When it comes to noninvasive skin-tightening treatments, Thermage FLX has long been a go-to name in the industry. Often credited as one of the first devices to spark the energy-based skin-tightening boom, it’s been trusted by celebrities and dermatologists alike for more than two decades.
In a recent survey of more than 400 NewBeauty readers,* we asked about their experiences with these types of treatments. Of those surveyed, 31 percent reported undergoing a skin-tightening or lifting procedure using an energy-based device, and 20 percent specifically said they had tried Thermage FLX.
What Is Thermage?
Regarded as one of the original skin-tightening devices to hit the market in 2002, Thermage uses monopolar radio-frequency (RF) energy to heat collagen fibers in the dermis, triggering fresh collagen production and the contraction of existing collagen. It’s a go-to treatment for tightening and smoothing out wrinkles on the face, jowls, jawline and even delicate eye areas, as well as smoothing sagging skin on the stomach, arms and knees.
What Readers Say About Thermage FLX
For many readers, Thermage FLX delivered exactly what they were looking for: smoother, firmer skin and a more youthful appearance without surgery. A 62-year-old told us the treatment “takes 10 years off your face but not like a facelift—looks like you, but younger.” Another reader, 37, shared that they “noticed tighter skin—nothing dramatic, though—but I’d recommend it.” A 29-year-old noted that after the treatment, their skin felt “warm and slightly swollen” but that those effects faded quickly. “Over the next few months, I noticed a gradual tightening and smoothing of my skin, particularly around the jawline and eyebrows,” she said.
Some readers, however, pointed out that the treatment isn’t entirely pain-free. A 63-year-old admitted, “It hurt, but the results were good,” while a 53-year-old echoed, “This procedure hurt, but my results were positive.” Others, like a 27-year-old, said they’d recommend it to anyone considering more invasive options, and a 41-year-old reader praised the “skin-tightening” benefits of the treatment.
The Bottom Line
Thermage FLX remains one of the most well-known skin-tightening treatments for a reason. It’s trusted for its ability to gradually improve skin elasticity, smooth fine lines and stimulate new collagen production without surgery or significant downtime. As with any professional treatment, results can vary depending on skin type and expectations, so it’s best to consult a board-certified provider to determine if Thermage FLX is right for you.
*Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2025
