The
Thermage® procedure is
the only non-invasive, no-downtime treatment that delivers tighter
skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. This procedure
is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who
specialize in cosmetic procedures. Consult your physician to
determine how you can benefit most from the Thermage® procedure.
Skin is made up of two layers, the visible outer layer called the
epidermis, and the deeper layer called the dermis. The main structural
component of the dermis is a protein called collagen, which provides
the skin its strength. As we age, the body produces less collagen
resulting in wrinkles and laxity. The Thermage® procedure causes
the collagen in the dermal layers of the skin and its underlying
tissue to tighten, thereby reducing skin laxity and wrinkles and
renewing facial contours.
The Thermage® procedure for Skin Tightening uses patented radiofrequency
technology to create a precisely controlled zone of heating in the
dermis and the underlying tissue. At the same time the epidermis
is protected with continual cooling. Heating of the collagen to
critical temperatures, initiates a natural biological reaction that
causes the collagen to contract and thicken. This process, called
denaturation, provides the initial results of tighter, smoother
looking skin.
In addition, the body also initiates a second response to heating
within the dermis and underlying tissue. This response is part
of the body's natural wound-healing response and initiates new
collagen creation providing long-term tightening of the skin. The
combination of these two processes, provide immediate skin tightening
and long-term tightening effects.
While there are a number of procedures available that affect collagen,
only the Thermage® procedure offers a completely non-invasive, no-downtime
method to tighten loose skin.
Patient Information
The Thermage® procedure is the only non-invasive treatment that delivers
tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. (Collagen
is the building block that provides structure to your skin.) The
Thermage® procedure is available only in the offices of qualified
physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. Your physician
is your best information resource for determining how this treatment
will most benefit you. The more commonly asked questions about this
popular procedure are listed below.
FAQS
What is the Thermage® procedure?
The Thermage® procedure employs a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology
called ThermaCool™. It has been clinically proven to tighten
and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours.
The incision-free procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime
from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed
on patients of all skin types. The ThermaCool device has been cleared
by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of facial wrinkles and
rhytids.
How does it work?
The ThermaCool system uses a sophisticated treatment tip called
ThermaTip™, which delivers a controlled amount of RF energy.
With each touch to the skin, the ThermaTip device uniformly heats
a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and
its underlying tissue while simultaneously protecting the outer
layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating action
causes deep structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over
time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten
skin, resulting in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful
appearance.
What does the Thermage® procedure feel like?
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 collagen is reaching effective temperatures
for tightening. The physician controls the amount of energy delivered
to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The ThermaTip
device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your
skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Prior to treatment,
an anesthetic cream may be applied to enhance your comfort. Additionally,
your physician may also prescribe relaxants and/or pain medication.
How long does it take?
The Thermage® procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an
hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time
may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.
What will my skin feel like after the procedure?
Immediately following a Thermage® procedure, your skin should feel
tighter, smoother and more youthful. Overtime, you will notice additional
tightening.
How many treatments will I need?
Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a
single Thermage® treatment has produced results in the majority of
patients. Your physician will determine the course of treatment
that is right for you.
When will I see results?
Recently published studies conducted by Thermage® show that measurable
tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after
a single treatment session. However, many patients have reported
seeing an earlier response.
How long will the effects of the Thermage® procedure last?
The Thermage® procedure causes immediate tightening of the collagen
structure, with additional tightening over time. Unpublished reports
by experienced cosmetic physicians indicate that results may last
24 months or longer based on the patient's natural aging process.
Is the Thermage® procedure safe?
The Thermage® procedure has an excellent safety record. With over
70,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported
incidence of side effects is less than 1%. The most frequently reported
incidents are classified as swelling, redness, bumps and blisters
on or around the treated area. These side effects have usually disappeared
in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.2%) but longer lasting side
effect described as a skin depression 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.
How long before I can return to my normal activities?
Most people return to their regular activities immediately following
the Thermage® procedure. Some people experience mild redness (like
a sunburn), but it usually disappears quickly. No special care is
needed after treatment unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
