Energy-Based Devices
Thermage
Also known as: Monopolar capacitive radiofrequency, Thermage FLX, single-session protocol
Pain Level
High
Downtime
1-2 days
Sessions
Moxie did 1 session on belly
Cost Range (AED)
Moxie cost: AED 8,000
Results Timeline
Moxie saw little result
Moxie Notes
From Moxie
I tried Thermage in March 2025 while traveling, on my belly, because I had a little crepey skin there. It was extremely painful, and I usually have a good pain threshold. I did one session because that is the usual format, but I did not see much result. For that level of pain and cost, I would not do it again.
Start Here
First, try this if
- Mild laxity or crepey texture. - People wanting non-invasive tightening with little downtime. - Patients prepared for discomfort and subtle results. - Fitzpatrick III-VI skin tones, with heat-safety precautions.
Don't expect
Results build gradually, not overnight — realistic timeline is Moxie saw little result.
See a dermatologist first if
- Anyone expecting a dramatic body lift. - Implanted devices or medical contraindications unless cleared. - Low pain tolerance. - Budget-sensitive patients if likely outcome is subtle.
What It Is
Thermage is a non-invasive monopolar radiofrequency treatment used for skin tightening and contouring. It is often used on face, eyes, abdomen, arms, thighs and other areas of laxity. Moxie covers it because she tried it on her abdomen and found the experience painful and underwhelming.
How It Works
Monopolar RF heats deeper tissue to trigger collagen contraction and remodeling over time. Unlike laser resurfacing, it does not remove skin. It is designed for tightening, not pigment removal or scar resurfacing. Comfort varies, but pain can be significant depending on area, energy and personal threshold.
The Evidence
Concerns Addressed
Loss of firmness, crepey skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and neck/decollete laxity where non-invasive tightening is the goal.
Evidence grade: Strong for Thermage as an established RF platform. The official site describes Thermage as a non-invasive RF treatment for smoothing, tightening and contouring skin, and Solta lists indications related to wrinkles and rhytids. Real-world satisfaction depends heavily on pain tolerance, expectations and area treated.
Thermage (monopolar radiofrequency) has one of the longest-standing evidence bases among non-invasive tightening devices, with multiple RCTs and systematic reviews spanning nearly two decades, supporting measurable improvement in skin laxity across face and body.
View source →Reviewed by Moxie — last checked July 2026
Am I a Good Candidate?
- Mild laxity or crepey texture. - People wanting non-invasive tightening with little downtime. - Patients prepared for discomfort and subtle results. - Fitzpatrick III-VI skin tones, with heat-safety precautions.
Caution or Avoid
- Anyone expecting a dramatic body lift. - Implanted devices or medical contraindications unless cleared. - Low pain tolerance. - Budget-sensitive patients if likely outcome is subtle.
What to Expect
Step 1 - Consultation: Laxity and area suitability are assessed. Step 2 - Numbing: Comfort measures vary; not all clinics use numbing. Step 3 - The procedure: RF energy is delivered in repeated pulses. Step 4 - Immediately after: Warmth, tenderness or redness can happen.
Step 5 - Timeline and maintenance: Results may be immediate for some but usually evolve over months.
Cost Breakdown
Personal cost: AED 8,000 for abdomen/belly. One session in Moxie's case. Many clinics position maintenance as roughly yearly.
Concerns Addressed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thermage painful?
It can be — Moxie describes her experience as extremely painful despite having a generally high pain tolerance, though comfort varies by area, energy setting and individual threshold.
Does Thermage work for body skin tightening?
Results vary by person — Moxie tried it once on her abdomen for crepey skin and did not see much result for the pain and cost involved, though this is one data point, not a guarantee of outcome for everyone.
How is Thermage different from RF microneedling?
Thermage is non-invasive monopolar RF that heats tissue without needles, while RF microneedling (like Morpheus8) combines needles with RF energy to reach deeper layers — the two have different risk and downtime profiles.
The Verdict
Not For Me
Too painful for too little payoff.
Moxie Ratings
Not medical advice. Content is based on personal experience and published research. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting any new treatment or regimen.
See something wrong on this page? Report it — we review every correction request.