|
About
the Procedure:
Thermage is a new method to tighten
sagging skin and smooth wrinkles around the eyes
without surgery. It works by tightening tissue with
an advanced form of radiofrequency (RF) that allows
physicians to treat aging and sun-damaged skin by
delivering deep intense heat without harming the
skin surface. Thermage is the only non-invasive,
non-laser radiofrequency system that combines RF
heating with cryogen cooling and other advanced safety
features to monitor skin temperature and regulate
treatments. The result is a sophisticated procedure
that provides immediate collagen contraction and
long-term collagen replacement to further tighten
skin and produce a more youthful appearance. The
procedure takes about 30 minutes or less, and patients
can return to their regular activities immediately
following treatment.
Frequently
Asked Questions:
What
is the Thermage Procedure?
Thermage
is the name of the procedure performed by the ThermaCool TC
radiofrequency system that allows physicians to treat sagging
and sun-damaged skin and wrinkles around the eyes by delivering
deep intense heat without harming the skin surface. The
Thermage procedure is also known as Thermal Lifting,
Therma Plasty, and Thermoplastic contouring. The ThermaCool
TC device was FDA-cleared in November 2002.
|
Before
and two months after Thermage |
|
|
|
| Before
|
After
|
| Before
and two months after Thermage |
|
|
|
| Before
|
After
|
| Before
and two months after Thermage |
|
|
|
| Before
|
After
|
View
Additional Results
How
does it work?
The radiofrequency (RF) energy uniformly heats the dermis
while cooling and protecting the epidermis. It is designed
to cause immediate collagen contraction followed by new collagen
production which occurs over a period of time. The Thermage
procedure is the only non-invasive method to tighten loose
skin.
What
does a Thermage Procedure feel like?
Each
time treatment is delivered there is an immediate cool sensation,
followed by a brief hot sensation, followed by a cool sensation.
How long will the Thermage Procedure take?
Depending
on the size of the area treated, the procedure itself may
take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Your physician
may require that you arrive an hour before your procedure
for administration of pain medication.
| Before
and two months after Thermage |
|
|
|
| Before
|
After
|
When can I return to my normal
activities?
You
may return to your normal activities immediately, as there
is usually no "downtime". Minimal redness
is seen in some patients but it usually disappears shortly
after treatment. Heat-related complications can occur but
are uncommon. There is no special care needed after treatment.
When will I see results?
In most patients, results appear gradually over 2-6 months,
although some patients see an earlier response.
| Before
and two months after
Thermage and Liposuction |
|
|
|
| Before
|
After
|
How
does the Thermage Procedure change your skin?
This
magnified picture of skin (before image) depicts diminished
collagen density and a thinning epidermis (top layer of
skin) which is typical of aging skin. Four months after
the Thermage procedure, there is new and denser collagen
and an appreciable increase in the thickness of the epidermis
(after image)
|
|
|
| Before
|
After
|
How
safe is it?
The Thermage
procedure is very safe. Although it is possible that skin
damage can occur, this advanced treatment has been studied
carefully in hundreds of patients with minimal reports of
lasting adverse effects.
|
