Thermage

What is the Thermage procedure?

Thermage has been around for more than ten years. The technology used to be painful and less effective. The CPT technology used at all CosmeSurge^® Centers has dramatically improved results with much less patient discomfort during the procedure and minimal down time or risks. The Thermage procedure is the only noninvasive treatment that truly delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. (Collagen is the building block that provides structure to your skin.) 

The CosmeSurge^® centers feature the new upgraded Thermage machines, the newer tips and hundreds of satisfied patients. Check our FAQ section to see how you can ask your CosmeSurge physician to individaulize a value package that combines many safe interventions at the same time to insure the most bang for your money and and hassle. The more commonly asked questions about this popular procedure are listed below:

The Thermage procedure employs a patented capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) technology called ThermaCool. It has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types. The ThermaCool device has been cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of facial wrinkles and mild skin sagging. It is also effective for mild sagging of the abdomen and wrinkles around the belly button.

How does it work?

The ThermaCool device uses a sophisticated treatment tip called ThermaTip; which delivers a controlled amount of radiofrequency energy (no radiation- same radio waves used to emit radio programs). With each touch to the skin, the ThermaTip device uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin while simultaneously cooling the outer layer of the skin to protect it. This deep uniform heating actions shrinks the deep structures in your skin. Over the following six months, new and remodeled collagen is reproduced resulting in healthier, tighter, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance. 

What will my skin feel like after the procedure?

Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin should feel smoother and younger looking. Over time, you will notice a variable degree of tightening that satisfies about half of the patients. Non smokers get the best results. 

How long will the effects of the Thermage procedure last?

The Thermage procedure causes immediate tightening of the collagen structure, with incremental tightening over the following six months. Our surgeons and dermatologists have done hundreds of this procedure and hence get good results in half of the patients that last 24 months or longer depending on the patients’ natural aging process. These results are much higher than what is reported by many other clinics as we use the latest CPT wider tips and deliver higher energy as we frequently use a numbing cream.

Is the Thermage procedure safe?

The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 300,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side effects is less than one in two hundred patients. The most frequently reported incidents are classified as mild swelling, and some redness, bumps and blisters on or around the treated area. These side effects usually disappear in a few days or weeks.

How long before I can return to my normal activities?

Most people return to their regular activities immediately following the procedure. Some people experience mild redness (like a sunburn), but it usually disappears quickly. No special care is needed after treatment except for using a good sunscreen, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. 

How much does the Thermage procedure cost?

The cost for the Thermage procedure depends on the facial or body areas being treated. Certainly, the more treatment area involved, the more the procedure will cost. After examiniation, our physician will discuss his or her fees with you. 

What does the Thermage procedure feel like?

With each touch of the ThermaTip device, you will experience a brief, deep heating or stinging sensation as the radio frequency energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissues. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. The physician controls the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. Our experienced physicians do sometimes use a numbing cream to allow you to have the maximum energy delivered guiding their treatment on their experience and your reaction to a patch test performed prior to applying the anesthetic cream. The ThermaTip device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Additionally, your physician may also prescribe a Voltaren shot or a Dormicum relaxing pill an hour before, provided you have someone elese to drive you home. 

When will I see results?

Measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment session. However, many patients have reported seeing an earlier partial positive response. 

How many treatments will I need?

Thermage has produced results in the majority of patients in a single treatment, unlike many laser procedures which require up to four or more sessions. We individual the treatment plan depending on your needs and thus frequently combine the treatment with a Botox, a chemical peel, a filler or a fat transfer. Ask our doctor how you can save your money with a pre-paid individualised package that is right for you. 

How long does it take?

The Thermage procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.