Oligio vs Thermage: How They Differ and Which to Choose

How do Oligio and Thermage differ? Both are monopolar radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening devices. The principle is to deliver heat into the skin to stimulate collagen. The main differences lie in the manufacturer, treatment-tip technology, comfort systems, the number of shots, and the price range. Which one to choose therefore depends on an individual assessment by a doctor.

What Is Oligio?

Oligio is a monopolar radiofrequency skin-tightening device developed by Wontech of South Korea. It works by delivering RF energy at a frequency of about 6.78 MHz to generate heat in the dermis, stimulating the production of new collagen, which may help the skin look firmer and smoother over time.

The features highlighted by the manufacturer include sensors that measure temperature, pressure, and contact of the return pad to help control energy delivery. It also has surface cooling and a vibration system to help improve comfort during treatment. Newer models such as Oligio X also add operating modes designed to address multiple skin depths in a single session.

Oligio began to gain recognition in Korea around 2022 and became popular among people looking for non-surgical lifting options. However, results depend on each person’s skin condition and response.

What Is Thermage?

Thermage is also a monopolar radiofrequency skin-tightening device, developed by Solta Medical (now part of Bausch + Lomb). It is a long-established technology that has gone through several generations; the version in widespread use today is Thermage FLX, the 4th generation.

Thermage works by delivering RF energy into the dermis and part of the subcutaneous fat layer, without damaging the topmost layer of skin (the epidermis), to stimulate the contraction of existing collagen and the production of new collagen. The manufacturer states that it also uses energy at a frequency of about 6.78 MHz, and histological studies have reported collagen remodeling at depths of roughly 2-4 millimeters.

Thermage FLX comes with technology the manufacturer calls Comfort Pulse Technology (CPT) to help with comfort during treatment, and AccuREP, which automatically adjusts energy delivery for each shot. Solta Medical reports that a large number of Thermage treatments have been performed worldwide, making it one of the RF lifting devices with a long track record of use.

How Do Oligio and Thermage Differ?

Overall, Oligio and Thermage share the same principle: using monopolar radiofrequency to deliver heat into the skin to stimulate collagen. The differences therefore lie in the details of each device rather than in the basic principle. We break this down into the following sub-topics.

The RF Principle

Both devices are monopolar RF at a frequency of around 6.78 MHz, so they can deliver heat deep into the dermis. The differences lie in each brand’s treatment-tip design and energy-control system, which affect the pattern of heat distribution and the sensation during treatment.

Treatment Tip

Thermage uses a single-use treatment tip, with each tip having a set number of shots. Oligio also has its own system-specific treatment tip. Differences in tip size and contact area affect treatment speed and sensation. We recommend asking the clinic about the tip model and number of shots before treatment.

In-Treatment Sensation

Both devices are designed with systems to reduce discomfort, such as surface cooling and pulsed energy delivery. In general you will feel a brief hot, shot-by-shot sensation during treatment. This sensation varies by individual, and the doctor can adjust the energy level to suit each person’s tolerance.

Number of Shots

The number of shots used depends on the area treated (such as the face, around the eyes, or the neck) and the doctor’s treatment plan. A full-face treatment generally uses several hundred shots. The appropriate number of shots should follow the doctor’s assessment; more is not always better.

Approximate Price

The price of both devices varies by level, depending on the number of shots, the area, and the program. Price details are in the table below. The prices shown are broad ranges for comparison.

Downtime

Both devices are non-surgical treatments, and most people can return to their daily routine as usual. There may be mild redness or warmth in the skin for a short period after treatment, which usually subsides on its own. Skin response varies by individual.

Oligio vs Thermage Comparison Table

A note on pricing: the figures above are broad ranges intended for comparison. Actual prices depend on the number of shots, the area treated, the treatment-tip model, and each clinic’s program. Ask for details via LINE.

Who Is It For, and Which Should You Choose?

The short answer is that no single device is right for everyone; the choice should be based on the doctor’s assessment. Both Oligio and Thermage are suitable for people who are beginning to experience mild to moderate skin laxity and want a non-surgical lifting option.

Factors a doctor commonly considers include the degree of skin laxity, the area to be treated, the thickness of the fat layer, tolerance for the in-treatment sensation, and budget. Some people may be more suited to one device than the other, or in some cases the doctor may recommend combining it with other procedures to match each person’s goals.

If the skin laxity is severe or there is significant excess tissue, RF alone may not address everything. Consulting a doctor to assess your actual skin condition is therefore an important step before deciding.

How to Prepare Before and Care After

Before treatment, you should inform the doctor about your health history, the medications and products you currently use, pregnancy, and any implanted devices, such as a pacemaker, since these are precautions for RF treatment. You should also avoid products that irritate the skin in the period before treatment, as advised by the doctor.

After treatment, you can generally wash your face and apply makeup as usual, but you should focus on keeping the skin well moisturized and applying sunscreen consistently. Avoid intense heat, such as saunas or steam, in the initial period as advised by the doctor. If you have unusual redness or skin discomfort, consult the doctor at the clinic.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Generally, information from manufacturers and clinics indicates that the results of RF lifting may last roughly 1-2 years after a single session, with results appearing more clearly over about 2-6 months as new collagen forms. They are not instant results.

How long the results last varies by individual, depending on age, the rate of skin aging, lifestyle, and sun protection. Many people therefore choose to repeat treatments periodically, about 1-2 times per year, to maintain firmness on an ongoing basis. The repeat plan should follow the doctor’s recommendations.

How to Spot the Genuine Article

Because both devices are popular, choosing a clinic that provides transparent information is important. Things you can ask about and observe include:

• The model of the device and the origin of the treatment tip
• A new treatment tip being unsealed in front of you before treatment begins
• The stated number of shots and the number you actually receive
• A doctor assessing and overseeing the treatment

Choosing a clinic that can answer these questions clearly helps you feel more confident in the standard of service.

Consult the Onnyx Clinic Medical Team

If you are still unsure whether Oligio or Thermage suits your skin better, a good start is to have a doctor assess your skin condition and goals first. The experienced medical team at Onnyx Clinic is glad to provide advice and help plan care suited to each individual. Ask questions or book an appointment via LINE: @onnyxclinic

Read more about Oligio skin tightening to help inform your decision.

References

• Solta Medical — Thermage (manufacturer): thermage.com
• Solta Medical (Bausch + Lomb) — aesthetic device platform: soltamedicalus.com
• Wontech — Oligio RF device information (manufacturer): wtlaser-en.com
• Jane Yoo, MD — Oligio X by Wontech: A Guide to This Korean Monopolar RF Device: janeyoomd.com
• Aesthetic Medicine — Thermage FLX: The 4th generation of radiofrequency skin-tightening devices from Solta Medical: aestheticmed.co.uk

This content is provided for general information only and is not a diagnosis or individual medical advice. Results vary by individual. Please consult a doctor for an assessment suited to you.