Lifting Alltite Thermage® FLX

Alltite vs. Thermage® FLX: What's the difference between these two radiofrequency treatments?

Although both use radiofrequency, the way heat is applied differs. Thermage® FLX delivers high heat in short, intense pulses; a single session typically provides results lasting around 12 months, so maintenance is usually done about once a year. Alltite uses a lower temperature over a wider area for a longer duration, which reduces discomfort but requires multiple sessions to build up the collagen response. Which option is right for you depends on your skin thickness, degree of sagging, and pain sensitivity. It is also possible to combine them—using Alltite for maintenance between annual Thermage® FLX sessions.

Thermage® FLX vs. Alltite: Which lasts longer and gives better results?

The intensity of a single stimulation is greater with Thermage® FLX, while Alltite achieves results through cumulative sessions, so it is difficult to simply say one is superior. With Thermage® FLX, the effect of a single session typically lasts around 12 months, and many people plan for maintenance about once a year. Alltite, due to its lower-temperature approach, generally involves multiple sessions to accumulate the collagen response, and after completing the initial series, periodic maintenance treatments are recommended.

The nature of the results also differs slightly. Thermage® FLX produces strong immediate contraction along with noticeable improvement in elasticity and fine lines; clinically, the effect is felt gradually, starting about one month after treatment rather than immediately.

Alltite can be performed with little swelling or discomfort, and you may feel a tightening effect right after the session, followed by a gradual firming of the tissue over time. Rather than one device being universally better, the right choice depends on your skin thickness, degree of sagging, and pain sensitivity.


Why is Alltite less painful than Thermage® FLX?

Alltite avoids high-temperature zones that can burn tissue and heats gradually at a relatively lower temperature, so it tends to cause less discomfort. Pain generally increases with the peak temperature reached in a short time; Thermage® FLX delivers intense heat to the dermis in brief pulses, causing repeated sharp heat sensations deep in the skin. Alltite's target temperature is lower and the heat rises progressively, so many people experience it as a warm, soothing sensation.

This makes Alltite an accessible option for those who are sensitive to pain and find Thermage® FLX or HIFU Lifting uncomfortable. However, pain perception varies individually, and even with a lower-temperature method, the heat sensation may differ depending on the area and energy level.


Do Alltite and Thermage® FLX heat the skin differently?

Yes, both devices use radiofrequency (RF) technology, but they generate heat and manage temperature differently. Thermage® FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency to deliver intense heat to the dermis in an instant, causing immediate collagen contraction, while protecting the epidermis with cooling gas—a "strong and fast" heating approach. Alltite, on the other hand, is known to use a dielectric heating method that induces heat in water-rich tissue layers, maintaining a relatively lower temperature over a broad area for a longer time—a "gentle and sustained" heating approach.

CategoryThermage® FLXAlltite
EnergyMonopolar radiofrequencyRadiofrequency (dielectric heating method)
Heating characteristicsHigh heat, short and intenseLow temperature, wide and long
Pain burdenAnesthetic cream usually neededRelatively low
Treatment intervalTypically about once a yearRepeated in multiple sessions

Note that some people mistakenly think Alltite is an ultrasound (HIFU) device, but Alltite is a radiofrequency-based lifting device, not ultrasound.


Is Alltite the better value for money?

Looking only at the cost per session, Alltite tends to be more affordable, but to accurately assess "value for money," you need to consider the number of sessions and the maintenance plan. Thermage® FLX has a higher per-session cost due to the expense of genuine disposable tips, but it is typically done about once a year. Alltite has a lower per-session cost but involves multiple sessions. The total cost depends on the treatment area, number of shots, session structure, and whether genuine consumables are used.

Therefore, rather than saying one is unconditionally cheaper, it is more reasonable to compare the overall management plan based on pain burden, number of visits, and desired improvement. Considering the session schedule and maintenance intervals will give you a more accurate idea of the actual cost.


Can you alternate between Thermage® FLX and Alltite treatments?

Yes, although both are radiofrequency-based, their heating methods and stimulation intensity differ, so they can be used alternately with appropriate intervals. For example, you could have a strong collagen stimulation with Thermage® FLX once a year and maintain elasticity comfortably with Alltite in between. For those who find it difficult to have Thermage® FLX every year due to pain or schedule, Alltite can serve as an interim maintenance option.

However, since both treatments use thermal stimulation, the interval and energy level should be adjusted based on your skin's recovery status, and the order and frequency depend on your skin condition. Heal House has both Thermage® FLX and Alltite, so we can design a personalized annual elasticity management plan that combines the two devices after a consultation.


References

Hanmi Jung

Dermatologist · Gangnam Branch

I strive to be a lifelong skin doctor you can trust with all aspects of your skin, not a doctor who is forgotten after a single procedure.