What is Thermage?

As we age, we all develop wrinkles, sagging skin and discoloration. Thermage treats these telltale signs of aging in the face and can be used to tighten the skin on the body. Thermage is a non-invasive procedure which tightens and contours for a naturally younger looking appearance with no surgery, injections, and little to no downtime. A patient benefits after a single treatment with results that can last for years
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How Does Thermage work?

As we age, the collagen in our skin breaks down faster than our bodies can rebuild it. Thermage targets the collagen in the skin with Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology that stimulates growth of new collagen, tightening and improving the skin's contour. Thermage is able to affect all levels of the skin, enabling it to treat more of the body and increasing the length of time that the results last.

Treatments last from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on the areas of skin the patient wishes to treat. One of the most compelling reasons for the Thermage's popularity is its instant-gratification factor. Results begin immediately as soon as treatment takes place and improvements to the skin's texture and appearance will continue as new collagen grows, often for months.
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What Will Happen At My Thermage Treatment?

Thermage is non-surgical so no anesthesia is needed, although many physicians will provide a pain medication as requested. Patients will feel a heating sensation each time the hand piece sends a pulse of RF energy. The latest version of the Thermage device, Thermage CPT, also delivers a cooling pulse to decrease the heating sensation. The physician will continue delivering pulses in a grid like pattern until the entire area is treated.

Patients will usually be a little red afterward and may have some bruising at the treatment area and can return to normal activities on the same day. There is an initial improvement, but it takes time for the collagen to grow. It will develop over the next several months, providing continued improvement, so it may take as much as 6 months before a patient sees the final results.
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What Are The Risks Of Thermage?

Very few patients report any negative side effects from Thermage, with a reported incidence of adverse effects less than 0.4% within 190,000 treatments worldwide. There is always a risk, as with any cosmetic enhancement, of long-term negative effects. Be sure to choose an experienced Thermage provider with whom you feel comfortable, and examine their before and after results as well as discussing your expectations before making your decision.

Be sure to ask your physician about any complications that may be specific to you as different individuals may have varied reactions to the treatment.
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How Much Does Thermage Cost?

The price of treatment can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the location and size of treatment on the face or body, the physician conducting the procedure, and the geographic market.
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What Are Thermage Alternatives?

Other non-surgical skin tightening treatments include:

• Reaction By Viora
• Ulthera
• Exilis
• Pelleve

Dr. Bill Johnson of Innovations Med Spa speaks about Thermage:

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Thermage is an innovative new cosmetic procedure that provides a non-surgical method for tightening loose skin and wrinkles using radiofrequency energy. This procedure is also known by the names ThermaCool, Radiothermaplasty, and ThermaLift. It is normally used to treat the neck, lower and mid face, forehead, eyes, and brow, but other parts of the body can be treated as well.

Thermage is a simple procedure that reduces the appearance of aging skin. Your skin is supported by collagen, which is a naturally occurring protein in your body that can become depleted by the age, environment, diet, smoking, or sun damage.

The procedure typically lasts for 30 to 90 minutes depending on how much area is being treated. Radiofrequency energy is directed just below the surface of the skin into the collagen with no surgery, injections, or incisions. During the treatment, a cooling spray may be used to make the procedure more comfortable and protect your skin. You may also be given a pain medication to reduce discomfort.

Over the next 6 months, your skin will slowly begin to produce more collagen, filling in the lines and grooves in your skin and producing a younger, more vibrant appearance. Many patients who have undergone Thermage have been thrilled with their new younger look. Results can begin to appear in as little as 3 weeks.

Thermage, like any medical procedure has a few risks involved. Some of the complications that can occur include temporary skin damage, mild redness or swelling, or mild pain beneath the jaw. There are rarer but more severe complications that your doctor can describe. It is important to point out that these side effects are minor compared to those of a traditional face lift. Discuss the risks and any questions or concerns you have with your physician before the procedure.

Recovery is very easy and most people can return to their regular activities right away. Other rejuvenation therapies may be recommended such as diet, nutritional supplements, or the Obagi Nu-Derm system.

This procedure is also sometimes referred to as Therma Cool, ThermaLift, Thermal Lifting, ThermaFrax, Therma Plasty, Thermoplastic contouring, Radiofrequency Skin Lift, ThermalCool, ThermoCool, and Non-surgical Skin Tightening