Thermage^TM Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ThermageTM Facelift work? The Thermage Non-surgical Facelift was developed by Thermage Corporation to tighten skin on the forehead, brow area, and lower face without surgery. Treatment involves a single procedure with no downtime. This FDA-approved technology uses radiofrequency energy to heat and stimulate the fibroblasts in the dermis while it keeps the skin surface cool. This process promotes the contraction of the existing collagen fibers and stimulates new collagen growth. The end result is tighter, firmer skin.

What can I expect the day of the procedure? About an hour before your procedure, a local anesthetic cream will be applied to desensitize the areas that will be treated. While the procedure does not hurt, you may experience brief sensations of heat during treatment. To protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable, a cooling spray is delivered by the unit's hand piece before, during and after the treatment tip makes contact with your skin. The procedure generally lasts from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area treated. Most patients return to their regular daily activities immediately following their procedures. Some may experience mild redness, which usually subsides within an hour. There is no special care needed after treatment, but an effective sunscreen is recommended.

What kind of result can I expect? Results vary from patient to patient. Your age, skin condition and degree of skin laxity will affect the outcome. While some of our patients have seen improvement within a week, you should expect to see results in two to five months. We will take photos of you before and after your procedure so you can see the benefits of your treatment.

How long does the result last? To date, some studies indicate that improvement lasts at least 22 months, other studies show that thermal collagen changes can last several years depending on the rate of the aging process. It is important to keep in mind that this procedure does not stop the aging process. Gravity will continue to take its toll on your skin, causing natural skin laxity over time.

Who are the best candidates for the Thermage Facelift? The best candidates for the procedure are individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity who can't afford any "downtime" in their lives. These individuals understand that they will see noticeable improvement in their skin in two to five months.

Are there any alternative treatments? The Thermage Facelift is the only treatment available today that offers improvement in skin laxity with no down time. Individuals who are interested in a more immediate result or more dramatic result may want to consider cosmetic surgery. Blepharoplasty procedures, and mini and full facelifts are commonly performed to correct excess skin around the eyes and overall skin laxity, respectively.

Does the Thermage Non-Surgical Facelift replace the traditional Facelift? The Thermage Non-Surgical Facelift does not replace the traditional facelift when individuals are experiencing moderate to severe skin laxity in the face or neck areas. Although these individuals see improvement with the Thermage Non-Surgical Facelift, they experience more dramatic improvement with a traditional mini or full facelift.

What other areas can be treated? At some point, loose skin on other areas of the body such as the neck, upper arms, abdomen and breasts may be treated; however, clinical studies involving these areas are still in progress.

Can this procedure be combined with other treatments? We routinely combine Thermage Non-Surgical Facelift technology with the Cool Touch III Gentle LaserTM for treatment of wrinkles and or acne scars, or with the IPL PhotoFacialTM for treatment of photo aging, red spots and brown spots.

How do I know if this treatment is for me? We encourage you to schedule a complimentary full-face skin consultation at one of our three convenient locations to determine if you are a candidate for the Thermage Non-Surgical Facelift procedure. One of our nurses will review your medical history, evaluate your skin condition, consider your desired results and determine the best course of treatment for you. Results of treatment vary from patient to patient depending on age, skin type and skin condition. Call our office today at 1 (800) 429-1151 to schedule an appointment to determine if you are a candidate for the Thermage Non-Surgical Facelift.