🌏 For international patients · Interpreter on-site · Same price as locals

GANGNAM HERA

Lifting · Gangnam HERA

Thermage Korea: Preheat Thermage FLX in SeoulTitanium laser warm-up, then Thermage FLX tightening

Looking for Thermage in Korea? At HERA in Gangnam, we do it in two steps. First, the Soprano Titanium laser warms the deeper layers of your skin. Then Thermage FLX radiofrequency heats the dermis so collagen contracts and rebuilds. The session takes 30 to 40 minutes.

  • Thermage FLX
  • Titanium preheat step
  • 30–40 minutes
  • Minimal downtime
  • Same price as locals

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jong Hoon LeeLast updated

Ask about ThermageSee the two steps
  1. Titanium preheat. The laser glides over the skin and warms the deeper layers.
  2. Thermage FLX. The tip sends radiofrequency heat into the dermis, pulse by pulse.
  3. Collagen tightens. Fibers contract now, and new collagen builds over 2–3 months.
Google rating288+ reviews
5.0
International patientstreated at HERA
6,000+
Years in practiceDr. Jong Hoon Lee
25+
Lifting textbookCo-author, LIFTINGOLOGY
1

How Thermage works

Radiofrequency heat, aimed at the layer that holds your skin firm.

Thermage FLX is monopolar radiofrequency. The tip touches the skin and sends heat down into the dermis, where collagen sits. Heated collagen fibers contract right away. Over the next months, your skin makes new collagen in the same area.

  • Monopolar radiofrequency

    Energy passes through the skin to the dermis. Nothing cuts the skin, and nothing is injected.

  • Cooling at the surface

    The tip cools the skin surface while the heat works underneath. You feel warmth in short pulses.

  • Auto-tuned pulses

    Thermage FLX uses AccuREP technology, which measures the tissue and adjusts energy before each pulse.

  • One session

    Thermage is planned as a single session. Many patients repeat it about once a year.

Thermage is FDA-cleared for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles. FDA clearance describes the device. It does not promise a result.

Why HERA preheats

Two devices, one plan: warm first, then tighten.

Standard Thermage starts cold. At HERA, the Soprano Titanium laser warms your skin first. The reason is simple: pre-warmed tissue lets the radiofrequency spread more evenly and more comfortably.

Illustration for explanation. Layer depths are drawn larger than real life so you can see them.

Soprano Titanium laser

Warm the deeper layers and organize facial lines

The laser handpiece glides over the face in passes. The deeper layers warm up gradually. This is the priming step.

  • Glides, no stamping
  • Warms deeper layers
  • Primes the tissue
About Soprano Titanium lifting

Your session, step by step

  1. 01

    Consultation and skin analysis. A HERA doctor checks your elasticity, texture and sagging pattern.

  2. 02

    Design and mapping. Zones and levels are planned for both the preheat and the radiofrequency stage.

  3. 03

    Numbing. Topical anesthetic cream is applied.

  4. 04

    Preheat stage. The Soprano Titanium laser warms the deeper layers.

  5. 05

    Thermage stage. Thermage FLX radiofrequency tightens dermal collagen.

  6. 06

    Check and aftercare. We review the tightening with you and explain soothing care and sun protection.

Thermage vs Ultherapy

Thermage or Ultherapy? Radiofrequency vs ultrasound.

Both use heat to tighten. They reach different layers, so they do different jobs. Many faces need one more than the other, and some need both.

Energy
Preheat ThermageMonopolar radiofrequency
Ultherapy PrimeMicro-focused ultrasound
Main layer
Preheat ThermageDermis, spread across the treated area
Ultherapy PrimeFocused points at 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm, down to the SMAS
Best at
Preheat ThermageTightening the skin itself, texture and fine lines
Ultherapy PrimeLifting the deeper support layer: jawline, cheeks, brows
What it feels like
Preheat ThermageWarmth in short pulses, surface cooled
Ultherapy PrimeBrief deep pulses along each line
Numbing
Preheat ThermageTopical cream
Ultherapy PrimeTopical cream
Session at HERA
Preheat Thermage30–40 minutes, two steps
Ultherapy Prime20–30 minutes, after a 3D scan
Results
Preheat ThermageBuilds over 2–3 months, typically 12–18 months
Ultherapy PrimeBuilds over about 3 months, typically 12–18 months
Downtime
Preheat ThermageMinimal
Ultherapy PrimeMinimal
HERA's version
Preheat ThermageSoprano Titanium preheat, then Thermage FLX
Ultherapy PrimeAI-Mapping with an EVE V MUSE 3D scan, then Ultherapy Prime

Which one comes first?

  • Your skin feels thin, crepey or loose on the surfaceThermage usually comes first.
  • Your jawline is blurring or your cheeks have droppedUltherapy usually comes first.
  • Both are happeningA combination often does more than either alone.
Read about AI-Mapping Ultherapy Prime at HERA Read the full Thermage vs Ultherapy guide

Combine them

Premium Lift Combo

HERA's Premium Lift Combo puts Ultherapy, Thermage and Titanium in one plan. Ultherapy works on the SMAS, Thermage on the dermis, and Titanium on the surface.

  • UltherapySMAS
  • ThermageDermis
  • TitaniumSurface
See the Premium Lift Combo (Ultherapy + Thermage + Titanium)

Treatment areas

Where Thermage tightens.

  1. 01

    Full face

    Overall firmness

    For overall sagging and lost firmness. Improves contour and fine lines across the face.

    Thermage before and after
  2. 02

    Jawline & cheeks

    Lower face

    Tightens a sagging lower face for a more defined line.

    Thermage FLX in Korea guide
  3. 03

    Eyes & forehead

    Upper face

    Smooths fine wrinkles and firms the thin skin around the eyes and on the forehead.

    Eye Thermage in Korea
  4. 04

    Neck

    Neck skin

    Firms lax neck skin and softens horizontal lines.

    Thermage cost guide

Your doctor sets the zones and levels at consultation.

Who it suits

Preheat Thermage suits you if…

  • Your skin has lost elasticity overall and you want deeper tightening

  • You want to work on sagging and skin texture in one visit

  • You want a more even, more comfortable Thermage session

  • You prefer a non-surgical lift with minimal downtime

  • Radiofrequency alone did not firm your skin as much as you hoped

Probably not the right fit

  • Heavy sagging that needs tissue repositioned. A thread lift or a combination will do more
  • You expect a dramatic change on the day. Most of the result builds over months
  • Pregnancy, or an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker. Tell your doctor first
  • Active skin infection or open wounds in the area
Thread lifting at HERA

What it does

01

Two-step synergy

Titanium preheating primes the skin, so the Thermage stage tightens more completely.

02

Collagen regeneration

Radiofrequency contracts existing collagen and starts new collagen in the dermis.

03

Even, comfortable delivery

Pre-warmed skin takes the radiofrequency more smoothly.

04

No needles, no incisions

Topical numbing cream only.

Results

What you see, and when.

Some tightening shows right after the session. Most of the change comes from new collagen, which takes time.

  1. Day 0

    Immediate tightening

    Skin feels firmer. Mild redness or warmth usually fades within a day.

  2. Week 1

    Back to normal

    Daily life carries on. Avoid saunas and strong sun for a few days.

  3. Month 2–3

    Fuller result

    New collagen builds and the tightening becomes clearer.

  4. 12–18 months

    How long it lasts

    Typically 12–18 months, depending on your skin.

Results and timing vary from person to person.

See real lifting before & after cases

Planning your trip

Thermage in Korea fits a short stay in Seoul.

Downtime is minimal, so you don't need to plan recovery days. Here is how a typical visit runs.

  1. Before you fly

    Send photos on WhatsApp

    A front and a side photo. We reply with a plan and a written, itemized estimate.

  2. Visit day

    Consult and treat

    Consultation, numbing, then 30–40 minutes for both steps. An English interpreter is with you throughout.

  3. Same evening

    Carry on

    Mild redness or warmth may linger briefly. Most people go back to their plans right away.

  4. Next day

    Fly home

    You can usually fly the next day. Keep up sunscreen, and message us on WhatsApp with any question.

Treatment time
30–40 minutes
Numbing
Topical cream
Downtime
Minimal
Lasts
Typically 12–18 months
Interpreter
English, on site
Read our honest guide to Thermage side effects Questions after you fly home? Message us on WhatsApp.

Our doctors

Planned and performed by the doctor who consults you.

Dr. Jong Seon Kim

Gangnam HERA

Director

Dr. Jong Seon Kim

Dr. Kim looks at the whole face before planning anything, then explains what will change and what won't. If a treatment isn't the right fix for your concern, you'll hear that at the consultation.

How this doctor works

  • Looks at the whole face first, and tells you when a treatment isn't the right fix.
  • Plans the amount and placement for your face rather than one formula for everyone.
  • Board member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery and the International Petit Medical Society.
Education & memberships
  • Director, Gangnam HERA Plastic Surgery Clinic
  • Board Member, Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery (KSAS)
  • Board Member, International Petit Medical Society
  • Full Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • Executive Course, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University
Full profile →
Book a consultationWatch on YouTube

FAQ

Questions about Thermage in Korea

Can't find yours? Ask us on WhatsApp. A coordinator replies, and Dr. Lee reviews medical questions.

Why preheat the skin before Thermage?
Warming the tissue first with the Titanium laser helps radiofrequency energy spread more evenly and comfortably, so the dermis is tightened more completely than with radiofrequency alone.
Is it painful?
Topical numbing cream and the device's cooling keep discomfort low. You may feel warmth and brief deep heat pulses during the radiofrequency stage.
When will I see results and how long do they last?
Some tightening is visible right after the session, with the fuller lift building over 2–3 months as collagen rebuilds. Results typically last 12–18 months depending on skin condition.
Is there downtime?
Downtime is minimal. Mild redness or warmth may linger briefly, so most patients return to daily life immediately.
How is this different from standard Thermage?
It adds a laser preheating step before the radiofrequency stage. This primes the skin for more even energy delivery and pairs deep warming with dermal tightening for a smoother, firmer result.
How much is Thermage in Korea at HERA?
We don't publish a fixed price. It depends on the areas and the plan. Send two photos on WhatsApp and we reply with a written, itemized estimate. International patients pay the same price as Korean patients.
Can I fly home the day after Thermage?
Usually, yes. Downtime is minimal and most people return to daily life right away. Tell us your flight date at consultation so we can plan around it.
I don't speak Korean. Is that a problem?
No. An English interpreter is on site from consultation to aftercare, and you can message us on WhatsApp after you fly home.

About this page

Written by HERA's medical team and reviewed by Dr. Jong Hoon Lee. Treatment details come from how HERA performs Preheat Thermage. General Thermage FLX facts come from the manufacturer, Solta Medical. The 3D graphics are illustrations made for this page, not device photos. We don't publish prices or before-and-after images we can't verify. Ask us for a written estimate and real cases.

Send two photos. Get a Thermage plan before you fly.

A front and a side photo is enough for Dr. Lee to tell you whether Preheat Thermage fits, which areas to treat, and whether Ultherapy should join it.

Ask about Thermage

Google reviews

Patients from abroad, in their own words.

Unedited reviews from our Google listing. Tap any review to read it on Google.

Google

5.0

288 Google reviews

Read all reviews on Google

  • Niroy Wilkes

    Oct 2026

    Dr. Han Jin Yi, Jasmine and the team were so amazing. My appointment was on time. I had a skin analysis and a very thorough consultation. The translator, Jasmine was just wonderful and the Dr. too. Everyone was very professional —very communicative throughout the entire procedure. Numbing was fully adequate and very little pain during the procedure I felt very well taken care of thank you so much, HERA.

  • Carine Na Koreia

    Oct 2026

    I visited Gangnam Hera Lifting & Filler Clinic — an experience that only Korea can offer! 🇰🇷✨ A modern treatment with real, visible results for the skin. I tried Tenthera 800 Lines Procedure: Face + Interior with Dr. Lee Jong Hoon, and it was such an interesting experience to see how advanced Korean aesthetic treatments have become. I’ve been living in Korea for over five years, and I’m always looking for the best aesthetic treatments, impeccable service, and highly professional care. Having English interpretation available also makes the whole experience much more comfortable and ensures a clear understanding of every step of the treatment.

  • Emmey Chefero

    Oct 2026

    I visited Gangman Hera Clinic and received lip filler from Dr. Kim Jong Seon. I was greeted by Jasmine when we first arrived and she assisted in translating the entire visit for us. This clinic is so clean, professional, and every staff member was kind and welcoming. I felt safe and thoroughly enjoyed the treatment process as well as my results. We had a full consultation to answer any questions and concerns we had. I would recommend this clinic to anyone visiting Seoul looking to get a luxury treatment.

  • ryleigh stearns-nixon

    Oct 2026

    I got my lip filler done and I’m in love!!! the doctor and staff are so helpful!! Foreigners are very welcome here. I had a lovely experience would definitely recommend!!

  • Μαρια Ε.

    Oct 2026

    It was my first time experiencing treatment in Hera clinic and it was great! I had lots of questions and they answered them all for me, they made me feel right at home. Jasmine helped me a lot (especially with the English translations too) and was by my side the whole time. The doctor Lee Jong Hoon was very professional, and made me feel very comfortable. Overall it was a very very good experience and I’ll definitely come back here again!

  • Su May Yap

    Sep 2026

    Excellent service from start to finish with interpreter Jasmine and treatment with Dr Han Jin Yi. They explained everything in detail even during the treatments each step. Thank you!

  • Shelly Vidal

    Sep 2026

    Great experience! Dr. Lee was very professional and the staff is very welcoming and well prepared to assist foreign patients, and they have a full-time translator available to accompany you throughout your treatment. I received Juvelook Skin, and this was by far the most comfortable experience I’ve had with this treatment. It was almost completely painless thanks to the anesthetic injection I received beforehand. I really appreciated how attentive and professional everyone was. I’ll definitely be coming back! Highly recommended. ✨

  • Victoria

    Sep 2026

    I had a wonderful experience at HERA Clinic and can highly recommend it. I was treated by Dr. Lee Song Hoo and felt very comfortable and well taken care of throughout the entire visit. The consultation was thorough and honest, and I really appreciated that Dr. Lee took the time to understand exactly what I wanted while also giving me professional advice on what would look best and most natural. I never felt rushed or pressured into anything, and I’m very happy with my experience and the result. The entire staff was incredibly kind, attentive, and professional. A special thank you to the lovely English-speaking translator, who was so friendly and helpful and made the whole process very easy and comfortable for me as an international patient. I would definitely come back to HERA Clinic on my next visit to Seoul. Thank you so much to Dr. Lee and the whole team! 🤍

  • Mariam

    Sep 2026

    I visited Gangnam Hera Plastic Surgery because I was concerned about my thin, sagging skin and double chin. I received Thermage and fat-dissolving injections from Dr. Jonghoon Lee. He was very thorough and meticulous throughout the treatment, and the staff were also incredibly kind and friendly. I was very satisfied with the overall experience.

  • Cassey Dieng

    Sep 2026

    Had the ultra therapy and prime 600 shot with dr Han jinyi. Amazing service and made me feel at ease. Will definitely recommend

  • Debbie Tan

    Sep 2026

    I had a great experience at Hera Clinic! I did 10Thera 800 and fat-dissolving injections targeting my double chin and V-line. The consultation was very thorough, and the staff took the time to explain the procedures clearly before starting, which made me feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the process. Everyone at the clinic was warm, friendly, and helpful. They also have English-speaking staff, which was a huge plus for me as a foreigner. The English-speaking staff member stayed with me throughout the entire process and helped make communication smooth and easy. Overall, I felt very well taken care of from consultation to treatment. Would definitely recommend Hera Clinic to anyone looking for a comfortable and foreigner-friendly clinic experience in Seoul!

  • Sara

    Sep 2026

    I have slightly asymmetrical lips, which is why Dr. Han jin yi recommended lip filler and chin filler to create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. Overall, I felt very comfortable and was happy with the experience.

  • 조은서

    Aug 2026

    I had a lot of stress over my textured skin and visible pores, especially since my skin felt dehydrated no matter what moisturizer I applied. Dr. Hanjinyi recommended and performed Juvelook, Exosome and Glyjeu. I loved how meticulous the doctor was with the procedure to target my pores. Highly recommend and I’ll definitely be back for another round

  • Vasilina Bulgakova

    Aug 2026

    I visited Hera clinic for a lip fillers and Doctor Lee Jong Hoon was my assigned doctor and he speaks English and understands all of your concerns and preferences. I loved the service and staff with all of their hospitality. I highly recommend Hera specially for lip fillers!

  • April G.

    Aug 2026

    Over thousands of brand new clinic that has sprouted in the past recent years, this clinic bags the saying “oldie but goodie”! I’ve been to more than 14 clinics over my three weeks stay here in Korea, and as a nurse working in a big hospital, I know good service when I see one. They work their hardest to meet your expectations and beyond. Customer service is second to none. My English liason Jasmine, became the sister in Korea I never had.. even offered her hand for me to hold. She is genuine, responsive, and a good patient advocate. The procedure was also made painless in the expert hands of Dr. Han Jin Yi. An over all positive experience I will bring back to Australia with me. Thank you Gangnam Hera team for the wonderful care I have received.

  • Nayely Kim

    Jul 2026

    I choose HERA Clinic on a recommendation. Let me tell you how amazing and wonderful my whole experience was. Dr. Lee and Ms. Jasmine were both very professional, knowledgeable, and kind. The service was above my expectations. They educated me in the product and procedure that best suited my concerns. Dr. Lee decided on Hilo WAVE for skin hydration and youthfulness in my checks area. This will help with skin texture and minor hollowness under my eyes. The procedure was comfortable, painless and Dr. Lee’s expertise left feeling confident and beautiful. I can’t wait to see my results! I recommend this clinic 100%. Thank you so much!

  • Jarie Balbedina

    Sep 2026

    I went to Hera Clinic to get Titanium Lifting for my skin concerns including developing wrinkles and overall contouring. My doctor was Dr. Lee Jong Hoon and he was very kind and easy to talk to. He recommended the appropriate kJ for my skin condition after a thorough consultation. The procedure itself also went well, although I did felt a bit more heat than I expected. Overall, my experience was very comfortable—also thanks to all the nice staff and interpreter who assisted me throughout my visit~

  • Hyein seo

    Aug 2026

    I had been concerned about the hollowness around my nasolabial folds and under-eye area, so I decided to visit Gangnam HERA Clinic after finding the clinic through an online search. I received nasolabial fold filler and Eye Rejuran from Dr. Lee Jong-hoon, and I’m satisfied with the results! The staff were all very kind and welcoming, and Dr. Lee did an excellent job with both the filler and Eye Rejuran. The treatment was also less painful than the fillers and skin boosters I’ve had in the past. I especially appreciated how carefully Dr. Lee monitored my reactions throughout the procedure and adjusted accordingly. I definitely plan to keep coming back in the future. Thank you so much to the wonderful staff and Dr. Lee Jong-hoon for taking such great care of me😄😄

Read all reviews on Google

From the HERA Journal

Thermage guides from our doctors.

Results, cost, side effects and comparisons. Read before you book.

23 creator cases

Creators came to Seoul. Here's what they had done.

Real visits shared on Instagram — each one explained by the HERA doctor who leads that treatment.

See all 23 creator cases

On YouTube

Hear it from the doctors before you fly

Our doctors explain HERA's main treatments, lifting, filler and skin boosters, on camera, so you know who you are meeting and how they think before you land in Seoul.

Subscribe on YouTube

Korean audio · auto-translated captions available on YouTube

16 videos

  • 6:24Filler

    Dr. Kim and Dr. Lee sort out how fillers, collagen injections and skin boosters differ, and which concern each one is for.

    Dr. Jong · Dr. Jong

  • 7:36Clinic & doctors

    HERA podcast ep. 3 — Dr. Kim and Dr. Lee look at the same face and explain the treatments they would choose, and why.

    Dr. Jong · Dr. Jong

  • 8:07Lifting

    What APTOS threads are, who they are recommended for, and a real patient's treatment and before-and-after.

    Dr. Jong

  • 5:44Lifting

    How APTOS compares with other lifting threads, what recovery is like and how long results last.

    Dr. Jong · Dr. Jong

  • 4:20Filler

    Dr. Kim shows how injection technique changes with the amount of filler, and how filler dissolves.

    Dr. Jong

  • 5:50Filler

    What a hollow upper eyelid is, filler vs fat grafting, how long it lasts and what to watch for.

    Dr. Jong

  • 5:20Filler

    Dr. Kim breaks down lip proportion, volume and mouth corners using well-known Korean celebrities' lips as examples.

    Dr. Jong

  • 5:39Skin & boosters

    Hydration, pores, breakouts or tone — matching the skin booster to what your skin actually needs.

    Dr. Jong

  • 6:05Skin & boosters

    Dr. Lee explains how Lituo and CaHA work, how they are injected and how often.

    Dr. Jong

  • 5:00Skin & boosters

    What Juvelook Eye is, what it is used for, how many sessions it takes and how long it lasts.

    Dr. Jong

  • 5:56Lifting

    Why lines form around the eyes, which treatments are combined, and Eye Thermage vs Eye Ulthera.

    Dr. Jong

  • 4:58Lifting

    Why Dr. Lee cares about lifting, and what he looks at first when he sees a patient.

    Dr. Jong

  • 3:30Clinic & doctors

    Dr. Han talks about what matters most in a consultation and the approach behind every treatment.

    Dr. Jin

  • 5:29Skin & boosters

    A tour of HERA's main devices and which skin concern — pores, texture or firmness — each one helps with.

    Dr. Jong

  • 4:40Clinic & doctors

    Three areas brides care about, recommended treatments, and what still works with a month to go.

    Dr. Jong · Dr. Jong

  • 4:39Clinic & doctors

    What an AI skin scan measures — wrinkles, pigment, firmness, pores — and why a doctor's consultation still matters.

    Dr. Jong · Dr. Jong

Shorts

One question, under a minute

All Shorts

  • Each tip reaches a different depth, so the choice depends on the area and your skin.

  • More shots is not automatically better — it depends on the area you want treated.

  • Asked to pick three treatments for the same face — one doctor picked four.

  • Skin thickness, fat and sagging differ face to face — what the doctor checks in a consultation.

  • The difference between the three, explained simply.

  • What Lituo is and the reason behind its reputation.

  • No — the right thread depends on your face and the lift you want.

  • What sets MINT threads apart from other lifting threads.

  • A patient shares the concern before lifting and how it felt afterwards.

  • Dr. Lee in under a minute: what a natural lift means to him.

  • A one-minute introduction to Dr. Han.

  • Similar-sounding, different purposes: how to tell them apart.

You might also like

Premium Lift Combo

Premium Lift Combo

MINT Thread Lift

MINT Thread Lift

Aptos Thread Lift

Aptos Thread Lift

Silhouette Soft Thread Lift

Silhouette Soft Thread Lift

Step Inside HERA

Let's talk

Have a Question Before You Book?

Send us a message. The consultation is free, and our team replies in English.

  • Same price for locals & foreigners
  • English interpreter on-site
  • MOHW-registered clinic
Book Now