Questions Regarding Thermage

What is Thermage™?
Thermage is a revolutionary new non-invasive cosmetic procedure that tightens the skin. The Thermage procedure is available only from qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. It is designed to temporarily provide clients with a more youthful facial appearance in a quick and easy fashion.

How does Thermage™ work?
Thermage is a radio frequency device that delivers energy through the top layers of the skin into the deeper layers resulting in skin contraction and tightening

Are Thermage™ treatments safe?
It is extremely safe. Although this is a relatively new procedure great effort has been made to make it as safe as possible. With over 70,000 patients treated thus far, the incidence of side effects is less than 1%. These side effects have usually disappeared in a few days or weeks. The development of a localized skin depression is extremely rare in the treated area.

Where on the face or body is Thermage applied?
Tightening skin in certain key areas of the face can bring about cosmetic improvement. Treating the forehead can lift the eyebrows and enhance the appearance of the eyes, making them look more open, less tired, and more alert. The skin of the cheeks can also be treated to reduce the appearance of the deep folds that appear next to the nose with increasing age. Similarly the loose skin along the jaw line can be treated to help reduce the appearance of jowls. Other applications are currently being tested and include the neck, chest, elbows, knees, and loose skin of the abdomen.

What does the Thermage procedure feel like?
With each touch of the Thermage device, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the energy is delivered into the skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperature tightening. The Thermage device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

How long does it take?
Typically the procedure takes 1 – 1 ½ hours , depending on the size of the treatable area.

Are there any special preparations before a Thermage treatment?
No special preparation of the skin is required. All makeup and creams will be completely removed prior to the start of your treatment. Use of skin care products (Pro-derm) that promote collagen production and remodeling will enhance the results of your procedure.

Is Thermage treatment painful?
With each pulse of energy delivered there is the sensation of heat.  This heat sensation lasts only fractions of a second and is preceded and followed by a cool sensation, which also helps reduce discomfort. Some areas are more sensitive than others (jaw line and temples for example).  Most clients have described the procedure as experiencing a brief, deep heating sensation with mild to moderate degree of discomfort. Discomfort after treatment is infrequent and typically consists of mild tenderness.  Typically this discomfort goes away within a couple of days.

When will I expect results?
Immediately after treatment, your skin should feel tighter and smoother. Additional tightening will occur over time and your new look will gradually occur over a 3 – 6 month period, possibly sooner. These results vary with each client.

How many treatments will I need?
For many clients one treatment will suffice. Repeat treatments may be beneficial. You will probably reach your maximum improvement in 3-6 months. At that time if you wish to achieve greater improvement, another treatment may be considered. For significant skin laxity, it is very likely that more than one treatment will be required to achieve the best results. Current studies indicate that results from Thermage last approximately 2-5 years and is based on the individual’s natural aging process.

What are the side effects of treatment?
Minimal redness is seen in some but it usually disappears within hours after treatment, and no special care is needed. Significant risks with Thermage procedures are infrequent, but the potential side effects to the treatment are: swelling, redness, bumps, blisters and temporary loss of sensation. However these side effects usually disappear in a few days or weeks. You may return to normal activities once the effects of the treatment medications have worn off.