Thermage

Thermage is a safe, clinically proven way to tighten and contour skin, with improvements in tone, contour, and texture occurring naturally through the stimulation of your own collagen.

Thermage is completely non-invasive; no surgery, no injections. A single treatment tightens your existing collagen and stimulates new collagen growth. Improvements are both immediately visible and continue up to six months. Results can last for years depending on your skin condition and aging process.

The Thermage procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. The procedure itself is normally done as a single treatment that takes from 20 minutes to two hours depending on the treatment area. What's more, there is no downtime - so you can quickly resume your normal routine.

Unlike lasers, Thermage works on all skin types and tones. And unlike injections or fillers, Thermage works on your entire face - forehead, eyes, nasolabial folds, jaw line, jowls and the area under your chin.

If you no longer recognize the face looking back at you in the mirror, it's time to talk to a certified Thermage physician and learn how Thermage can help you look as young as you feel.

FDA cleared for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids. Side effects are generally mild and may include redness, swelling, blisters, bumps and rare instances of surface irregularities.

* Your results may vary depending on age and skin condition.

How it Works

To understand how Thermage works, it helps to know a little about how your skin works.

The facial skin is made up of three distinct layers: a visible outer layer on the surface called the epidermis, a collagen-rich underlayer beneath the surface called the dermis, and an inner layer beneath the dermis called the subcutaneous layer, also known as the fat layer that has a web of collagen fibers running through it.

When the collagen in these three layers break down due to sun exposure, family heredity, or the normal aging process, your face begins to sag and wrinkle. Naturally, treatments that work on just the surface can't do anything to restore the collagen in the underlayer or the inner layer of your skin.

Thermage is the only non-invasive procedure available that tightens and renews your skin's collagen in all three layers. How? Thermage's unique Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology safely heats your skin's underlayer and the web of collagen in the inner layer, causing an immediate tightening as well as improved tone and texture. And the improvements will continue and become even more noticeable for four to six months following treatment due to new collagen growth.

Thermage is safer than invasive cosmetic procedures. And unlike lasers, Thermage works on all skin types and colors. Best of all, you only need one Thermage treatment to obtain the full benefits ? not three to five as you would with some laser therapies. And there is no downtime, so you can quickly resume your daily routine.

The Procedure

Thermage treatments are only performed in a doctor's office by Thermage-certified personnel. Most doctors offer free consultations to determine if Thermage is right for you. Women 35-60 normally have the best and most predictable results. If your skin is too lax, the resultswill not be as dramatic.

Normally, the complete procedure can be performed in just one session lasting from 20 minutes to two hours, depending on the treatment area. General anesthesia is not required, but to make sure you are comfortable the doctor may offer light pain medications prior to treatment.

During the treatment, you'll feel a brief, heat sensation each time Thermage delivers radio frequency energy to the underlayer of your skin. This indicates that your collagen is being stimulated and tightened.

After treatment, your skin may be slightly red for a day or two. Butmost people resume regular activities immediately after treatment, with no downtime or special follow-up care.

Immediate Results: You should feel and see your skin being smoother, firmer, and tighter immediately after your Thermage treatment. You may also notice some contouring effects which will begin enhancing the shape of your face.

Continued improvement over time: After the procedure, you should continue to see improvements to your skin as a result of the production of new and increased collagen, as well as some additional contouring effects due to continued tightening over time. These effects will continue for up to six months. You should see lasting results.

FAQs

What is the Thermage procedure?

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 treatment of facial wrinkles, which utilizes a unique form of Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology to tighten existing collagen and stimulate new natural collagen production. Immediate results are 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.

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 causes 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 are visible, and improve over time. Measurable tightening and contouring improvements appear gradually over a two to six month time period following a single treatment session.

Where on the face is the Thermage procedure performed?

Periorbital region: forehead and area around the eyes
Mid/Lower face: includes the cheeks, area around the mouth, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
Lower face/submental: includes the area around the mouth, chin, jaw line, jowls, and under the chin
Full face: includes the periorbital region and mid/lower face areas

What does the Thermage procedure feel like?

With each touch of the ThermaTip device, the patient experiences a brief, deep heating sensation as the CRF energy is delivered to the skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is an indication that collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. To protect the skin and make the treatment more comfortable, the surface of the skin is cooled before, during, and after each application of CRF energy. Patient feedback on the level of heat sensation experienced during the procedure will help guide the doctor to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The doctor may offer light pain medications prior to treatment to minimize sensation. These options should be discussed directly with the doctor as each patient's needs vary.

Is there any special preparation or follow-up regime?

No. Unlike surgery, there is no pre-procedure preparation, such as blood work or fasting required. One can return to regular activities immediately following treatment and there is no special care after treatment. Some patients exhibit a temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, this usually resolves within 24 hours. Good skin care and sunscreens are recommended as part of your regular skin care regimen. The only signs of treatment are naturally smoother, younger, and healthier skin.

How long will the effects of the Thermage procedure last?

The Thermage procedure immediately tightens existing collagen and stimulates new natural collagen production for up to six months following the treatment. Unpublished reports by experienced cosmetic doctors indicate that results may last for years and are based on the patient's natural aging process.

Is the Thermage procedure safe?

The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 190,000 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 have disappeared in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.11%) 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.

Is Thermage the only radiofrequency technology on the market today?

While there are other skin care technologies that use radiofrequency energy, only the Thermage proprietary capacitive radiofrequency technology delivers deep uniform volumetric heating powerful enough to naturally tighten and contour skin and underlying tissue. Also, Thermage achieves results in a single treatment compared to other technologies requiring five or more treatment sessions.

How much does the Thermage procedure cost?

In the U.S., the procedure cost may range from $1,000 to $5,000 based on the facial areas treated. Your physician will discuss his or her fees with you at the time of the consultation.

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