No one wants to look old, right? Getting smoother, firmer skin is one of the best ways to erase the signs of aging. There is a safe, cosmetic enhancement procedure that can help diminish unwanted signs of aging. It is called Thermage.
Telltale Signs of Aging
Everyone ages; there is no getting away from it. Some believe that it adds character, while others clearly want to diminish these signs of aging: Facial lines and wrinkles, and sagging or loose skin.
Thermage is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved cosmetic enhancement procedure--a non-invasive procedure used to lift and tighten the skin and contour the body.
How it Works
The skin contains collagen, which keeps it plumped up and looking youthful. Unfortunately, collagen deteriorates faster than our body can make it. This deterioration starts the visible aging process. Thermage uses Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) to stimulate new collagen growth. This, in turn, tightens the skin’s contours. In other words, Thermage works by tightening and lifting the skin to smooth out wrinkles and define facial contours. The stimulation of collagen growth continues to enhance the effects of the treatment over time.
Who is a Candidate?
Thermage can be used on all skin types. It is safe to around the eyes, and on the face and body. It can effectively treat patients who wish to target the following areas:
- Upper and lower eyelids
- Facial jowls
- Turkey neck
- Sagging jawline
- Unwanted body bulges and dimples
Why Choose Thermage?
Thermage is a popular cosmetic treatment choice for a variety of reasons including:
- Significant results are seen after one treatment
- There is no surgery and no injections
- There is very little or no downtime after a treatment
- The results can last up to two years
What to Expect with the Procedure
The Process
Thermage is an outpatient procedure that requires no anesthesia. Each treatment takes 20 minutes to two hours, depending upon the area being treated. Radiofrequency pulses are delivered through a handheld device guided in a grid-like pattern on the skin to cover the area being treated.
Pain Level
Patients describe mild to moderate pain--a brief, deep heat sensation with each pulse of the radiofrequency energy. The Thermage device also sends a cooling pulse to counteract the heating sensation.
Recovery
After a Thermage treatment, there is very little recovery time needed. Post-procedure information includes:
- The skin is usually red after a treatment
- Some bruising is possible
- Return to normal activities the day of the procedure
- Cosmetic improvement continues for up to six months after the initial treatment
Side Effects
While there is risk involved with any procedure, less than 0.4 percent of Thermage patients have reported negative side effects. It is important to have the procedure done by a qualified healthcare professional. The most common side effects are redness and swelling.
Thermage Results, Outcomes, and Benefits
Thermage treats signs of aging on the face and tightens skin on the body. Instant gratification is a main benefit, which continues to improve over the ensuing months as new collagen grows.
Results of a single treatment can last for up to two years. Some patients opt for a repeat treatment about six months after the initial procedure to maintain the effects.
Thermage has been FDA approved for more than 10 years, and is considered a safe and effective cosmetic enhancement when performed by a qualified healthcare provider.
