What if you could get serious skin tightening and lifting without the risk, recovery, and incisions needed with a surgical lift? That’s what Thermage FLX offers, and it’s available at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care where Zuzana Likar trains all the staff to the best standards. We’re more than a medical day spa, offering the latest, proven technology so you can get to your skin goals faster. Thermage FLX, the latest generation of Thermage, has been available for a few years and quickly became in high demand because it’s much more comfortable and tolerable than previous generations. Let’s take a look at how it works and why Dermatology Times touts its benefit as a “one and done” procedure.
Thermage FLX is the easier, faster monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device that is FDA-cleared to be used on both the face and body. This includes the eyelids, a delicate area that not all technologies can treat. In most cases, clients need just one treatment to achieve optimal results, with maintenance sessions recommended every 1 – 2 years. The Cosmetic Bootcamp (CBC) was one of the first to report (in 2018) about how well Thermage FLX works in just one treatment. According to the report, it’s the “treatment that everybody is doing, but many don’t talk about it.” Ultimately, Thermage FLX just isn’t covered in the media as often as other procedures, such as CoolSculpting, so it’s not a household name—yet.
Benefits of Thermage FLX
When it comes to Thermage FLX and the media, another reason it may not be as well-covered is because of the advancements. Years ago, the original Thermage (less the “FLX”) was considered intolerable by some clients. Plus, it was “overly promoted” according to the report. However, it was also the first capacitively coupled RF, monopolar device that was approved by the FDA for a non-invasive treatment of facial and body wrinkles (as well as a temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite). It is also the only RF tech that is a single-treatment approach featured in peer-reviewed studies with long-term results. There are a few other technologies that also boast one treatment, but they are not RF-based—and radiofrequency is a proven method of collagen induction therapy.
It is also the first to hold a patent for healing dermal tissue via cross-polarization. According to the report, “It also has a reverse thermal treatment gradient, so the RF energy is delivered uniformly over the tip.” This lets your provider use a stamping technique instead of a solid, linear motion, which improves comfort while ensuring uniform application. The reverse thermal gradient is how heat is delivered to the subcutaneous level while making sure the skin surface stays cool. Bipolar RF was the original approach, but monopolarity also allows the energy to go deeper, improving results.
A History of Heating Things Up
The multi-pass NXT protocol is what paved the way for making Thermage treatment more tolerable in 2007. However, the real change came when vibration was added in 2009. “This is the gated theory of pain,” explains the author. “Just as the dentist grabs your mouth before injecting the needle, the first thing patients feel is vibration, then RF.” The Faster Algorithm Experience, or FLX, features automatic calibration in the latest generation. Your provider doesn’t need to do any “tuning” of the handpiece. You’re automatically set up for a more comfortable experience.
Today, Thermage FLX treatments are 33 percent shorter than the original Thermage. On average, a face and neck treatment takes 60 minutes. Most patients do not require medication prior to their treatment to address discomfort, but a numbing agent is applied to the skin for the best experience. Some mild redness may linger for up to 24 hours after your treatment, but there is no post-treatment discomfort and you can immediately get back to your day. A lot of patients experience no redness at all.
Is Thermage FLX for You?
According to the report, it’s important to keep in mind that Thermage FLX is not a facelift. One doctor says, “The first question I ask is, are you considering anything surgical?” Most people seeking out Thermage FLX already know they either don’t want surgery (at all) or aren’t ready for it. Typically, Thermage FLX coupled with other procedures like Botox and/or dermal fillers can be a fantastic way to dramatically turn back the clock without any surgical interventions. However, if you are interested in Botox or fillers, it’s often recommended to wait at least two months after Thermage FLX for injectables. This is also when you will start seeing real results from the treatment.
Are you ready to try Thermage FLX out for yourself? Schedule a consultation or appointment with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or filling out the online contact form.