7 Key Differences Between Thermage FLX and CPT
Thermage FLX and CPT are devices designed to tighten and lift the skin, stimulate collagen production, and reduce fat using monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology. The RF energy penetrates from the surface to the fat layer, delivering column-like heat evenly beneath the skin. This process makes it more effective compared to other tightening methods. Both devices are FDA-approved in the United States, ensuring safety.
Thermage FLX and CPT are the two most recent generations of Thermage commonly used in leading aesthetic clinics. They are highly valued because of their clear, visible results, which is also why they come with a higher price tag. This raises common questions: Which one works better? What are the differences and similarities between Thermage FLX and CPT? And if you’re considering skin tightening, which model should you choose? Let’s explore the answers in this article.
Table of content : Thermage Flx vs CPT
How Do Thermage FLX and CPT Differ?
Although both Thermage FLX and CPT are skin-tightening devices, they were released nine years apart. The latest model, Thermage FLX, launched in 2018, was upgraded in several areas to outperform Thermage CPT—most notably the treatment tip, energy-delivery precision, patient comfort, and overall treatment time.
Thermage FLX and Thermage CPT have quite a few significant differences. In fact, the name Thermage FLX already highlights its upgrades — FLX stands for:
- Faster: Saves 25% of treatment time. For example,900 shots with Thermage FLX provide comparable coverage to 1,200 shots with Thermage CPT.
- Algorithm: Real-time precision with AccuREP™ technology, a heat-sensing system that adjusts energy output efficiently for every shot.
- Experience: Greater comfort with pre- and post-cooling technology, releasing bursts of cooling during treatment to reduce pain and create a more relaxing experience.
Beyond these highlighted upgrades, Thermage FLX and CPT also differ in several other important aspects. The following sections provide a detailed summary.
1. Treatment Area Per Tip
- Thermage FLX: Uses a 4 cm² tip with 900 shots.
- Thermage CPT: Uses a 3 cm² tip with 1,200 shots.
- Result: Both provide the same overall treatment coverage per tip.
2. Display Screen
Both Thermage FLX and CPT have a display showing the number of shots used. However, since Thermage FLX is the more recent model, it has been upgraded to a modern touchscreen display, offering better usability and precision monitoring.
Thermage FLX with Touch Screen Display
3. Tip Size and Lifespan
Thermage FLX is equipped with a larger tip that lasts for 2 hours. Its advanced energy-calculation system increases efficiency, reducing treatment time by about 25%. In contrast, Thermage CPT uses a smaller tip with a longer 4-hour lifespan, but procedures generally take more time because the system is less precise.
4. Evaluation Accuracy
Thermage FLX features an AccuREP™ skin temperature sensor, which controls energy output with real-time adjustments for every shot. This ensures higher precision and more consistent results. On the other hand, Thermage CPT relies more heavily on the physician’s expertise and experience to make adjustments during treatment.
5. Cooling and Vibration Systems
Thermage FLX, the newer-generation platform, features advanced cooling and vibration systems that have been further optimized for better performance. These improvements allow for more precise heat control, reduced discomfort during treatment, and a shorter overall treatment time.
In comparison, Thermage CPT is equipped with both a cooling system and a vibration feature designed to help reduce pain or skin discomfort during the procedure. While energy is delivered, patients may experience a warm sensation or mild stinging on the skin. These systems help improve comfort during treatment, though the level of pain control is less advanced than that of Thermage FLX.
6. Pain Level
Patients often describe Thermage treatment as “warm but tolerable” — a heating sensation on the skin without severe pain. While there are no formal studies directly comparing patient pain levels between FLX and CPT, feedback from patients who have tried both suggests that Thermage FLX is less painful.
This is because Thermage FLX can calculate and deliver energy more precisely at each treatment point while also reducing treatment time by 25%, making the overall experience more comfortable.
Thermage FLX delivers precise energy for accurate results
7. Usage
With Thermage FLX, doctors don’t need to switch between different tips for facial and body treatments—the same tip can be used. In contrast, Thermage CPT requires separate tips for facial and body areas.
Note: Thermage FLX uses a 4 cm² purple tip, designed for the face, double chin, and neck. It penetrates deeper into the skin layers, shortens treatment time by about 25%, and delivers more precise results.
What Are the Similarities Between Thermage FLX and CPT?
Despite their differences, Thermage FLX and CPT also share several similarities:
- Vibration technology: Both devices use vibration to reduce discomfort, though Thermage FLX features an enhanced version for a more comfortable experience.
- Cooling system: Both release cooling to the skin surface while delivering heat, helping minimize the risk of burns.
- Shot counter: Both display the number of shots, with Thermage FLX using an upgraded touchscreen interface.
- Longevity of results: Outcomes from both last 1–2 years. However, Thermage FLX achieves comparable or better results with fewer shots and less discomfort.
- Repeatability: Both treatments can be safely repeated once a year.
Which Lasts Longer: Thermage FLX or CPT?
Results from both Thermage FLX and CPT typically last 1–2 years. Patients usually see about a 20% improvement in skin tightness immediately after treatment, with further improvement over the next 2–3 months as the body produces more collagen. This makes the skin firmer, stronger, and more youthful.
Thermage is generally recommended once a year, though longevity also depends on lifestyle, skin condition, fat accumulation, and how quickly wrinkles or sagging return.
For faster anti-aging results, Thermage can be combined with other treatments such as Botox or fillers. For example, Thermage is first to lift and tighten, followed by Botox or Filler to refine details and enhance facial contour.
Which Hurts More: Thermage FLX or CPT?
The latest Thermage FLX is less painful than the older CPT model, thanks to its new integrated cooling tip. During energy delivery, cooling is released simultaneously to protect the skin surface while heat penetrates deep layers. This reduces the risk of burns and provides greater comfort.
It also features a vibration system, making the treatment more tolerable.
Note: Thermage may cause some discomfort, but the pain is usually tolerable. Because the energy penetrates all skin layers, a certain level of heat is necessary for optimal, long-lasting results.
Advantages of Thermage FLX
- Non-invasive: No incisions, no downtime; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
- Short treatment time: Approximately 40–90 minutes per session.
- Comprehensive coverage: Treats both facial and body areas, reaching every skin layer, including fat.
- Visible tightening: Skin feels firmer right after treatment, with clearer results from the second month onward.
- Long-lasting: Results typically last 1–2 years, depending on age, skin condition, and aftercare.
Who is Thermage FLX or CPT Suitable For? Which Should You Choose?
Thermage is suitable for individuals with:
- Sagging skin with deep wrinkles
- Loss of collagen resulting in skin laxity
- Excess facial fat, leading to round cheeks or bulging smile lines
- Double chin (submental fat) or sagging under the jawline
- Loose skin with reduced firmness and youthful appearance
When choosing between Thermage FLX and CPT, the newer FLX is the better option. Much like upgrading to a newer smartphone, FLX comes with enhanced software, updated features, and better results.
At V Square Clinic, only the latest Thermage FLX device is used. It features AccuREP real-time heat sensors for precise energy delivery, improved new-generation treatment tips for deeper penetration, more accurate targeting, and 25% shorter treatment time compared to CPT.
How Many Shots Are Needed for Thermage FLX?
The number of Thermage FLX shots varies depending on each patient’s skin condition and treatment area.
- Patients with only mild skin laxity may need fewer shots.
- Those with significant sagging or larger treatment areas, such as body tightening, typically require more shots.
The number of shots varies by case and is carefully adjusted by an experienced physician to ensure safe and effective results.
Thermage FLX Price at V Square Clinic
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Conclusion – Thermage FLX vs CPT Skin Tightening Devices
Both Thermage FLX and Thermage CPT are skin-tightening devices that stimulate new collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and help address excess fat effectively — all without the need for surgery. While they share similarities, there are also several important differences.
Thermage FLX is generally considered the preferred option, as it is the latest model designed to build on the strengths of earlier generations. With its upgraded treatment tip, Thermage FLX delivers better energy distribution, deeper penetration, greater precision, and up to 25% shorter treatment time. These improvements lead to a more comfortable experience and enhanced outcomes.
Before undergoing treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the most suitable option and ensure safe, expected results.
Reference
- https://www.thermage.com/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24222802_Clinical_Applications_of_Radiofrequency_Nonsurgical_Skin_Tightening_Thermage
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03894371
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2922712/
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