How many shots of Thermage® FLX do I need?

The relationship between shot count and results is not infinitely proportional. However, if the shot count is insufficient, energy may not be adequately delivered to the area to be covered, limiting the effect. Conversely, overlapping more shots than necessary on the same area does not necessarily increase the effect proportionally.

However, if the treatment area is the same, having extra shots allows for reinforcing energy on key areas (such as the jawline or nasolabial folds) to increase density. The key is not the number itself but whether your sagging areas have been treated with sufficient density. Therefore, rather than simply choosing a higher shot count, it is advisable to select a configuration that matches your specific area and condition.

Full-face treatments are typically composed of 600 shots, full-face and neck treatments 900 shots, and partial treatments focused on the cheeks around 300 shots. The 300-shot configuration concentrates on the mid-to-lower face (cheeks) where sagging mainly occurs, while the 600-shot configuration evenly covers the entire face from the forehead to the jawline, and if needed, the upper neck.

Which option is right depends on the distribution of sagging. If loss of elasticity is concentrated in a localized area such as the jawline, a partial treatment may suffice. However, if there is overall laxity and fine lines across the face, a full-face treatment tends to be more satisfactory in terms of results. If you are also concerned about forehead wrinkles or drooping eyebrows, a full-face configuration that includes the forehead is necessary.

For eye Thermage, 225 shots are typical for the eye area and under-eye, and 450 shots if the eyelids are also treated. Because the eye area has thin and delicate skin, a dedicated eye tip (0.25 cm²) is used, and a corneal protective shield is worn during the procedure.

If the main concerns are under-eye fine lines and crow's feet, 225 shots are recommended. If drooping eyelids or loss of elasticity in the eyelids are also present, 450 shots are recommended.

The shot count is determined during the consultation by considering the treatment area, degree of sagging, skin thickness, and treatment goals. First, we assess which areas are sagging and to what extent, and whether the goal is prevention or improvement. Then we calculate the number of shots needed to cover that area with appropriate density.

Even at the same age, the optimal shot count varies depending on face size, subcutaneous fat volume, and skin elasticity. Therefore, rather than applying a shot count seen online directly, we recommend having a dermatologist diagnose your condition and determine the appropriate area and shot count for you.