NEW $40,000-$75,000USED $15,000-$32,000FDA Cleared 2018
Last updated: 2026-04-09
Overview
TempSure Firm is Cynosure (Hologic)'s entry in the skin tightening category, built on Monopolar Radiofrequency. The platform treats thighs, buttocks, arms, abdomen, with 20-30 minutes per area and a recommended course of 4-6 sessions. FDA cleared in 2018, it lists in the $40,000-$75,000 range for new units and $15,000-$32,000 on the secondary market.
Monopolar RF platform with Therapeutic Logic Protocol that maintains target tissue temperature automatically. Designed for temporary cellulite appearance reduction and skin tightening on the body. The mechanism is what separates TempSure Firm from competitors in the same category. Where it fits in your practice depends on patient demographics, treatment volume, and whether you need a flagship platform or a value-tier alternative.
TempSure Firm is manufactured by Cynosure (Hologic) (Westford, MA, founded 1991). The device benefits from Cynosure (Hologic)'s public market visibility and presence across 130+ countries. Service support, training availability, and parts access vary by region. Practices considering this device should validate dealer presence and technical support coverage in their area before signing a contract.
TREATMENT AREAS
Thighs, Buttocks, Arms, Abdomen
TREATMENT TIME
20-30 minutes per area
SESSIONS
4-6 sessions
PER SESSION
$250-$800
CONSUMABLES/YR
Minimal
MAINTENANCE/YR
$2,000-$5,000
Pros & Cons
Pros
Automated temperature control simplifies operator technique
Low consumable burden
Part of the broader Cynosure platform ecosystem
Lower capital cost than Thermage FLX
Full body treatment capability
Cons
Less brand recognition than Thermage or Ultherapy
Cynosure parent Hologic divestiture rumors create service uncertainty
Requires multiple sessions for visible results
Clinical evidence base thinner than category leaders
Marketing claims for cellulite have drawn FDA scrutiny in the category
Clinical Evidence
10+ published studies. FDA clearance based on temporary cellulite appearance reduction and skin tightening data. The published evidence base for TempSure Firm reflects how long the platform has been in market and how much the manufacturer has invested in clinical research. Devices with FDA clearance dates before 2018 typically have stronger peer-reviewed datasets than newer entrants. For physicians evaluating this device, the questions worth asking are whether the studies used blinded evaluators, what the sample sizes were, and whether the research was independent or manufacturer-funded.
Compare TempSure Firm's evidence base against the category benchmark. In TempSure Firm's category, the strongest evidence typically comes from devices that have been on the market for at least five years and have multiple randomized controlled trials with independent funding. Marketing claims from any manufacturer should be cross-checked against PubMed-indexed publications rather than conference posters or white papers. Conference presentations are not equivalent to peer review.
For practices that require strong clinical evidence (academic dermatology, plastic surgery groups with research interests, multi-physician practices that need to defend purchase decisions internally), the evidence profile should be a top-three decision factor. For high-volume cash-pay practices where patient demand drives device selection, brand recognition often matters more than the underlying evidence base. Both approaches are defensible, but they lead to different device selections.
ROI Analysis
Practice ROI for TempSure Firm depends on three variables: capital cost, per-session revenue, and treatment volume. At a new unit price of $40,000-$75,000, financed over five years at typical equipment rates, the monthly payment runs roughly 2-2.5% of total cost. Per-session revenue at $250-$800 means the device needs to fill enough treatment slots monthly to cover the payment, consumables (Minimal), maintenance ($2,000-$5,000), and operator labor.
For a practice doing 2-3 treatments per day at the midpoint of the per-session range, TempSure Firm typically reaches break-even at 12-18 months for the lower end of the new pricing range, or 18-30 months at the high end. Used and refurbished units in the $15,000-$32,000 range can cut payback periods in half. The biggest practice mistake is over-projecting treatment volume. Physicians who run their numbers on 4-6 daily treatments rarely hit those targets in year one.
The realistic question is not whether TempSure Firm can pay back. Most devices in this price range do, eventually. The question is whether your practice can fill the schedule. Practices with existing patient flow in Dermatology, Plastic Surgery have the easiest path. Practices building demand from scratch should plan for 6-12 months of marketing investment before the device pays for itself.
Best For
Med spas that want a lower-cost RF body tightening platform than Thermage and are comfortable with the Cynosure situation. Practices serving patients who want modest results in multiple sessions rather than a single dramatic treatment. The fit is strongest for practices that match the device's positioning on price, clinical evidence requirements, and patient throughput expectations. Practices with mismatched economics often regret these purchases within 18 months.
Beyond practice type, TempSure Firm fits best when the patient base aligns with the device's strengths. For skin tightening platforms, this usually means matching device capability to patient demographics, skin type range, and willingness to pay per-session pricing. Practices in markets where patients price-shop heavily need to factor that into device selection. Practices in concierge or luxury markets can charge premium pricing that justifies premium platforms.
Buying Guide
New TempSure Firm units sell for $40,000-$75,000 from Cynosure (Hologic) or authorized dealers. Refurbished and used units sell for $15,000-$32,000 on the secondary market. The decision between new and used comes down to warranty coverage, software version, included applicators, and consumable allowances. New units typically include a 12-24 month warranty, current software, all applicators, and a starter consumable package. Used units usually carry no warranty, may have outdated software, and require separate consumable purchases.
What to negotiate: applicator quantity (always ask for additional applicators thrown in), consumable starter packs, training and certification fees, extended warranty coverage, marketing materials, and clinical training for additional providers. Cynosure (Hologic) sales reps typically have 10-15% list price flexibility and far more on bundled deals. End-of-quarter and end-of-year are the strongest negotiation windows. Trade-in programs for older devices can reduce net cost by another 10-20%.
What to watch for: software lock-out fees on used units (some manufacturers disable software on resold devices), per-pulse or per-treatment licensing fees that show up after purchase, consumable price increases over the device life, and service contract terms. Always require a written quote that breaks out hardware, applicators, training, first-year service, and consumables separately. Bundled quotes hide the line items where margins live.
Alternatives and Comparisons
The main alternatives to TempSure Firm in this category are listed below. Click into any comparison for a full side-by-side breakdown.
Thermage FLX: High-end dermatology, plastic surgery, and luxury med spas that serve patients who want a single-session option. Practices with established skin tightening pati
Exilis Ultra 360: Med spas wanting a multi-area tightening platform at a lower capital cost than Thermage or Ultherapy. BTL ecosystem practices building out a full treatment menu
Morpheus8: Practices wanting the most recognized RF microneedling brand with body treatment capability. High-volume aesthetic practices where patient demand drives device
New TempSure Firm units sell for $40,000-$75,000 from Cynosure (Hologic) and authorized dealers. Used and refurbished units typically run $15,000-$32,000 on the secondary market depending on age, software version, and included applicators. Per-session pricing for treatments is $250-$800. Annual consumables run Minimal and annual maintenance averages $2,000-$5,000. Practices financing the device should expect monthly payments around 2-2.5% of the total purchase price over a five-year term.
Is TempSure Firm FDA cleared?
Yes. TempSure Firm received FDA 510(k) clearance in 2018. The clearance covers the indications listed in the device labeling. Off-label uses are common in clinical practice but should be discussed with patients explicitly. Physicians should verify current clearance status and any updates directly with Cynosure (Hologic) or via the FDA 510(k) database before making a purchase decision.
What is the clinical evidence behind TempSure Firm?
10+ published studies. FDA clearance based on temporary cellulite appearance reduction and skin tightening data. When evaluating clinical evidence, look for blinded evaluator studies, independent funding sources, and peer-reviewed publications rather than manufacturer-funded white papers or conference posters. Evidence quality varies widely between devices in the same category, even when the marketing materials look similar.
Which specialties use TempSure Firm?
TempSure Firm is primarily used by Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Med Spa. Best fit varies by patient mix and practice economics. Med spas that want a lower-cost RF body tightening platform than Thermage and are comfortable with the Cynosure situation. Practices serving patients who want modest results in multiple sessions rather than a single dramatic treatment.
How long does a TempSure Firm treatment session take?
Each TempSure Firm treatment session runs 20-30 minutes per area. The recommended protocol is 4-6 sessions. Total chair time including consultation, setup, treatment, and post-treatment care is typically 1.5-2x the listed treatment time. Practices planning daily treatment volume should use the realistic chair-time number, not just the active treatment minutes.
What are the main pros and cons of TempSure Firm?
Strengths: Automated temperature control simplifies operator technique; Low consumable burden; Part of the broader Cynosure platform ecosystem. Weaknesses: Less brand recognition than Thermage or Ultherapy; Cynosure parent Hologic divestiture rumors create service uncertainty; Requires multiple sessions for visible results. Every device in this category has tradeoffs. The right choice depends on which strengths matter most to your practice and which weaknesses you can tolerate.
What does TempSure Firm cost to operate annually?
Annual operating costs for TempSure Firm include consumables (Minimal), maintenance and service ($2,000-$5,000), and operator labor. Practices doing high treatment volumes should also budget for additional applicator wear and replacement. Total annual operating cost typically runs 5-15% of the original purchase price, with consumables driving most of the variability between low and high estimates.
Who manufactures TempSure Firm and how stable is the company?
TempSure Firm is manufactured by Cynosure (Hologic), headquartered in Westford, MA and founded in 1991. The company is publicly traded under ticker HOLX and operates in 130+ countries. Annual revenue is approximately Part of Hologic ($4B+). Manufacturer financial stability matters because it affects warranty support, parts availability, and long-term software updates. Physicians making capital purchases should always check the manufacturer's recent financial trajectory before committing.
Get Device Pulse every Tuesday
Weekly price tracker, FDA clearances, safety signals, and clinical evidence summaries. The only newsletter built for physicians who buy equipment.