What is the Thermage™
Procedure?
Thermage™ is a safe, non-invasive,
no downtime, single treatment, cosmetic procedure that is
clinically proven to tighten, contour and rejuvenate facial
skin to help naturally restore a more youthful appearance.
The Thermage™ procedure is administered
in a doctor’s office using the ThermaCool™
system, FDA cleared for the treatment of facial wrinkles,
which utilizes a unique form of Capacitive Radiofrequency
(CRF) technology to tighten existing collagen and stimulate
new natural collagen production. Immediate results are visible
and continue to improve for up to six months. The Thermage™
procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from
normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed
on patients of all skin color.
How Does the Thermage™
Procedure Work?
The procedure works by heating deep collagen fibers in the
skin and underlying tissue, while protecting the skin's surface
with a cooling spray. The treatment is performed with the
ThermaCool™ device. A ThermaTip™,
attached to a handheld device, briefly touches the skin, delivering
the non-invasive CRF energy deep beneath the skin. This deep
uniform heating action causes the deep structures in the skin
and underlying tissue to immediately tighten. Over time, new
and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin
and renew facial contours.
How Long Does the Thermage™
Procedure Take?
Depending on the size of the area to be treated, the procedure
may take as little as 20 minutes or up to two hours.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions,
a single Thermage™ treatment produces
results in the majority of patients. The treating doctor will
determine the course of treatment that is right for each patient,
based on the patient’s needs and goals.
When Will I See Results?
Immediate results are visible, and improve over time. Measurable
tightening and contouring improvements appear gradually over
a two to six month time period following a single treatment
session.
Where on the Body is the Thermage™
Procedure Performed?
• Eyelids
• Facial periorbital region: forehead and area around
the eyes
• Mid/Lower face: includes the cheeks, area around the
mouth, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
• Lower face/submental: includes the area around the
mouth, chin, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
• Full face: includes the periorbital region and mid/lower
face areas
• Neck/décolletage
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Upper legs/thighs
• Buttocks
• Hips/saddlebags
• Hands
What Does the Thermage™
Procedure Feel Like?
With each touch of the ThermaTip™
device, the patient experiences a brief, deep heating sensation
as the CRF energy is delivered to the skin and underlying
tissue. This deep heating sensation is an indication that
collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening.
To protect the skin and make the treatment more comfortable,
the surface of the skin is cooled before, during, and after
each application of CRF energy. Patient feedback on the level
of heat sensation experienced during the procedure will help
guide the doctor to balance procedural comfort with maximum
results. The doctor may offer light pain medications prior
to treatment to minimize sensation. These options should be
discussed directly with the doctor as each patient’s
needs vary.
Is There any Special Preparation or Follow-up Regime?
No. Unlike surgery, there is no pre-procedure preparation,
such as blood work or fasting required. One can return to
regular activities immediately following treatment and there
is no special care after treatment. Some patients exhibit
a temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, this
usually resolves within 24 hours. Good skin care and sunscreens
are recommended as part of your regular skin care regimen.
The only signs of treatment are naturally smoother, younger,
and healthier skin.
How Long will the Effects of the Thermage™
Procedure Last?
Thermage™ immediately tightens
existing collagen and stimulates new natural collagen production
for up to six months following the treatment. Unpublished
reports by experienced cosmetic doctors indicate that results
may last for years and are based on the patient's natural
aging process.
Is Thermage™
Safe?
The Thermage™ procedure has an
excellent safety record. With over 190,000 estimated worldwide
patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side
effects is less than 0.4%. The most frequently reported incidents
are classified as swelling, redness, bumps, and blisters on
or around treated area. These side effects have disappeared
in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.11%) but longer lasting
side effect described as a surface irregularity has also been
reported. Consult with your physician regarding this and any
other questions you may have on the safety record of the Thermage™
procedure.
Is Thermage™
the Only Radiofrequency Technology on the Market Today?
While there are other skin care technologies that use radiofrequency
energy, only the Thermage™ proprietary
capacitive radiofrequency technology delivers deep uniform
volumetric heating powerful enough to naturally tighten and
contour skin and underlying tissue. Also, Thermage™
achieves results in a single treatment compared to other technologies
requiring five or more treatment sessions.
How Much does the Thermage™
Procedure Cost?
In the U.S., the procedure cost may range from $1,500 to $5,000
based on the areas treated. Your physician will discuss his
or her fees with you at the time of the consultation.
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