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 non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids, which utilizes a unique form of monopolar Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology to tighten existing collagen and stimulate new natural collagen production. Immediate results may 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.
Indication
Skin laxity, saggy cheeks, scar revision, acne
Periorbital region: forehead and area around the eyes
Mid/Lower face: includes the cheeks, area around the month, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
Lower face/submental: includes the area around the month, chin, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
Full face: includes the periorbital region and mid/lower face areas
Treatment time
Pre treatment:
approximately 40-60 minutes
Procedure:
approximately 20-90 minutes (Depend on treatment area)
Procedure
Pre-Treatment: Prior to treatment, our dermatologist may prescribe relaxants and/or pain medication. During Treatment: With each touch of the ThermaTip device, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collengen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. Our dermatologist controls the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The ThermaTip device cools before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable.
Candidate
Mild to moderate skin laxity
Thin to medium skin thickness
Younger skin (not in age but in sun damage)
Realistic expectations about treatment outcomes
Expected result
Immediately following a Thermage procedure, you will be able to return to your normal activities and can apply cosmetics. There is no recovery with this procedure. Your skin should feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. Over time, you will notice additional tightening. Recently published studios conducted by Thermage show measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment session. However many patients have reported seeing an earlier response. Results may last for years depending on your skin condition and aging process.
Precautions
As with all medical cosmetic procedures, some side effects may occur but should only last 2-5 days: (Side effects may vary)
Most common side effects:
Redness
Swelling
Increased sensitivity or soreness
Lumps/Bumps
Surface irregularities (very rare 1.4 in 1000)
Of 120,000 procedures performed worldwide, only 5 in 1000 have reported side effects from the Thermage procedure.
Patients who are pregnant or have metal implanted in their body (peacemakers, metal plates) are not candidates for this treatment.
Patients should avoid sun exposure for one week following treatment.
Q&A
How does the Thermage procedure work?
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 may cause 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.
How long does the Thermage procedure take?
The Thermage procedure is a completely non-invasive, safe treatment that is performed only in a doctor's office. Depending on the size of the area to be treated, the procedure may take as little as 20 minutes or up to two hours.
How many treatments will I need?
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.
When will I see results?
Immediate results may be visible and may improve over time. Measurable tightening and contouring improvements appear gradually over a two to six month time period following a single treatment session.
Is the Thermage procedure safe?
The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 275,000 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 may resolve in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.08%) but longer lasting side effect described as a surface irregularity has also been reported. Consult with your physician regarding this and any other questions you may have on the safety record of the Thermage procedure.
