The ThermageŽ procedure is the only non-invasive treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. (Collagen is the building block that provides structure to your skin.) The ThermageŽ procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. Dr. Buckley is your best information resource for determining how this treatment will most benefit you. The more commonly asked questions about this popular procedure are listed below.
What is the ThermageŽ procedure?
Radiofrequency (RF) 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 lines (rhytids).
Watch the video below to see Dr. Marina Buckley demonstrate how Thermage works at one of our live seminars.
How does it work?
The Thermacool™ system uses a sophisticated treatment tip called Thermatip™, which delivers a controlled amount of RF energy. With each touch to the skin, the thermatip™ device uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating action causes deep structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin, resulting in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.
Watch the video below to hear patient testimonials
What happens during the procedure?
Initially your face will be cleansed to
remove any residual oils. Dr. Buckley will draw various markings
on your skin to indicate which areas might need additional
tightening. Much like making alterations to an article of
clothing, the ThermageŽ treatment is customized to provide the
most benefit for each individual patient. A special pad will be
placed on your back. This pad completes the "circuit" for the RF
energy. You will lie on a comfortable table and a paper transfer
will be used to place a "grid" on the areas of your face to be
treated. This grid ensures complete and uniform treatment and
assists in the customizing of the treatment. Some areas will
require more "passes" of the thermatip™ than others to achieve
the desired results.
During the treatment you will be asked to provide feedback on
the level of heating you feel from the RF pulses. This feedback
allows the best selection of RF energy levels to be used and
makes certain you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Once the treatment is completed, the grid is removed.
What does the ThermageŽ procedure feel like?
With each touch of the thermatip™ device, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. 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. The thermatip™ device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Prior to treatment, an anesthetic cream may be applied to enhance your comfort. Additionally, your physician may also prescribe relaxants and/or pain medication.How long does it take?
The ThermageŽ procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.
What will my skin feel like after the procedure?
Immediately following a ThermageŽ procedure, your skin should feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. Overtime, you will notice additional tightening.
How many treatments will I need?
Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single ThermageŽ treatment has produced results in the majority of patients. Your physician will determine the course of treatment that is right for you.
When will I see results?
Recently published studies conducted by ThermageŽ show that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment session. However, many patients have reported seeing an earlier response.
How long will the effects of the ThermageŽ procedure last?
The ThermageŽ procedure causes immediate tightening of the collagen structure, with additional tightening over time. Unpublished reports by experienced cosmetic physicians indicate that results may last 24 months or longer based on the patient's natural aging process.
Is the ThermageŽ procedure safe?
ThermageŽ has an excellent safety record. With over 70,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side effects is less than 1%. The most frequently reported incidents are classified as swelling, redness, bumps and blisters on or around the treated area. These side effects have usually disappeared in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.2%) but longer lasting side effect described as a skin depression has also been reported. Consult with your physician regarding this and any other questions you may have on the safety record of the ThermageŽ procedure.
How long before I can return to my normal activities?
Most people return to their regular activities immediately following the ThermageŽ procedure. Some people experience mild redness (like a sunburn), but it usually disappears quickly. No special care is needed after treatment unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
Can ThermageŽ be used on other areas of the body?
ThermageŽ is gaining increased public awareness in the
treatments's ability to tighten loose body skin - especially
loose skin on the tummy area. Used post-pregnancy or
pre-liposuction, Thermage has proven to tighten that area that
no amount of exercise will touch. an effective treatment for
tightening loose areas on the body
Benefits and Advantages?
Most importantly, there is no recovery or patient downtime. Patients may return back to work directly after the procedure. Secondly, selecting ThermageŽ for skin tightening means no cutting, surgical drains, sutures or bruising. Thirdly, ThermageŽ is a less costly, non-invasive method. Lastly, there is no special follow-up regime.
