What is Thermage, and what can it treat?
Thermage is a brand of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening and one of the longest-established non-surgical lifting technologies, with FDA clearance for treating wrinkles and skin laxity. Radiofrequency energy creates heat in the dermis and the fibrous layer beneath it. The existing collagen contracts a little straight away, and over the following months the skin lays down new collagen in response to that controlled heat.
Because RF works through tissue resistance rather than a light target, it is not affected by skin colour in the same way as lasers. That makes it a reasonable option for many skin types, and the surface is protected by built-in cooling during every pulse.
This page is our general Thermage guide — areas, shot counts, Eye Thermage and how it compares with other lifting options. For details of the current-generation handpiece and its vibration and cooling features, see our separate Thermage FLX page.
People usually consider Thermage for:
- Soft jowls and a jawline that has lost its sharp edge
- Crepey, thinning skin on the cheeks and lower face
- Mild hooding of the upper eyelids and fine creasing under the eyes
- Maintaining firmness after their 30s without adding volume
Face, jawline or Eye Thermage: choosing areas and shots
Thermage is priced by the number of pulses (shots). More shots allow more passes over the same area, or a wider area such as the face plus the jawline and upper neck line. The doctor maps the face before treatment and decides the split.
| Option | Typical coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Thermage 300 shots (first visit) | Full face, first-time trial price | β©890,000 |
| Thermage 300 shots | Full face, lighter coverage | β©1,200,000 |
| Thermage 600 shots | Full face with extra passes on the jawline | β©2,200,000 |
| Thermage 900 shots | Full face plus jawline and neck line, more passes | β©3,000,000 |
| Eye Thermage 225 shots | Upper and lower eyelids, crow's feet area | β©1,000,000 |
| Eye Thermage 450 shots | Eyelids and the wider eye frame, more passes | β©1,800,000 |
Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026. See the Thermage price page for the current list.
About Eye Thermage
Eye Thermage uses a small, shallow tip designed for thin eyelid skin. After anaesthetic eye drops, the doctor places smooth protective shields over the eyes, then treats the upper lid, lower lid and outer corners. It is aimed at mild hooding, crepey texture and fine lines; it does not remove fat pads or replace eyelid surgery for heavy excess skin. It pairs well with treatment for under-eye wrinkles such as boosters.
Thermage or another lifting device?
Thermage heats a broad, even layer and is mainly about skin tightness and texture. Ultherapy uses imaged, micro-focused ultrasound to reach the deeper SMAS layer and is often chosen for more lift along the jaw. Many patients combine the two in one visit. Lighter, lower-cost options such as Titanium lifting can be repeated more often.
What changes after Thermage
Some patients notice a slightly tighter feel within days, but the main change appears gradually over 2–6 months as new collagen forms: a cleaner jawline, smoother cheek texture, and on the eyes a lighter-looking upper lid. Results typically last around a year, so most people plan a yearly session, sometimes alternating with Onda lifting in between.
How a Thermage visit works
- Doctor consultation We assess skin laxity, the eyelids and jawline, and agree on areas and a shot count.
- Mapping & numbing A temporary grid is marked on the skin and numbing cream is left on for about 30–40 minutes.
- Treatment Overlapping pulses with cooling, 30–90 minutes depending on shots and whether eyes are included.
- Aftercare Soothing care and moisturiser; most people return to normal plans the same day.
Each pulse feels like a brief deep warmth followed by cooling; the doctor adjusts the level to keep it tolerable, and it tends to feel stronger over the bony jawline and temples. Because it is a single session with little visible downtime, Thermage suits visitors on a short trip to Seoul. Remember that the full result is gradual — you will likely see it at home rather than before you fly.
Downtime, side effects and who should avoid Thermage
Thermage has a long safety record when the doctor chooses appropriate energy levels, but it is still a medical procedure:
- Common: redness and warmth for a few hours, mild swelling, and tenderness along the jaw for a few days. After Eye Thermage, slight eyelid puffiness or dry, gritty eyes for a day.
- Less common: small raised marks along the treatment grid, temporary numbness or tingling, and slightly uneven swelling that settles within about a week.
- Rare: burns or blisters, a small indented area from fat change, or pigment changes at a burn site.
Not suitable, or tell the doctor first, if you
- Have a pacemaker, defibrillator or other implanted electronic device (monopolar RF is not used)
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have metal implants, recent fillers or threads in the treatment area
- Have an active infection, cold sores or open skin, or recent eye surgery (for Eye Thermage)
- Take blood thinners or have a condition affecting wound healing
Afterwards, use gentle skincare and sunscreen, and avoid saunas and very hot showers for a couple of days. If anything looks unusual, send a photo on WhatsApp and a doctor will review it.
Dr. Jimin Kang, Medical Director
Every thermage plan at Bailor starts with a face-to-face skin assessment by a doctor — not a sales counsellor. Dr. Kang's approach is "tailored, not templated": she chooses the product, dose and depth for your skin, and treats you herself or works alongside the other doctors on our in-house medical team.
Thermage FAQ
How much does Thermage cost in Gangnam?
At Bailor Clinic in Sinsa, face Thermage is β©1,200,000 for 300 shots, β©2,200,000 for 600 and β©3,000,000 for 900, with a first-visit 300-shot price of β©890,000. Eye Thermage is β©1,000,000 (225 shots) or β©1,800,000 (450 shots). Prices exclude VAT; see the Thermage price list.
How many shots do I need?
300 shots usually cover the full face with lighter passes, while 600–900 shots allow extra passes on the jawline or add the neck line. The doctor recommends a number after looking at your skin and goals.
Is Eye Thermage safe for the eyes?
The eyelids are treated with a dedicated small tip after numbing eye drops, with protective eye shields in place. Temporary dryness or puffiness is common; serious eye problems are rare. Tell the doctor about recent eye surgery or eye disease.
What is the difference between Thermage and Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX is the current generation of the Thermage system. The principle — monopolar RF heating with surface cooling — is the same. Our Thermage FLX page explains the device itself in more detail.
Does Thermage hurt?
Most patients feel short bursts of deep heat followed by cooling. Numbing cream is used and energy is adjusted during treatment. The jawline and temples tend to feel strongest.
Can I combine Thermage with Ultherapy or boosters?
Yes. Thermage and Ultherapy are often done together because they work at different depths. Skin boosters can be added the same day or later; the doctor will advise the safest order.
