Thermage swelling: how many days does it last, and how can it be reduced?

Thermage swelling is mild puffiness that occurs after radiofrequency heat warms the dermis, and it usually settles within a few days from the day of treatment. Because the treatment does not use needles, swelling often does not show much on the surface, but areas with thin skin such as around the eyes, or areas where many shots overlapped, tend to swell a little more. The degree of swelling depends on the number of shots, energy, skin thickness, and your physical condition.

Why does Thermage swelling occur?

Thermage FLX sends radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis to contract collagen and stimulate regeneration. In the heated tissue, blood flow increases and fluid gathers for recovery, which causes swelling.

The more times the same area is passed over, the more heat builds up, and in thin-skinned areas around the eyes and under the jaw, this change shows easily on the surface. Eating salty food or drinking alcohol on the day of treatment can make swelling more prominent the next morning.

How many days does Thermage swelling last?

• Right after treatment, there is redness and warmth, and the skin may look slightly swollen.
• Swelling tends to be most prominent the next morning and then settles over 2 to 3 days.
• With Thermage Eyes, the eyelids are thin, so swelling may be visible for a few more days.
• The treated area may feel sore when pressed for a few days.

At FACE FILTER Clinic Suwon, Thermage FLX is performed about 30 to 60 minutes after numbing cream is applied and finishes with soothing care.

Care to reduce Thermage swelling

On the day of treatment, avoid hot saunas, alcohol, and strenuous exercise, apply plenty of moisturizer, and be sure to apply sunscreen. For a week, take a break from irritating care such as peels and scrubs, and raising your pillow slightly when you sleep may help reduce morning swelling.

In rare cases, if redness or swelling continues for several days or blisters and scabs form, it may be a burn, so please contact the clinic. If you have an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker or are pregnant, please let us know before treatment.

Eye Thermage: how it works, how long it lasts, and how radiofrequency is used for drooping eyelids

View Thermage FLX procedure information

FAQ

Q. Will Thermage swelling make it hard to go to work the next day?

A. Swelling does not show much on the surface, so it usually has little effect on going to work the next day. However, if you also had the eye area treated or many shots overlapped in an area, it may look puffy in the morning, so it is best to leave a few days of margin before an important event.

Q. Do Thermage results decrease once the swelling goes down?

A. The firmness you feel right after treatment is a mix of swelling and collagen contraction, so when the swelling goes down, it may feel as if your skin has temporarily returned to how it was. Changes from collagen regeneration appear gradually over the following 2 to 4 months.

Q. Is it normal for my face to feel sore and throbbing after Thermage?

A. While the heated tissue recovers, it may feel sore or throbbing for a few days, which usually eases over time. If the pain keeps getting worse or blisters and oozing appear, it may be a burn, so please contact the clinic.