THERMAGE
Non-invasive Radiofrequency to tighten, smooth and contour skin.
What is Thermage?
Thermage is a safe, radiofrequency device that is clinically proven to help smooth, tighten and contour skin for an overall younger looking appearance. The treatment delivers natural looking results with little to no downtime on all skin colors, on and off the face, all in a single procedure. Since there is no surgery involved, patients can generally return to normal activities immediately following the procedure.
How does it work?
A handpiece with a smooth, flat tip delivers Thermage’s unique radiofrequency technology, which safely heats the deep, collagen rich layers of your skin. The heat helps tighten existing collagen and stimulate the formation of new collagen over time, which reduces sagging, renews contours, and improves the smoothness and texture of the skin’s surface. The ability to tighten skin without surgery is unique to Thermage, and is the central feature that sets Thermage apart from all other technologies.
How long has Thermage been available?
The first Thermage device was FDA approved in 2002. The current Thermage device is a third generation system and the new CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology) has made the procedure very well tolerated and more effective. Dr. Laborde uses this latest Thermage CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology) to provide greater comfort and maximum results.
What parts of the body do Thermage procedures treat?
Thermage procedures can effectively and safely treat skin on most body parts, including the face, neck, eyes, lips, abdomen, arms, hands, thighs and buttocks.
What kind of results can I expect?
Your skin can look smoother and more youthful as the tighter underlying collagen offers better
support.
Depending on the area treated:
- The eyebrows can be lifted making the eyes look brighter, more open, less tired and
more alert. - The cheeks can have reduced sagging and a tighter, firmer appearance.
- The jawline and upper neck skin can tighten resulting in improved contour.
- Elsewhere on the body, wrinkled, sagging skin can appear smoother; bulging skin can be tighter and firmer.
When do the results appear and how long do they last?
Some immediate results are usually visible and improve over time in the course of your body’s natural collagen rebuilding process. For most patients, measurable tightening and contouring gradually appear in the two to six months following a single treatment session. Results usually last for 2-3 years but have been shown to last up to 5 years depending on your skin condition and aging process.
How many treatments will I need?
For many patients one Thermage treatment will suffice. Repeat treatments may be needed for others. Most patients repeat treatments every two to four years to maintain results. Recent data suggests that treatment at one to two-year intervals can induce profound improvement that is superior to waiting longer.
What will I look like immediately after the procedure?
There is no “downtime.” Redness is seen in some patients, but it usually disappears within a few hours. Swelling, particularly along the jaw line, is often subtle and usually resolves within a few days. Bruising and pain are uncommon after the procedure. No special care is needed after treatment and most patients return to their regular activities immediately following the procedure.
Does it hurt?
With the latest Thermage CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology), the device adds a gentle vibration sensation and interspersed cooling bursts to provide more comfort during treatment. Each time the treatment tip touches your skin, you will feel a brief cooling sensation, followed by a deep but brief heating sensation, followed by another cooling sensation. The heating sensation is a sign that the deep layers of your skin are reaching effective temperatures for tightening, while the cooling sensation protects the surface of your skin. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Laborde will ask for feedback on the level of heat sensation to help balance your comfort with maximum results. There is no need to premedicate prior to the procedure.
Is it safe?
Thermage has an excellent safety record and the number of adverse effects is extremely small.
Side effects are generally mild and may include redness, swelling, blisters, bumps and rare instances of surface irregularities.
How long is the procedure?
The Thermage treatment may take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes for the face and up to an hour and a half for other parts of the body, depending on the size, location and condition of the area to be treated. The total visit will take from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I get Thermage procedure instead of a facelift?
Thermage can definitely tighten your skin, but won’t provide the dramatic results of a surgical facelift. If you would like modest tightening and contouring of your skin without surgery, then Thermage may be right for you.
Can I get a Thermage procedure if I’ve already had other procedures?
Thermage procedures are compatible with most other cosmetic procedures such as soft-tissue fillers, lasers or Botox. For best results, you will need to discuss your past procedures, as well as your current expectations with Dr. Laborde.