Laser Treatments
Thermage®
Thermage therapy uses a unique form of radiofrequency energy to tighten loose or sagging skin. According to its manufacturer, Solta Medical, Inc., benefits of Thermage treatment "include the smoothing of wrinkly or uneven skin, better definition of facial features around the eyes, jaw and neckline, and even the smoothing and toning of unsightly bulges, dimples and wrinkles on the face and body." Thermage radiofrequency therapy is U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved for eyelid treatments.
Using the Thermage wand, radiofrequency energy penetrates and heats skin tissue. The heat causes collagen to contract, which tightens and "lifts" the skin. Over time, as the collagen rebuilds itself, the skin tightens even more, further smoothing the treated areas.
Thermage Treatment
The Thermage wand's treatment tip is placed against the skin, first spraying it with a coolant (cryogen), then heating it, then spraying it with cryogen again. The cryogen protects the top layer of skin as the radiofrequency energy heats the collagen in the lower layers. A newer Thermage wand has a Comfort Pulse Technology™ (CCT) feature, in which a gentle vibrating sensation has been added to make treatment more comfortable. No preparation is required before undergoing treatment.
The length of treatment depends on the size of the treatment area and its condition. The face usually takes about 45 minutes; other parts of the body can take up to 90 minutes. The majority of patients require a single treatment, although that, too, depends upon the condition of the treatment area.
Thermage Results
Results appear gradually in the 2 to 6 months after treatment, although some patients see an earlier response. Depending upon the condition of a patient's skin and how it ages, results may last up to 2 years.
Thermage Advantages
Unlike other ways of repairing loose and sagging skin, Thermage treatment has a number of advantages. They include:
- No significant recovery period or downtime
- Visible results after 1 to 2 treatments
- Continued improvement to skin over time
- No incisions are necessary
- Special care not required post-treatment
Side effects of Thermage therapy are rare, but can include treatment-site redness, bumps or blisters.
Thermage Frequently Asked Questions
Thermage is renowned as "the non-surgical facelift" thanks to its effective non-surgical treatment for fine lines and wrinkles in the mid-face, eyelids and brow. Now, Thermage also offers quick, non-invasive, no-downtime skin tightening for many other areas of the body such as the arms, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, legs and hands.
Now you can enjoy younger, more supple, contoured skin in one easy procedure. With Thermage, there is no need to resort to surgery, soft-tissue filler injections or astringent chemical peels.
- Tightens the skin
- Stimulates collagen production
- Smoothes texture
- Improves skin tone
- Reduces sagging
- Flattens and softens stretch marks
- Reduces fine lines
- Adds fullness to the lips and increases lip definition
The key to Thermage's unique treatment process is its patented ThermaCool system. The capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) energy in the ThermaCool device gently heats the skin - not just in the epidermis, but all the way down to its collagen-rich underlayer (dermis) and inner layer (subcutaneous layer). This collagen stimulation not only tightens and contours various areas of the body, it also smoothes skin tone and temporarily reduces wrinkles and fine lines. Because the deepest skin layers are treated, results are long-lasting. All of this is accomplished in a single, pain-free treatment with immediate results and little to no downtime.
