliating ingredients until the skin has calmed down
- Picking or rubbing off flaking skin by hand
Care over the following months
- During the 2 to 4 months when changes gradually appear, apply moisturizer generously and always wear sunscreen when going outdoors.
- Results are generally reported to last about 1 to 2 years, so a maintenance treatment roughly once a year may be considered.
Rare reactions include burns, blisters, scabs, numbness, reduced sensation, and small lumps. Please contact us right away if redness or swelling persists. If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have filler or tattoos in the treatment area, please let us know before treatment.
Q. Are all 1200 shots used in one session?
A. They can be split across 2 sessions. Whether to use them all at once or split them is decided based on the treatment area, your skin condition, and the interval until your next treatment, and when split, the area is reassessed at each session.
Q. When can I go to the sauna or exercise after treatment?
A. Please avoid hot saunas and strenuous exercise on the day of treatment. If redness and warmth persist after that, resume once they have subsided, and if you are unsure of the timing, please ask the clinic where you were treated.
Q. Does the same number of shots produce the same changes?
A. Even with the same number of shots, how long the changes last varies depending on skin condition and lifestyle habits. That is why the timing of the next treatment is set by reviewing progress at each session.
Booking and consultation
Thermage options at our Suwon clinic range from 1200 shots on its own to combinations with LED, Skin Botox, salmon (PDRN) injections, Tune Liner, and Ultherapy Prime. During your personalized consultation, we first confirm whether your main concern is the entire face or a single area such as the jawline or under the chin, and then tailor the number of shots.
View Thermage FLX procedure information
This content is provided as general treatment information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a medical professional to decide whether and how to proceed with a treatment.