It was not so long ago that the only treatment options for tightening facial skin involved undergoing expensive and painful plastic surgery. Thermage facial treatment system is at the forefront of a new breed of non-surgical treatments that can reverse many of the signs of aging with minimal downtime and less pain and expense.
Definition
Thermage is a proprietary skin treatment system that uses radiofrequency to heat the deep layers of skin tissue in order to stimulate the production of collagen, which tightens skin structure and decreases sagging. According to Thermage's informational website, the treatment is approved by the FDA for the "non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite...and is the first and only system to receive FDA clearance for non-invasive eyelid treatments."
Applications
Treatment with the Thermage system is available only in the offices of dermatologists with specialized training in its application. Dermatologist Neil Sadek notes that this procedure produces more subtle results than a traditional facelift, and that the best candidates for treatment are generally patients who are looking for only one to two millimeters of "lift" in the treated area. Thermage asserts that its treatment works equally well for individuals with all skin types.
How it Works
During Thermage treatment, the dermatologist uses a handheld wand-like instrument to apply pulses of radiofrequency to heat the dermis, the deeper layer of skin that lies just beneath the epidermis. This heating stimulates the body's natural healing and regeneration processes by stimulating the production of new collagen. Although some individuals see improvement in skin texture immediately after treatment, the results of Thermage become most visible after four to six months, during which time the skin continues to produce increased amounts of collagen.
What to Expect
Prior to a Thermage treatment, a dermatologist will consult with you to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. In most cases, provided that the desired results are realistic, only one treatment of 45 minutes to an hour is required. During treatment, the doctor cleanses the face, and in some cases, applies an anesthetic lotion to the treatment area. The doctor copies a carbon grid pattern onto to the face, which he follows during the procedure. He then uses a hand-held device to apply radiofrequency waves, passing slowly over each treatment area several times. While the device heats the deeper layers of skin, it also produces a cooling sensation on the more superficial layer, which helps to reduce discomfort.
Considerations
Although the cost of Thermage treatment is considerably less than that of a surgical facelift, dermatologist Dr. Brandith Irwin indicates that in most markets the average cost for one facial treatment is between $2,000 and $3,000. Side effects of Thermage can include mild redness and swelling, which generally disappears within several days of treatment. More serious side effects are rare. These include scabbing or crusting during healing, and accompanying infection and small, generally temporary, skin indentation.
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