After spending several months trying to figure out what Thermage FLX really was, I finally understood everything after actually visiting the Dermatology department of Betterme Gangnam.

To be honest, I had seen the term “Thermage FLX” for several years, but I never really understood what made it different from regular Thermage. It wasn’t until I went to the Betterme Gangnam Dermatology in Gangnam to consult a doctor, and at the same time, a friend of mine happened to be getting advice at the nearby peche Dermatology, that I was able to clearly understand the differences between them. In this article, I will summarize the principles behind Thermage FLX, the pricing information for Betterme, and the distinctions compared to peche, to provide some reference for those who are also considering these options.

What exactly are the improvements in Thermage FLX compared to the older Thermage CPT model? What are the differences between them?

Before I went, I did some research. Thermage FLX is the fifth generation, while Thermage CPT is the fourth generation. Both are radiofrequency skin tightening devices produced by Solta Medical in the United States. However, the FLX version comes with several key improvements, which the doctor explained very clearly to me.

• AccuREP intelligent technology: Before each emission, it automatically measures the skin impedance value and adjusts the energy output based on real-time data. This approach is more precise and safer than the fixed-parameter settings of previous models.
• Total Tip all-in-one patch: The older models of treatment heads came in various sizes that required manual replacement. However, FLX’s Total Tip can be adapted to different areas of the face, reducing the number of times the head needs to be replaced and ensuring a more consistent treatment experience.
• Vibrating handle + cooling system: a dual approach to reducing pain. This is what matters most to me. The old model was notoriously painful to use, but the FLX model reduces discomfort significantly through simultaneous vibration and low-temperature cooling.
• Faster speed: The treatment speed of FLX is approximately 25% faster than that of CPT; a full face treatment using 600 shots can be completed in around 90 minutes.

After listening to this, I roughly understand that FLX is not actually a conceptual revolution, but rather an engineering improvement in terms of safety, comfort, and efficiency. The core principle remains the same: using radiofrequency energy to heat the dermis, thereby stimulating the contraction and continuous regeneration of Collagen and achieving a tightening and lifting effect.

The price of Thermage FLX at Betterme Gangnam Dermatology in Gangnam has been made public: it’s lower than I expected.

I inquired in person about the current pricing of Betterme’s Thermage FLX, and the details are as follows:

Plan	Number of hairs	Special offer price	Original price	Suitable areas for application
Basic plan	300 shots	₩990,000	₩1,890,000	From the Forehead down to the chin line
Full-face treatment package	600 shots	₩1,890,000	₩3,764,000	The entire face, including the Forehead, plus the neck
Comprehensive solution	900 shots	₩2,790,000	₩4,300,000	Full face + neck enhancement
Basic eye care	225 shots	₩990,000	₩1,890,000	Around the eyes, at the back of the eye
Full set for eye treatments	450 shots	₩1,480,000	₩2,959,000	Around the eyes, at the back of the eyes, and in the eye sockets

Converted into Hong Kong dollars, the 600-shot full-face treatment costs approximately HK$10,800, while in Taiwan it is around NT$42,000. Although not particularly cheap, it is indeed much more affordable compared to the prices in Taiwan or Hong Kong, where a single Thermage FLX treatment can cost anywhere from HK$18,000 to HK$25,000. Moreover, South Korea uses genuine equipment for such treatments. The consultants at Betterme even showed me the authorized certification documents from Solta Medical, which gave me extra confidence.

The process at Betterme on the day of the Thermage FLX treatment is as follows:

Although I only provided consultation on that day, I accompanied my friend throughout the entire process. The general steps were as follows:

1. 1:1 personalized consultation (about 15–20 minutes): A translator will accompany you throughout the process, and the doctor will recommend a suitable number of grafts based on the issues with your face. A friend of mine had problems with sagging skin in the middle and lower areas of the face as well as Nasolabial Fold Correction; the doctor suggested using 600 grafts in this case.
2. Self-cleaning of the face: Use the facial cleanser provided by the clinic to remove makeup – there’s no need for makeup remover oil, which is quite convenient.
3. Applying the anesthetic (about 45–60 minutes): During this waiting period while the anesthetic takes effect, you can rest in a comfortable area where drinks are available.
4. Thermage FLX treatment (approximately 60–90 minutes): The duration depends on the number of hair follicles selected for treatment. The entire procedure is performed by a doctor, with the assistance of a nurse. A friend said that she felt a warm sensation during the treatment and occasional stinging sensations, but overall, it was tolerable.
5. Calming down + Post-treatment care: After the treatment, cold compresses are applied to help the patient calm down. The doctor will then re-assess the results and provide instructions for post-operative care.

The entire process took approximately 3.5 hours, which is not short at all, but it went much more smoothly than what I had heard about elsewhere. The clinic is located on the 11th floor; it’s not very large, but the lighting is excellent and the privacy is also satisfactory.

Also in Gangnam, at the peche Dermatology clinic, the Thermage combined treatment approach is completely different.

On the same day that my friend finished her consultation at Betterme, we also went to peche Dermatology in Gangnam. The treatment approach at peche was significantly different from that at Betterme. Instead of using thermal radiofrequency alone, they offered a “HIFU + thermal radiofrequency combined anti-aging treatment” that combined ultrasonic waves (HIFU) with thermal radiofrequency FLX.

In terms of their mechanism of action, the two treatments actually target different layers: the HIFU acts on the deeper layers (the SMAS fascia layer), while the Thermage FLX targets the middle layers (the dermis). Theoretically, combining these two treatments allows for simultaneous stimulation of collagen at different depths, resulting in a more effective lifting effect than using either one alone. The Peche package is priced starting from ¥3,330,000, which is significantly more expensive than undergoing the Thermage FLX treatment alone at Betterme. However, if you are interested in both treatments, the combined package is actually more cost-effective.

In fact, there are subtle differences in the target customer groups of these two companies. If your goal is to undergo Thermage FLX treatment within a budget that allows you to choose different treatment options, Betterme’s tiered pricing system offers more flexibility. On the other hand, if your issues are more complex, or if you wish to address deeper signs of sagging through a combination of treatments, Peche’s approach deserves consideration.

Who is suitable for Thermage FLX? Doctors from the two Dermatology departments in Gangnam mentioned these points.

Based on the feedback from both consulting firms, the following types of people are more suitable for undergoing Thermage FLX treatment:

• Individuals aged 30 to 50 who experience mild to moderate skin laxity fall within this primary target group. Those whose Nasolabial Fold Correction shows noticeable effects and whose facial contours begin to become blurred will benefit the most from this treatment.
• For those who do not want to undergo surgery but wish to achieve lifting effects: Thermage FLX is a non-invasive treatment that requires no anesthesia or surgery, and you can wear makeup already the day after the procedure.
• For people with darker skin who still want to undergo cosmetic treatments: Radiofrequency technology is relatively gentle on darker skin types and does not carry the risk of pigmentation deposits, unlike some laser treatments.
• For those with reasonable expectations regarding the results: Thermage FLX is not a cosmetic surgery procedure; the effects are gradual, and it usually takes 2 to 4 months to observe noticeable changes. The duration of these effects can range from 1 to 3 years.

Both doctors emphasized that for severe skin sagging, relying solely on the Thermage FLX treatment may not be sufficient; other treatments may be necessary or surgical interventions could be considered. I find this approach quite honest.

If you want to undergo Thermage FLX treatment in Gangnam, how can you easily make an appointment through BeautsGO?

Language barriers have always been the biggest concern for those considering cosmetic procedures in South Korea. This time, when I used BeautsGO to book appointments at two different clinics, the process was extremely smooth – choosing the clinic, selecting the treatment plan, and filling out basic information. Within 24 hours, a customer service representative who spoke Traditional Chinese confirmed the details with me. Upon arriving at the clinic, a translator was also available to assist me, so there were no language obstacles throughout the entire consultation process. If you are also considering visiting Betterme or Peche in Gangnam, I believe using BeautsGO is currently the most convenient way to make reservations.

Or if you prefer a combined treatment using HIFU and Thermage FLX, you may consider peche.

Regarding several common questions about Thermage FLX, I asked the doctor about them on the spot.

Q1: Must Thermage FLX necessarily be performed in South Korea?

It’s not necessary to have the procedure done in South Korea, but the price advantage there is obvious (about 50-70% lower than in Taiwan or Hong Kong). Moreover, the quality of the equipment and the qualifications of the doctors are also guaranteed. Therefore, for those who plan to travel to South Korea, it makes sense to take the opportunity to have the procedure done while they are there.

Q2: Can I fly back on the same day after undergoing Thermage FLX treatment?

Sure. Thermage FLX does not cause significant postoperative swelling or scars; there may be slight redness after the treatment, which usually subsides within 2-3 hours. It is safe to fly on the same day, but it is recommended to maintain proper hydration and sun protection for 3 days after the procedure, and avoid high-temperature environments such as steam baths or saunas.

Q3: Is there a significant difference between 300 and 600 units? How should one make a choice?

The difference is significant. The 300-fiber treatment does not include the Forehead area and is suitable for those who only want to address the sagging in the lower half of the face; the 600-fiber treatment covers the entire face and neck, providing more comprehensive results. Doctors recommend that if there are also obvious problems with the Forehead and the areas around the eyes, the 600-fiber treatment is necessary to achieve effective results. If your budget is limited, you can start with the 300-fiber treatment and consider adding an eye treatment after six months.

Q4: What do foreigners need to prepare before undergoing Thermage FLX treatment at Betterme?

Passport (required for registration), and simply remove your makeup on the day of the appointment (all clinics are equipped with facial cleansing facilities). The translation services for Traditional Chinese are provided by the clinic or BeautsGO, so no additional preparations are generally needed. It is recommended to make an appointment at least 3-5 days in advance to avoid full schedules during peak periods.

If you are also considering flying to Seoul for Thermage FLX treatment, I hope this information will be helpful to you. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments; I will respond within the scope of my knowledge.