Thermage

Every year, millions of patients visit their dermatologist's office complaining of fine wrinkles and increased skin. In the past, traditional treatments have included non-ablative lasers, laser resurfacing, topical retinoids (Retin-A) or the more invasive face-lift. Recently, a new non-ablative therapy has been developed called radiofrequency resurfacing (Thermage).

How Thermage Works:

Thermage works by delivering heat energy to the deeper parts of the skin (dermis) through a hand piece. This hand piece also has a cooling spray that protects the superficial part of the skin (epidermis) from injury. The heat energy causes the reduction of deeper tissues which decreases the appearance of lines. Eventually new collagen develops and transforms to give an even firmer appearance to the skin. This technique is non-ablative in that it does not cause damage to the surface of the skin. And because Thermage does not cause damage to the skin surface, unlike dermabrasion and laser resurfacing, there is very little "down time" (see paragraph below).

Each session can take up to a couple of hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and, unlike a facelift which usually take at least 2 weeks to recover from, patients can return to work the same day. Similarly, there is no scar as is with the surgical facelift procedure and the effects of Thermage can last from 6 months up to 2 years.

The downside with Thermage is that it is sometimes painful and requires an anesthetic cream and occasionally nerve blocks or IV sedation. However, the older, original method of one or possibly two treatments has been replaced with newer forms which entail more treatments over time with less discomfort. This produces a more desired effect and requires less power per procedure. Side effects can include redness, swelling, bumps and blisters but these should resolve over a few weeks

How Thermage Works:

Thermage can cost from $1,000 to $5,000 a treatment.

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician