Thermage? is one among many noninvasive, nonsurgical skin treatments used to tighten skin and give a more youthful look without the costs, pain and long recovery time of surgery. Unlike other treatments that use light energy, Thermage? uses radio frequency energy to apply heat beneath the skin in short pulses. It can be used to restore loose, sagging skin on many parts of the body, including the face, abdomen, legs, knees and hands.
Skin Care after Thermage?
Protect your skin from sun damage by applying a sunscreen lotion that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Use a mild, nondrying soap to wash the skin every day and follow up with a light moisturizer, preferably containing vitamin C and some degree of SPF protection. Overall, Thermage? requires little to no recovery time. You may experience some redness or swelling after the treatment, but these side effects usually disappear on their own over a few days.
If you do feel the need to 'touch up,' other treatments such as dermal fillers, skin tightening and laser treatments can be used safely alongside Thermage?. However, the results of this procedure tend to improve, not deteriorate, with time. Some patients have reported seeing improvements six months after the initial procedure. The degree of improvement depends largely on your own unique skin and how much collagen you had before the procedure, which your plastic surgeon can discuss with you. Additional precautions such as protecting yourself from sun damage and pollutants contribute to the overall health of your skin and can help you avoid further signs of aging.
What to Expect
This treatment is best used to achieve subtle yet noticeable results. The results are not comparable to the drastic change provided in a facelift or brow lift, but it is ideal for small corrections to specific areas. The treatment takes only one session, compared to multiple sessions needed in other nonsurgical skin procedures. You will not need any further treatments after the original session to maintain results. In fact, the technology used in Thermage? will continue working for months after your treatment.
