Density vs Thermage — What's the Difference?

Lifting Series ③ — Both are radiofrequency, so why do we have both?

It is one of the questions I hear most often in the consultation room. "What's the difference between Density and Thermage? They're both radiofrequency, aren't they?"

That is correct. Both use radiofrequency (RF) energy to stimulate collagen in the dermis and restore firmness. Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound (HIFU), is a different energy altogether. But even within radiofrequency, how and how deeply the energy is delivered differs — and so the right patient for each is different.

Thermage FLX — strong into the dermis, in one session

Thermage FLX is the fourth-generation Thermage, concentrating monopolar radiofrequency deep into the dermis. At ReYeonK the genuine tip is opened in front of the patient before treatment and its authentication number verified.

Results begin immediately after treatment, reach their best between 1 and 1.5 months, and last around 10 to 12 months. The face is treated with the Total tip (4.0 cm²) at 300, 600 or 900 shots; the eye area with the Eye tip (0.25 cm²) at 225 or 400 shots.

As for pain, with light anaesthesia it can be done without great discomfort. Vibration and cooling have made it far more comfortable than before, and we proceed after pre-treatment such as anaesthetic cream. Rather than lowering the energy for comfort, we reduce the pain and deliver the treatment properly.

Density — divided tips, gentle enough for thin skin

Density is a radiofrequency lift from Jeisys that uses monopolar and bipolar energy separately depending on the tip. (The difference between the two was covered in article ②.) ReYeonK uses three tips — Classic delivers monopolar only, deep into the dermis; Alpha delivers monopolar and bipolar together; Boost delivers bipolar only, treating the shallow layer. The layers divide as "deep → combined → shallow".

With the arrival of the Boost tip, the machine itself was upgraded to Density Noir, which allows sliding delivery.

Results last 6 to 12 months, and because heat is delivered as a surface rather than a point, most patients have it without anaesthesia. It feels warm with a slight prickling. Makeup can be worn the same day.

That is why Density is recommended first for thin skin or anyone for whom strong energy is a burden, and for those who have had Ultherapy or Thermage and want to carry the results further. A single session shows change, but a course of 3 to 4 sessions at one-month intervals is clearer.

Side by side

Energy — both radiofrequency (RF), dermal layer
Thermage FLX — monopolar · lasts 10–12 months · light anaesthesia, no great discomfort · 45–60 minutes
Density Noir — Classic (monopolar) · Alpha (mono + bipolar) · Boost (bipolar) tips · lasts 6–12 months · mostly without anaesthesia · 30–50 minutes

When choosing between them in the clinic, we look at four things. Skin thickness — thin and sensitive leans toward Density. How much change you want — a clear change in one session points to Thermage; building gradually points to Density. Pain and anaesthesia — if anaesthesia itself is a burden, Density is easier. Treatment history — if you have already had Ultherapy or Thermage, Density is the right way to extend those results.

Where the price difference comes from

Thermage is generally the more expensive treatment. You can take it that the price reflects effectiveness, the device's reputation, and the companies' marketing costs all at once.

Still, among devices that have been on the market for a long time, you do not see the reversal where a less effective device costs more and a more effective one costs less — and I think the reason is that after a few months or years, prices settle on the basis of patient feedback.

So which should I have?

If your concern is firmness and texture more than sagging and you want a clear change in one session, Thermage; if your skin is thin, you are worried about stimulation, and you prefer steady maintenance, Density. Some patients use both in sequence — build with Thermage, maintain with Density.

The precise answer comes from looking at your skin. We take photographs and review them together in consultation.