Thermage Skin Tightening

Thermage is a non-invasive treatment resulting in the tightening and rejuvenation of skin which suffers from various effects including loss of firmness and decreased skin elasticity, that alter its natural, healthy appearance. It is one of the most commonly employed recontouring treatments in the United States today.

How Thermage Works

Traditional modern skin treatments involve the use of lasers to resurface the skin, or to promote healthy growth in underlying layers of the skin. Thermage uses radio waves instead. These longer waveforms of energy penetrate deeper into the skin than laser treatments, while working less invasively to help energize underlying tissue. This results in a convective temperature change, which cools and soothes the skin's outermost layers.

Thermage is a gentle form of skin therapy, with no recovery time to speak of. Recent innovations in the treatment reduce the immediate effects of heating on the surface of the skin while Thermage is being applied, assuring maximum patient comfort throughout the procedure -- and helping to ensure a complete lack of skin damage.

During the Procedure

A numbing agent will normally be used, in the form of a mild topical cream, to prepare the area which will be receiving treatment. This is a precautionary measure to help ensure maximum patient comfort throughout the application of the Thermage device. A local anesthetic may be required in the case of a patient with particularly sensitive skin; your doctor can provide answers to any questions you might have.

The effects of Thermage may felt during the procedure, in the form of a series of brief pulses of heat. This is normal; it results from the penetration of the radio waves, as they work to improve the elasticity and smoothness of the deeper layers of your skin. As needed, the operator can adjust the energy output of the handheld applicator.

Post-Treatment Effects

Thermage is completely non-invasive, and does not cause any damage to your skin, eliminating the need for a recovery time. Patients should be able to drive themselves home from their dermatologist's office following the procedure.

The positive effects of Thermage treatment may last for up to three years, resulting from a single treatment. This is an average duration, impacted by a number of factors (including sun exposure, smoking, and other lifestyle choices).

Because of this, while there is no long-term recovery, patients are strongly encouraged to take care of their skin. This will help to maximize their skin’s health. Individuals who have undergone Thermage skin therapy are encouraged to avoid excess sun exposure, and to follow their dermatologist's advice for basic skin hygiene practices.