Thermage
Thermage is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment which is completely non-invasive, meaning there are no injections or surgical recovery time required. Thermage uses a device which works by using radio frequencies (RF) to stimulate the production of collagen under the skin. As a result, skin is smoothed, tightened and contoured. The overall result is a look of rejuvenation and restored youthfulness.
Other cosmetic treatments, including laser, use heat to stimulate collagen renewal. Thermage is different from these other treatments because it uses RF technology to heat the deep layers of the skin rather than the surface. During treatment, the outer layers of the skin are protected by an integrated cooling system which is part of the treatment.
Thermage can be used for skin on the face or anywhere on the body. Some of the specific uses of Thermage include lifting the eyebrows and tightening loose skin in the jaw, chin and neck areas. The appearance of acne scarring can be diminished and deep creases in the forehead and laugh lines can be softened. The manufacturer of Thermage claims that Thermage treatment can bring a more relaxed look to the face, making every day look like a vacation day.
Thermage can also be used on the hands, arms, tummy, knees, legs and buttocks, though reports of improvements in body skin tone are not as positive as for facial skin. Some doctors recommend Thermage for skin which is sagging following pregnancy or weight loss. Love handles and cellulite are additional target areas for Thermage.
Thermage has been used on over 500,000 patients since 2002 and has a long history of clinical testing. The RF technology behind Thermage has been cleared by the FDA as safe and effective for non-invasive cosmetic treatment.
Who is Thermage for?
Thermage treatment is FDA approved as safe and effective for all ages and skin types. Thermage is recommended for anyone who wants to tighten sagging skin on the face or body or diminish mild acne scarring on the face. Thermage treatment is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding and should not be given to patients who have a pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator.
Thermage treatment should be avoided if there is an infection on the skin. The doctor who administers Thermage should be notified of any medications that are being taken or any chronic medical conditions.
How Thermage Works
Collagen is a protein located in the layers of the skin which keeps skin looking tight and youthful. As skin ages and is exposed to sun damage, the rate of collagen breakdown becomes faster than the rate of replacement. This results in sagging and wrinkling in the skin. Hereditary factors also may play a role in determining when the signs of aging appear on an individual's skin.
The key to Thermage treatment is the safe use of radiofrequency (RF) technology to heat the deepest layers of the facial skin. At the same time, the outer layers of the skin are cooled to prevent damage. This deep heating stimulates the natural collagen renewal process of the body, causing a tightening of existing collagen and the formation of new collagen. An improvement in the skin is immediately apparent, with sagging and wrinkled skin replaced with smoother, tighter skin. The process then continues to work as more collagen is produced for several months following treatment. Skin continues to show an improved texture and tone and an overall appearance which is more youthful.
Thermage treatment is performed on an outpatient basis in the doctor's office. After examination by the doctor, the patient will be given oral pain medication. A local anesthesia will be injected into areas of the body which are receiving treatment. The Thermage machine is then used to create the RF pulses which will stimulate collagen in the deeper layers of skin. Each RF pulse lasts from 2 to 7 seconds and delivers a mild sensation of heat. While a pulse is underway, a cooling cryogen spray is delivered to the surface of the skin. Discomfort during the procedure is reported as minimal.
Including preparation, the entire Thermage procedure can take up to two hours. For most patients, a single Thermage treatment produces immediate results with little or no time required for recovery. Patients can return home following treatment, though a driver may be required due to the effects of pain medication.
Thermage can enhance the appearance in cases where the skin is showing mild signs of aging, but is not an alternative to surgical facelift. Results of Thermage vary by individual. There may be dramatic changes in one case and little sign of change in another. It has been proven in clinical studies that everyone who receives Thermage treatment does produce more collagen, but the visible results may be less than expected. Since Thermage is not a surgical procedure, results are not guaranteed or completely predictable.
A qualified plastic surgeon may recommend other cosmetic treatments which can be used in conjunction with Thermage to produce more dramatic results. This may include an eye lift or chin augmentation. Dermal filler such as Restylane or Juvederm can also be used after Thermage as a follow up treatment, but care must be taken to follow recommended guidelines about how much time should pass between these treatments.
How often is Treatment Recommended?
Because Thermage stimulates the growth of collagen, it continues to work for 4 to 6 months following treatment. Studies have shown that 90% of patients who receive Thermage treatment show a visible improvement after 6 months. Some doctors administer a single follow up treatment in as little as 3 month for patients with more advanced signs of aging who show minimal improvement after an initial treatment.
In general, each patient's heredity and natural aging process will determine when a repeat treatment should take place. There are no strict guidelines regarding the amount of time that should pass between treatments. Some individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 see benefits that last for several years. For most people over the age of 50, it's recommended that Thermage treatments be repeated at least every 2 years.
Thermage Side Effects
Following a Thermage treatment, there may be temporary redness but there is usually no bruising or swelling. The redness should disappear 1 or 2 hours after treatment. A tingling sensation may occur in the treatment area, but this should last no more than a week.
A small number of patients report soreness and discomfort for days or weeks following the procedure. There is also a very slight risk of complication which may include burns, blistering, scarring or depressions in the skin. These complications may be superficial or more serious. If any of these symptoms or side effects occurs, the doctor who performed the treatment should be notified immediately.
Who can Provide Thermage?
Thermage treatment can only be performed by medical personnel in a doctor's office or clinic. A cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist who is trained and certified to perform Thermage treatment is the best choice. A trained doctor will be able to determine the correct treatment for the patient's aesthetic goals. Experience with Thermage will also better enable a doctor to achieve the maximum benefit for the patient.
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