Thermage

Thermage® is a safe, non-invasive, no downtime, single treatment, cosmetic procedure that is clinically proven to tighten, contour and rejuvenate facial skin to help naturally restore a more youthful appearance.  The Thermage procedure is administered in a doctor’s office using the ThermaCool™ system, FDA cleared for the treatment of facial wrinkles, which utilizes a unique form of Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology to tighten existing collagen and stimulate new natural collagen production.  Immediate results can be visible and continue to improve for up to six months.  The Thermage procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities.  Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin color. 

The procedure works by heating deep collagen fibers in the skin and underlying tissue, while protecting the skin's surface with a cooling spray. The treatment is performed with the ThermaCool device.  A ThermaTip™, attached to a handheld device, briefly touches the skin, delivering the non-invasive CRF energy deep beneath the skin.  This deep uniform heating action causes the deep structures in the skin and underlying tissue to immediately tighten.  Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin and renew facial contours.

Depending on the size of the area to be treated, the procedure may take up to two hours. Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage treatment produces results in the majority of patients.  The treating doctor will determine the course of treatment that is right for each patient, based on the patient’s needs and goals.  Some patients may benefit from additional treatments to meet their satisfaction.  Measurable tightening and contouring improvements appear gradually over a two to six month time period following a single treatment session.  Unpublished reports by experienced cosmetic doctors indicate that results may last for years and are based on the patient's natural aging process.

Thermage has most commonly been used on the face:  includes the area around the mouth, chin, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin.  Recently, Thermage has been approved for your body: abdomen, arms, legs, and eyes.  According to Physiology Today survey, 71 percent of women are dissatisfied with their abdominal appearance.  Whether it is due to pregnancy or aging, women are seeking ways to get their bodies back in shape.  While fat can be lost through diet and exercise, the sagging skin around the abdomen often requires a tummy tuck.  Tummy by Thermage is one the newest procedures which provides excellent tightening effect and textural change, without a scapel.  The process is a one time treatment which takes less than two hours. 

Unlike surgery, there is no pre-procedure preparation.  One can return to regular activities immediately following treatment and there is no special care after treatment.  Some patients exhibit a temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, this usually resolves within 24 hours. Good skin care and sunscreens are recommended as part of your regular skin care regimen. The only signs of treatment are naturally smoother, younger, and healthier skin.

The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 190,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side effects is less than 0.4%.  The most frequently reported incidents are classified as swelling, redness, bumps, and blisters on or around the treated area.  These side effects have disappeared in a few days or weeks.  Consult us regarding this and any other questions you may have on the safety record of the Thermage procedure.