ThermageAbout The Procedure
Thermage treatment provides patients with tighter, more youthful looking skin, all without face lift surgery. The Thermage application has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of wrinkles, furrows, and creases around the eyes.
Procedure Description
Thermage treatment uses a special treatment tip to deliver controlled amounts of RF energy into the collagen layers of the skin. This form of energy produces a heating action that penetrates the collagen and causes it to contract and tighten. In addition, collagen production is triggered and over a period of about 6 months, new collagen grows to further tighten the skin.
Best Candidates for Thermage Treatment
Candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Thermage is best performed during the early signs of aging such as early jowling, loosening skin, creasing around the nose and mouth, or wrinkling around the nose and mouth
Thermage treatment appears to work best in people with thin faces who are just on the verge of considering cosmetic facial surgery. People with very loose skin, sagging jowls and a turkey gobbler may see little improvement after Thermage and are better suited for cosmetic surgery. If surgery is not an option, then Thermage may provide some improvements but expectations need to be managed.
Thermage treatment works well on people with all skin types, unlike laser treatments that can cause permanent loss or variable pigmentation in darker skinned individuals.
Length of the Procedure
Thermage treatment can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area you are having treated.
Anesthesia
As part of pretreatment, a pain medication is given to reduce the discomfort of the heat sensation that occurs with the procedure.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Thermage treatment is performed in a doctor’s office.
Possible Side Effects
It is common to experience mild redness or swelling after the Thermage treatment. For treatment of the face, it is also common to experience some mild soreness under the jawbone. The side effects are minimal compared to traditional face-lifts or other surgical tightening procedures.
Recovery
Patients return to their daily activities immediately following their treatment. While some patients may experience minor redness in the treated area – similar to mild sunburn – this redness typically dissipates quickly. Normal skin care procedures, such as wearing sunscreen, etc., are recommended in maintaining the treated skin area.
Duration of Results
The results of the Thermage treatment will be seen gradually over a three to six month period, sometimes sooner. Results will vary. The enhancements achieved with Thermage may last several years also depending upon the individual patient’s aging process.
Risks
After Thermage treatment some redness and swelling may be experienced after the procedure, which may last for 1 to 2 hours, or at most, for a few days. The redness may be covered with makeup. New collagen is growing for up to 6 months after treatment so improvements should be visible right up till this time.
Cost
Expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the extent of the Thermage treatment.
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