Thermage® FLX in Richmond, BC, near Vancouver
A monopolar radiofrequency device for non-invasive skin tightening
Thermage FLX is a radiofrequency treatment that heats the deeper, collagen-rich layers of the skin to tighten and smooth, without surgery. Typically one session is planned at our Richmond clinic, and many people resume normal activities the same day.
- 30 min–2 h
- Typical session, by area*
- Same day
- Return to normal activities*
- 2–6 months
- Gradual results build*
- 30 min–2 h
- Typical session, by area*
- Same day
- Return to normal activities*
- 2–6 months
- Gradual results build*
What is Thermage FLX, and how does it work?
Thermage FLX is a non-surgical radiofrequency treatment that tightens skin on the eyes, face, neck and body. A session typically takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the areas treated, and many people resume normal activities the same day; temporary redness or swelling is possible. How the cost is set is explained in the FAQ below. Thermage is sometimes called a laser, but it uses radiofrequency, not laser light. RAAC is about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line and sees Thermage patients from Vancouver, Burnaby and across Greater Vancouver.
RAAC uses Thermage FLX to reach deep structural layers of the skin (up to 4.3mm with the Body Tip) and tighten without incisions, with the focus on precision and medical safety. *Individual results vary.
Deep penetration
Targets structural layers (up to 4.3mm with Body Tip) for meaningful tightening.
AccuREP™ precision
Real-time calibration tailors each pulse to your skin’s impedance.
Comfort pulse cooling
Integrated cooling and vibration are designed to help manage the heat sensation during treatment.
Thermage FLX vs CPT: what changed?
FLX is the fifth generation of Thermage technology, following the earlier CPT handpieces.
Larger tip
A larger treatment tip is designed to cover areas more efficiently.
Pulse-by-pulse feedback
AccuREP™ checks your skin’s impedance to help keep each pulse consistent.
Comfort vibration
Multi-directional vibration plus cooling helps ease the heat sensation.
Controlled depth
Consistent RF delivery reaches the dermis for collagen remodeling while the surface is cooled.
Who is a candidate, and who is not?
Non-surgical tightening for early to moderate laxity across face, eyes, neck and body. Candidacy is confirmed at your physician assessment.
Great Fit If You
- +Have mild to moderate facial or neck skin laxity
- +Want to refine jawline definition or ease eyelid hooding
- +Prefer a non-surgical, needle-free tightening option
- +Seek smoother texture and smaller-looking pores
- +Want a tightening option with little downtime
Should not, or should wait
- –Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- –Have open wounds, active infection or inflammation at the site
- –Have a pacemaker, other implanted electronic device or metal implants in the treatment area
- –Recently had a thread lift or high-energy laser in the same area
- –Have extremely sensitive skin or neuropathic pain conditions
- –Have a medical condition or take medication that affects healing (share your full history)
Why have Thermage at RAAC?
Dr. Jiang advises whether Thermage, Ultherapy or both suit you. Here is how we approach Thermage.
Doctor-led dosing
Energy settings and vectors are chosen by the physician to tighten safely while protecting facial volume.
Genuine FLX tips
Genuine Solta FLX tips, unboxed in front of you and scannable to verify before treatment.
Eye-area protocols
Physician-led periorbital protocols aimed at eyelid hooding and laxity.
Combination planning
Thermage for tightening and Ultherapy for lifting can be staged together when full-face rejuvenation is wanted.
Treatable Areas
Thermage FLX covers delicate eyes through larger body zones with tip-specific settings.
Eyes (periorbital)
Physician-led eyelid treatment to ease the look of hooding and fine lines.
Face & jawline
Aims to soften folds, refine jawline definition and smooth texture.
Neck
Aims to address laxity and horizontal neck lines.
Abdomen
Targets skin laxity after pregnancy or weight change.
Arms
Targets upper-arm skin laxity.
Knees
Aims to smooth crepey skin above the knee.
Does Thermage hurt? Session length, recovery and aftercare
Most people feel brief heat pulses, eased by built-in cooling and vibration. Here is how a Thermage FLX visit runs, from comfort and session length to aftercare and results.
Pre-Care
Avoid sunburn or tanning before treatment
Pause chemical peels or strong exfoliants in the area
Tell us about recent injectables, laser treatments, medications and any implants
Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup or heavy skincare, and skip alcohol or spicy foods that day
Ask about comfort options; a numbing cream may be discussed for sensitive areas
During Treatment
Consult & mapping
Skin assessment and grid mapping tailored to your goals.
Prep & coupling
Cleanse skin and apply coupling fluid for even RF delivery.
FLX energy delivery
Controlled RF pulses with cooling and vibration. You may feel brief heat, and settings are adjusted to your feedback.
Soothe & instructions
A session typically takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the areas treated. Cooling, hydration and aftercare guidance follow.
Post-Care
Keep skin hydrated and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
Avoid saunas, hot baths and intense workouts for 2–3 days
Use gentle skincare; avoid harsh scrubs or peels, and ask when you can resume makeup
Expect brief redness or swelling that settles quickly; some firmness may be noticed soon after, with the main change building over about 2–6 months
Results commonly last around one to two years; some people repeat treatment about once a year
**Individual results vary.
Common Questions
How long does a Thermage FLX session take, and does it hurt?+
A session typically takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours: the eye area or a single small area is shorter, while face and neck together, or a body area, take longer. Most people feel brief heat pulses rather than constant pain; cooling and vibration are built into the handpiece, and energy is adjusted to your feedback. A numbing cream may be discussed for sensitive areas.
Is Thermage worth it?+
It can be, if your goal matches what it does. Thermage FLX suits mild to moderate laxity, crepey texture and early jawline or eyelid softening in people who want no needles or incisions and little downtime. The change is gradual and subtler than surgery, and responses vary, so it is not worth it for marked sagging. Dr. Charles Jiang assesses your skin and explains whether it is likely to meet your goals before you decide.
How many Thermage treatments do I need, and how long do results last?+
Typically one session is planned per area, and some people have a second depending on laxity and response. Some firmness may be noticed soon after, while the main change builds over about 2–6 months as collagen remodels. Results commonly last around one to two years, depending on age, skin quality, sun protection and lifestyle, so some people repeat about once a year. Individual results vary.
What is the downside of Thermage?+
The main downsides are heat discomfort during treatment, results that build slowly over about 2–6 months and vary between people, a change that is subtler than surgery, and fading over time as skin keeps ageing, so maintenance may be considered. Temporary redness, swelling and tenderness are common; rarely, blistering or contour changes occur. Your physician reviews your history and these risks before you decide.
Is there downtime, and what should I avoid afterwards?+
Many people resume normal activities the same day; temporary redness or swelling is possible. For 2–3 days avoid saunas, hot baths and intense workouts, and avoid harsh scrubs or peels. Wear sunscreen daily and keep skin hydrated. Ask your clinician when you can resume makeup.
What are the possible side effects of Thermage FLX?+
Common effects are temporary redness, swelling and tenderness. Rarely, blistering or changes in skin contour can occur. Treatment is not suitable for everyone, so your physician reviews your history and treatment area first and explains risks and aftercare before you decide.
Is Thermage FLX safe around the eyes?+
A smaller tip is designed for the eye area, and eyelid treatment is physician-led with eye-specific settings and protocols. Safety depends on your anatomy and history, so your physician examines the eye area and reviews your medical history at consultation before deciding whether to treat.
What age is best for Thermage, and is it suitable for darker skin tones?+
There is no single best age: suitability depends on your skin rather than your birthday. Thermage is usually considered once early to moderate laxity appears, and is less suited to marked sagging. Radiofrequency is not absorbed by skin pigment the way many light-based devices are, so it is often considered for a range of skin tones. Your physician confirms suitability at your consultation.
Will Thermage melt my facial fat?+
Radiofrequency acts on the skin's collagen rather than targeting fat, and settings and vectors are chosen to protect facial volume. Individual responses vary, which is why your physician assesses your face and plans energy levels before treatment.
Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy: which suits me, and can they be combined?+
Thermage uses radiofrequency to tighten and smooth the skin over broad areas; Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound to reach deeper structural layers for lifting. They act at different depths, so some plans stage both, alongside injectables for volume or lines where appropriate. Dr. Jiang recommends the approach at assessment.
How much does Thermage FLX cost in Richmond and Vancouver?+
Cost depends on the areas treated (eyes, face, neck or body), the tip used and the number of pulses each protocol needs, and whether a repeat session is likely. Because face, eye and body protocols differ, we do not publish a single fee. Dr. Jiang's team gives you a protocol plan and written quote after your physician assessment at our Richmond clinic.
Does RAAC serve Vancouver and Burnaby patients, and offer Mandarin or Cantonese consultations?+
Yes. The Richmond clinic is about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line (building parking is via Ackroyd Road), a direct train ride from Vancouver, and serves patients from Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and across Metro Vancouver. Thermage consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Concerns this treatment is used for
Each of these has its own page explaining the cause, the options, and what recovery looks like:
Plan Your Thermage FLX Treatment
Book a consultation with Dr. Charles Jiang to confirm candidacy and plan a FLX protocol tailored to your skin, under licensed physician oversight.
What our clinical team has written about this
How it works, who it suits, and what recovery looks like:
- Thermage FLX: What to Expect From the Session, Recovery and Results
Everything you need to know about Thermage FLX skin tightening in Richmond BC — from how it works, what the treatment feels like, expected results, pricing, and aftercare tips from Dr. Charles Jiang.
- What Is Ultherapy? How Focused Ultrasound Lifts, the Evidence and Recovery
A physician-authored deep-dive into how Ultherapy's micro-focused ultrasound triggers neocollagenesis, what the clinical trials show, and who is a strong candidate.
- Thermage FLX vs Ultherapy: Which Suits Your Type of Skin Laxity?
Thermage FLX and Ultherapy are both non-surgical skin tightening technologies. A Richmond physician compares how they work, depth, comfort, results timeline and candidates to help you choose.
- How Thermage Body Works: The Science of RF Skin Tightening
How Thermage radiofrequency heats deep skin to contract and rebuild collagen, what clinical studies show, how it compares with other body devices and who is a candidate.
