From the The RAKUS Clinic, Knightsbridge
Summer is often when patients become most aware of changes in facial contours and skin firmness.
With holidays, weddings, events and lighter clothing, concerns such as jawline softening, loose skin beneath the chin, crepey skin around the knees or loss of definition around the face can suddenly feel more noticeable.
However, August is not always the easiest time to pursue aesthetic treatments.
Many laser-based procedures require careful sun avoidance both before and after treatment. While this is entirely manageable during autumn and winter, it can be less practical during peak holiday season when time outdoors naturally increases.
At RAKUS Clinic in Knightsbridge, Thermage FLX is often recommended for patients who want to improve skin laxity and maintain a more defined appearance without putting summer plans on hold.
Using advanced radiofrequency technology, Thermage FLX offers a non-surgical approach to skin tightening that can be performed throughout the year, making it particularly attractive during the warmer months.
Why Do Some Skin Tightening Treatments Require Sun Avoidance?
Many popular rejuvenation treatments use laser or light-based technology.
These treatments work by targeting specific structures within the skin, whether that is pigmentation, blood vessels, surface damage or deeper tissue layers. Because light energy interacts with pigment, increased sun exposure before or after treatment can sometimes increase the risk of unwanted pigmentation changes.
This is particularly relevant for treatments that deliberately resurface the skin.
That does not mean laser treatments should be avoided completely during summer. At RAKUS Clinic we perform many laser treatments throughout the year, but treatment planning becomes increasingly important when patients are spending more time outdoors or travelling abroad.
For patients whose primary concern is skin laxity rather than pigmentation, radiofrequency often provides an excellent alternative.
What Is Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX is an advanced skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen remodelling deep within the skin.
Rather than targeting the skin’s surface, Thermage FLX works within the deeper structural layers responsible for firmness and support.
As we age, collagen production gradually declines. Existing collagen fibres become weaker and less organised, contributing to the visible signs of ageing that many patients begin to notice in their forties and fifties.
Common examples include:
- Softening of the jawline
- Early jowl formation
- Looser skin beneath the chin
- Neck laxity
- Crepey skin texture
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of facial definition
Thermage FLX delivers controlled radiofrequency energy into the skin, creating a thermal effect that stimulates the body’s natural collagen renewal process.
Over time, this encourages tighter, firmer and more resilient skin.
How Does Radiofrequency Skin Tightening Work?
Thermage FLX delivers carefully controlled radiofrequency energy into the dermis and deeper tissue layers. This creates a therapeutic heating response that triggers collagen contraction and stimulates new collagen formation.
Think of collagen as the skin’s internal scaffolding. When that scaffolding begins to weaken, the skin loses some of its support structure. Thermage FLX encourages the body to rebuild and strengthen that framework.
This is a gradual process. Many patients notice some initial tightening, but the most significant improvements usually develop over the following three to six months as collagen remodelling continues.
This progressive improvement is one reason patients often describe the results as looking natural rather than obviously treated.
Who Is Thermage FLX Suitable For?
Thermage FLX tends to work best for patients experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity.
In clinic we often see patients who feel they look slightly tired, heavier around the jawline or less defined than they did a few years ago, but who are not considering surgery.
These patients are often ideal candidates.
The treatment is particularly popular among those looking to:
- Improve jawline definition
- Tighten loose skin beneath the chin
- Address mild neck laxity
- Improve skin firmness
- Reduce crepey texture
- Maintain collagen production proactively
A common mistake patients make is waiting until skin laxity becomes very advanced.
Like many collagen-stimulating treatments, Thermage FLX often delivers the most noticeable improvements when there is still good underlying skin quality to work with.
Can Thermage FLX Be Used On The Body?
Thermage FLX can be used on several body areas where skin laxity is a concern.
Common treatment areas include:
- Abdomen
- Upper arms
- Thighs
- Knees
- Buttocks
- Décolletage
These areas often develop laxity due to ageing, pregnancy, weight fluctuations or changes in collagen production.
For patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle but feel frustrated by loose skin that exercise cannot improve, Thermage FLX can often provide meaningful enhancement without surgery.
How Long Do Thermage FLX Results Last?
Results vary depending on age, skin quality and lifestyle factors, but many patients enjoy visible improvements for around 12 to 18 months.
Collagen production naturally continues to decline over time, so maintenance treatments may be recommended to support long-term results.
Patients who maintain good skincare habits, protect their skin from UV damage and follow a tailored treatment plan often achieve the longest-lasting outcomes.
Is Thermage FLX Better Than Other Skin Tightening Treatments?
There is rarely a single “best” treatment for every patient. The right treatment depends on the degree of laxity, skin quality, age, facial anatomy and overall goals.
For milder cases we would usually start with treatments that support collagen production while preserving natural facial movement and expression. For patients primarily concerned with skin tightening and contour improvement, Thermage FLX is often one of the strongest non-surgical options available.
However, skin ageing rarely occurs in isolation. Most patients experience a combination of collagen loss, volume loss, skin texture changes and reduced hydration. This is why combination treatment plans frequently produce the most comprehensive outcomes.
What Treatments Are Commonly Combined With Thermage FLX?
At RAKUS Clinic, Thermage FLX is often incorporated into wider facial rejuvenation programmes with treatments such as Profhilo, Polynucleotides and Morpheus8. The most appropriate combination always depends on the individual assessment.
What Is Recovery Like After Thermage FLX?
Most patients return to normal activities immediately. There may be some temporary redness, warmth or mild swelling immediately after treatment, but downtime is generally minimal. This makes Thermage FLX particularly appealing for busy professionals, frequent travellers and patients preparing for social events.
Many patients schedule treatment during a lunch break and return to normal activities the same day.
FAQs
Does Thermage FLX hurt?
Most patients describe the treatment as very manageable. You will feel alternating warming and cooling sensations throughout the procedure.
How many Thermage FLX treatments will I need?
Many patients achieve their desired results with a single treatment session. Your practitioner will recommend a personalised plan during consultation.
How soon will I see Thermage FLX results?
Some initial tightening may be visible shortly after treatment, but the most significant improvements typically develop over three to six months.
Is Thermage FLX suitable for all skin types?
Yes. Radiofrequency technology makes Thermage FLX suitable for a broad range of skin tones and skin types.
Can Thermage FLX replace a facelift?
No. Thermage FLX is a non-surgical treatment designed for mild to moderate skin laxity. Surgical procedures remain more appropriate for advanced laxity.
Can Thermage FLX be combined with injectables?
Yes. It is commonly combined with treatments such as Profhilo® and Sculptra® as part of a personalised rejuvenation strategy.
Considering Skin Tightening This Summer?
If you have noticed a loss of facial definition, mild skin laxity or changes in skin firmness but would prefer a treatment that fits around summer holidays and outdoor plans, Thermage FLX may be worth considering.
At RAKUS Clinic in Knightsbridge, every treatment plan begins with a detailed consultation. We assess skin quality, collagen loss, facial structure and long-term goals before recommending the most appropriate approach.
Whether you are looking for preventative collagen support, subtle jawline tightening or a comprehensive facial rejuvenation programme, our experienced team can help create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Book a consultation at RAKUS Clinic in Knightsbridge to discover whether Thermage FLX is the right skin tightening treatment for you.