Besides the face, where else can Oligio be used? The clinic's original article listed 7 areas: neck, under the chin, jawline, upper arms, abdomen, thighs and hips, and back of the hands. However, the clinic's Oligio X service only specifies the lower cheeks, jawline, under the chin, and neck. Independent Oligio research available only studies the lower face. This article highlights the limited supporting data for each area; this is general knowledge, not a diagnosis.
Key Takeaways
- The clinic's original description listed 7 areas, but their Oligio X service page only lists the lower cheeks, jawline, under the chin, and neck. The torso area is not mentioned on that page, so it's best to inquire directly with the clinic about which areas they offer.
- An independent, publicly available Oligio study examined the lower face of 30 adults over six months, with no control group. This evidence does not cover other parts of the body.
- The upper arms and back of the hands only have reports of use with other RF machines (Thermage 2007 and Pellevé). No independent studies were found on the abdomen, thighs, and hips in publicly available sources.
- Claims about pain compared to Thermage are dismissed as no direct comparison was found. The results are typically seen within 1-3 months and last for 6-12 months, a range specified by clinics. Independent studies show follow-up periods up to 6 months.
Besides facial treatments, where else can Oligio be done? The short answer, based on the available evidence, is...
The clinic's original description stated that Oligio uses monopolar RF radio waves to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin, and noted that in addition to the face, it can be used on the neck, chin, jawline and cheeks, upper arms, abdomen, thighs and hips, and back of the hands—a total of 7 areas.[1]
Compared to the clinic's Oligio X service page, that page lists four popular treatment areas: cheeks and lower cheekbones, jawline and contour, under the chin, and neck, without mentioning the upper arms, abdomen, thighs, hips, or back of the hands.[2] This information does not confirm whether the clinic performs or not on the torso. It only states that the available information is insufficient. Therefore, this article does not confirm that the clinic offers Oligio treatment on the torso, and it is recommended to inquire directly with the clinic. The service page also uses the name Oligio X, which the manufacturer has developed from the original Oligio model.
On the independent research side, Oligio's publicly available works study only the lower face.[3] For other areas, there are only reports of data from other RF models, or no work was found at all. Therefore, this article clearly distinguishes which machine model the data came from for each area and does not apply facial evidence to other parts of the body.
Another important thing to know is that thermal facelifts are not designed to replace surgery. A review of skin tightening technologies states that RF and focused ultrasound are used for facial and neck sagging and are not intended to replace surgical procedures.[4]
The neck, under the chin, and jawline are the areas indicated on the clinic's service page.
According to the clinic.
The original article stated that Oligio helps with wrinkles and sagging skin on the neck, double chin, and loose skin along the jawline and cheeks for those who desire a V-shaped face.[1] The Oligio X service page also specifies these areas, but provides more careful detail. The goal isn't necessarily to create an identical V-shaped face for everyone, but rather to help define and tighten the existing facial contours. The amount of fat under the chin should also be assessed, as a simple lifting procedure may not be sufficient if there is significant fat accumulation.[2]
Oligio's independent work studied the lower face.
A study published in Dermatology and Therapy followed 30 Thai volunteers with mild to moderate lower facial laxity who underwent a single monopolar RF treatment averaging approximately 412 shots. Two dermatologists, unaware of the treatment information, scored the patients post-treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months. The majority of patients (86.67%) maintained improvement until 6 months, and the 6-month score was significantly better than the 1-month score. The average pain score was 3.13 among 10 patients. Twenty-five patients (83.3%) experienced immediate post-treatment redness, which subsided within 1-2 days, with no serious adverse events observed.[3]
The limitations of this study include a small sample size, no control group, follow-up period of less than 6 months, open-access publication paid for by the producer, and a study focusing only on the lower face, thus not specifically addressing the neck, under the chin, or torso.[3]
Evidence of a neck issue from the work of another machine.
A randomized trial in 20 patients involved splitting the face into two halves, with one side receiving monopolar RF treatment and the other simultaneously receiving imaged focused ultrasound (MFU-V) for face and neck lifting. Follow-up for 6 months showed significant improvement in sagging scores on both sides from day 30 to day 180, and no significant difference between the two treatments.[5] This study did not specify the use of an oligiolithic instrument, therefore it is used only as evidence of monopolar RF in general, and with a small sample size.
In summary, the lower face and jawline are the areas with the most supporting data for Oligio studies. The neck and under the chin have data from RF studies in general, but there are no Oligio studies specifically focusing on these two areas in open-source materials.
Data for the upper arm and back of the hand is only available from other RF device models.
upper arm
The original article stated that Oligio treatment on the upper arms helps with sagging skin due to aging or weight loss, for those who do not want surgery or liposuction.[1] This area does not appear on the Oligio X service page.[2]
The source is a 2007 academic news report from Dermatology Times summarizing the work of physicians who reported on the use of ThermaCool (Thermage), a monopolar RF device (different from Oligio), in 110 patients (40 from Europe and 70 from the United States). A single treatment was performed on the inner upper arm, followed for 6 months. The report indicated improved skin laxity and firmness, with slight changes in upper arm shape, most noticeable in approximately 50% of participants based on visual assessment and imaging. 60% patients were satisfied. In the US, 57 patients did not require medication during the procedure, 10 used NSAIDs, and 3 used anti-anxiety medication.[6]
These results should be read with caution, as they are a presentation by a physician conducting the research, not a full, peer-reviewed article. They date back to 2007, used a different machine model, and the participants had sagging skin on the inner upper arms with minimal fat. Therefore, the results cannot be used to directly predict upper arm oligioplasty.[6]
back of hand
The original article stated that Oligio on the back of the hand helps with dry, wrinkled skin and visible blood vessels.[1] This area does not appear on the Oligio X service page.[2]
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology investigated monopolar RF treatment with the Pellevé S5 device in 31 women, middle-aged around 56 years. Each woman was randomly assigned one hand for treatment and underwent three treatments spaced two weeks apart. Follow-up was conducted at 45 and 90 days after the last treatment. At 90 days, a visible improvement in 89% levels was observed (50% to a visible level and 39% to a clear level). Patients reported mild to moderate discomfort, and no side effects were reported.[7] This study used a different model of device than Oligio, performed three times, not just once. The sample group was small, and follow-up was only 90 days. Therefore, we can only say that studies on monopolar RF have been reported, but they do not confirm the effects of Oligio.
No independently available evidence has been found regarding the abdomen, thighs, and hips.
The original article stated that Oligio on the abdomen helps with loose skin and minor stretch marks, suitable for postpartum or weight loss, and on the thighs or hips helps with stretch marks and orange peel skin in those with cellulite or collagen deficiency.[1] None of these three areas appear on the clinic's Oligio X service page.[2]
Among the freely available sources used to prepare this article, no studies were found on external RF application using the same type of device as Oligio on the abdomen, thighs, or hips. This doesn't mean there's no research at all, but rather that the claims regarding stretch marks and cellulite on the body lack independent supporting sources as presented in this article and should not be considered factual.
Facial evidence should not be applied to the body, as each area differs in skin thickness and tissue characteristics. The clinic's own service description also states that this affects sensation during the procedure and the choice of energy level.[2] If you are interested in these areas, you should ask the clinic whether they offer the service, what model of equipment they use, and what supporting information they have.
Is there a difference in pain between Oligio and Thermage, and how long do the results last?
About Thermage and the pain.
The original article stated that Oligio is the same type of radio frequency as Thermage and is less painful than Thermage.[1] Both machines are monopolar RF devices, but they are different machines. No direct comparison of pain between the two machines was found in available sources, so claims regarding pain when compared to Thermage have been excluded from this article.
The available information, according to the Oligio X service page, states that during the procedure, a warm sensation alternating with coolness from the cooling system is generally felt, and the sensation varies depending on sensitivity to pain, the treatment area, energy level, and skin thickness.[2] The oligioplasty procedure on the lower face reported an average pain score of 3.13 out of 10.[3] These numbers apply only to the lower face and do not indicate whether other areas are more or less painful.
Results and duration
The original article stated that some results were visible immediately, becoming more pronounced in 1-3 months, and lasting approximately 6-12 months.[1] All these figures are provided by the clinic. The Oligio X service page, which provides more detailed information, cites the manufacturer's data stating that noticeable changes are seen in approximately 3-6 months and the results last about 8 months to 1 year, noting that results should not be judged solely on the immediate effects after treatment.[2] The 1-3 month figures in the original article do not match the service page, and this article considers the service page to be the most up-to-date information.
Independent studies on the lower face showed continued improvement at 1, 3, and 6 months, with scores at 6 months being better than at 1 month.[3] This aligns with the idea that results develop gradually, but can only be tracked for up to 6 months. Therefore, there is no independent data confirming results up to 12 months. The 6-12 month range thus remains an argument used by clinics and manufacturers.
Side effects and things to know before the procedure.
RF delivers heat energy through the skin without incisions or surgery. The service description states that downtime is relatively low. After treatment, some people may experience redness, warmth, tightness, or slight sensitivity to touch, which is usually temporary.[2] The service page advises you to inform your doctor before the procedure if you have any implanted electronic devices in your body, such as pacemakers; any infections or skin problems in the area to be treated; any underlying medical conditions; are pregnant or breastfeeding; have a history of keloids or herpes; or have recently had another procedure in the same area.[2]
A summary table of areas where oligios can be performed, and how to choose wisely.
The table below places the original article's claims before independent services and evidence to show where supporting information is available and for which device models. It is a general guideline, not a diagnosis.
| area | The clinic's original article stated: | Oligio X Service Page | Independent and publicly readable evidence. |
|---|---|---|---|
| neck | Helps with wrinkles and sagging skin on the neck.[1] | It appears to indicate that it is considered in conjunction with the face.[2] | A 20-person facial split-section RF vs. focused ultrasound examination covered the face and neck, but it wasn't specified as Oligio.[5] |
| Under the chin, or double chin. | Helps with sagging jowls and double chin.[1] | It appears, but if there's a high fat content, fat management might be necessary as well.[2] | No Oligio treatments specifically under the chin were found. RF reviews of the face and neck as a whole were available.[4] |
| Jawline and lower cheeks | Helps with sagging skin and an undefined facial contour.[1] | appear | Oligio: Lower face, 30 people, followed for 6 months, no control group.[3] |
| upper arm | Helps with sagging skin due to aging or weight loss.[1] | Not appearing[2] | A 2007 Thermage report showed 110 people followed for 6 months, each using a different machine.[6] |
| abdomen | Helps with sagging skin and minor stretch marks.[1] | Not appearing[2] | No freelance work that can be opened was found. |
| Thighs and hips | Helps with stretch marks and cellulite.[1] | Not appearing[2] | No freelance work that can be opened was found. |
| back of hand | Helps with dry and wrinkled skin.[1] | Not appearing[2] | Pellevé S5 was administered three times to 31 women, followed up for 90 days, using different devices each time.[7] |
A careful selection process involves asking the clinic beforehand whether the area of interest is actually serviced, what model of device they use, whether it's suitable for your problem, and what clinical data or justifications support the claim. Also, inquire about the suitability of other methods if the sagging is severe or there is significant fat accumulation.[2][4] For a comparison of RF with other skin tightening devices, read more here. Oligio, Ulthera and Ultraformer MPT compared
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Besides facial treatments, where else can I get Oligio treatments?
Q: Can Oligio be done on the upper arms or abdomen?
Q: Is Oligio painful? How is it different from Thermage?
Q: When will Oligio show results and how long do the effects last?
Q: Who should be specifically informed about by the doctor before undergoing Oligioplasty?
Conclusion
Besides the face, where else can Oligio be used? Based on the available evidence, the areas with the most consistent information are the lower face, jawline, under the chin, and neck, which aligns with the clinic's Oligio X service page. The upper arms, abdomen, thighs, hips, and back of the hands appear in previous articles but not on the service page, and there are only reports of other machine models or no independent studies found. Claims about pain compared to Thermage are dismissed due to a lack of comparative evidence.
At Fresh Code Clinic, doctors assess each individual's skin condition, treatment area, and technology suitability before planning a treatment. The information in this article is general knowledge and is not a diagnosis or guarantee of results. For more information, consult a doctor for a preliminary assessment.
References
- If Oligio isn't done on the face, what other areas can it be used on? (Original article) — Fresh Code Clinic
- Oligio X Monopolar RF Face Lifting Treatment for a Defined Facial Contour (Service Provided) — Fresh Code Clinic
- Efficacy and Safety of Monopolar Radiofrequency for Treatment of Lower Facial Laxity in Asians — Dermatology and Therapy
- Skin tightening technologies — Facial Plastic Surgery
- A Randomized, Split-Face, Evaluator-Blind Clinical Trial Comparing Monopolar Radiofrequency Versus Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization for Lifting and Tightening of the Face and Upper Neck — Dermatologic Surgery
- RF device shapes up arm laxity — Dermatology Times (2007)
- Prospective, multicenter study to determine the safety and efficacy of a unique radiofrequency device for moderate to severe hand wrinkles — Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
