Guide · Oligio

Oligio in Singapore: Oligio X, how it works, and how it compares

Oligio is a Korean monopolar radiofrequency device often described as an alternative to Thermage. Here is what Oligio and Oligio X do, who they suit, the risks, and how they compare with Thermage and with VF Lift, the radiofrequency lift Dr Sin Yong performs at SkinRev Lab.

By Dr Sin Yong · Updated

General information only, not medical advice. Your own suitability is assessed at consultation.

Quick answer

  • Oligio is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening device made by Wontech in Korea. Like Thermage, it runs at 6.78 MHz and warms a broad volume of the dermis so collagen contracts and renews over the following months.
  • Oligio X is the newer generation. Clinics describe it as higher-output, with a shallower and a deeper mode used in sequence and adaptive cooling, and shorter sessions than the original Oligio.
  • It suits mild to moderate skin laxity and crepey texture on the face, around the eyes, along the jawline and on the neck. It does not replace a facelift, lift heavy jowls or remove fat.
  • SkinRev Lab does not use Oligio. Dr Sin Yong performs VF Lift on Volnewmer, a comparable 6.78 MHz monopolar RF device, along vertical vectors; it is priced at consultation.

How it works

What Oligio is, and how monopolar radiofrequency tightens skin

Monopolar radiofrequency passes an alternating current from a treatment tip on the skin to a return pad elsewhere on the body. The tissue resists the current and heats up. In the dermis, that heat makes collagen fibres contract on the day and starts a healing response that lays down new collagen over the next two to six months.

Oligio is made by Wontech, a Korean device maker. In the United States it was cleared through the 510(k) route in October 2022 (K221989) under a general electrosurgical classification for dermatological procedures, which is how many radiofrequency devices are cleared. A clearance confirms the device can be marketed; it is not the same as proof of how much a face will lift.

Because Oligio, Thermage and Volnewmer share the same frequency and principle, the practical differences lie in the tip design, cooling, how energy is dosed and, above all, how the treatment is planned.

Generations

Oligio and Oligio X: what changed

Oligio (original)Oligio X
EnergyMonopolar RF, 6.78 MHzMonopolar RF, 6.78 MHz
ModesOne main mode for the mid dermisTwo modes, shallower and deeper, used in sequence
CoolingFixed coolingAdaptive cooling, described as more responsive
Session lengthDescribed by clinics as about 30 to 60 minutesDescribed by clinics as about 20 to 30 minutes
ComfortWarm, usually without numbingAdjusted for comfort
At SkinRev LabNot usedNot used

These differences are as described by the maker and by clinics that use the devices; we have not found head-to-head published trials of Oligio X against the original Oligio or against Thermage.

Compared

Oligio vs Thermage vs VF Lift

Oligio / Oligio XThermage FLXVF Lift (Volnewmer)
MakerWontech, KoreaSolta Medical, USACLASSYS, Korea
EnergyMonopolar RF, 6.78 MHzMonopolar RF, 6.78 MHzMonopolar RF, 6.78 MHz, no focused ultrasound
How passes are plannedEven passes by areaEven passes; price follows tip and pulse countAlong vertical vectors planned for how the face has dropped
Main useSkin firmness and textureSkin firmness and textureFirmness with directional support of the lower face
At SkinRev LabNot offeredNot offeredYes, performed by Dr Sin Yong
Thermage in Singapore →VF Lift (Volnewmer) →Thermage vs RF skin tightening →

The session

What an Oligio session is like, and the risks

A session usually starts with cleansing, a grid or map on the skin and a return pad. The tip is passed over each area while the skin is cooled; most people feel short bursts of heat. Many sessions are done without numbing, and the skin is often pink and warm for a few hours afterwards.

  • Common: redness, warmth, mild swelling or tenderness for a day or two.
  • Uncommon: blisters or small burns, temporary bumps, temporary dark marks in skin prone to pigmentation.
  • Rare: dents from fat loss or nerve irritation, which is why settings and technique matter.
  • Not suitable, or check first: a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, pregnancy, metal implants in the area, active skin infection, or a fresh tan.

Suitability

Who Oligio suits, and when another route fits better

  • Suits: early to moderate laxity, crepey skin and texture in people who want little downtime.
  • Less suitable: heavy jowls, deep folds or neck bands, where a lifting plan or surgery fits better.
  • Not for: fat removal; small fat pockets need a different tool, such as Time Freeze Laser LCLR.
  • Expect: gradual change over months, and maintenance, because ageing continues.

At SkinRev Lab

What SkinRev Lab offers instead

SkinRev Lab, #B1-28 CityLink Mall (City Hall and Esplanade MRT), does not use Oligio. Dr Sin Yong performs VF Lift on Volnewmer, a comparable monopolar radiofrequency device, along vertical vectors. Depending on your face, he may suggest Time Freeze Laser LCLR for loose skin and small fat pockets along the jaw, or HIFU on the Ultraformer MPT for deeper support. All are priced at consultation, after he has examined you.

VF Lift →Time Freeze Laser LCLR →HIFU treatment →Skin tightening in Singapore →

Sources

References & sources

  1. US FDA 510(k) database: The Oligio, K221989 (2022)
  2. Dover & Zelickson, Dermatologic Surgery 2007: 5,700 monopolar radiofrequency facial treatments
  3. Sukal & Geronemus, Clinics in Dermatology 2008: Thermage, nonablative radiofrequency

Common questions

Your questions,
answered

What is Oligio?

Oligio is a monopolar radiofrequency skin-tightening device made by Wontech in Korea. It warms a broad volume of the dermis at 6.78 MHz so collagen contracts and renews over the following months, firming mild to moderate laxity without surgery.

What is the difference between Oligio and Oligio X?

Oligio X is the newer generation. Clinics describe it as higher-output, with a shallower and a deeper mode used in sequence, adaptive cooling and shorter sessions. There are no published head-to-head trials of the two, so treat these as maker and clinic descriptions.

Is Oligio the same as Thermage?

No, but they work on the same principle. Both are 6.78 MHz monopolar radiofrequency devices; Oligio is made by Wontech in Korea and Thermage by Solta Medical in the US. Tips, cooling, dosing and price structures differ.

Does Oligio hurt?

Most people feel short bursts of heat as the tip passes, and many sessions are done without numbing. Discomfort depends on the settings, the area and your tolerance; the operator can adjust the energy.

How long does Oligio last?

Collagen remodelling continues for several months after a session, and results usually fade gradually over a year or more as ageing continues. How long it lasts varies with age, skin quality, sun exposure and weight change.

How much is Oligio in Singapore?

Clinics that offer Oligio usually price it by the number of shots and areas. SkinRev Lab does not offer Oligio, so we do not quote a price; ask any provider for a written quote listing shots, areas and the device generation.

Does SkinRev Lab offer Oligio?

No. SkinRev Lab does not use Oligio. Dr Sin Yong performs VF Lift on Volnewmer, a comparable monopolar radiofrequency device, and may suggest Time Freeze Laser LCLR or HIFU depending on your face. All are priced at consultation.