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Thermage Skin Tightening
The Thermage procedure is a unique non-surgical treatment that gives tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. The Thermage procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures.
- What is the Thermage procedure?
- How does it work?
- What areas can be treated?
- Am I a candidate for the Thermage procedure?
- What does it feel like?
- How long does a treatment take?
- What will my skin feel like after the treatment?
- When will I see results?
- How long will the effects last?
- Is the Thermage procedure the same as face lift surgery?
- Is the Thermage procedure safe?
- How long before I can return to my normal activities?
- How many treatments will I need?
1. What is the Thermage procedure?
Developed in California by Thermage, Inc., the Thermage procedure employs a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology called ThermaCool™. The procedure has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial and neck contours. This non-invasive procedure is a fast and effective way to produce the desired effects with no down time. Unlike other procedures such as laser, this procedure can be performed on all skin types.
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2. How does it work?
The skin is composed of an outer layer, the epidermis, and a deeper layer, known as the dermis. One of the main constituents of the dermis is collagen, a unique building block that provides structure and support to our skin, to give youthful, wrinkle-free skin. With time, through a combination of age, sun exposure and other factors, collagen becomes disorganized and less effective, resulting in wrinkles and skin laxity.
The ThermaCool system uses a specialized treatment tip called ThermaTip™ to deliver a controlled amount of RF energy. With each touch to the skin, the ThermaTip uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin, while protecting the outer layers of skin with cooling. The deep, uniform heating causes deep structures in the skin to contract and tighten. With time, new and remodelled collagen is produced to further tighten the skin, resulting in a healthier, smoother, more youthful appearance.
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3. What areas can be treated?
The Thermage procedure is currently used for the face and neck. By tightening the skin in certain areas, significant cosmetic improvement can be achieved.
As an example, treating the skin on the forehead can lift the eyebrows and enhance the appearance of the eyes, making the eyes look more open, less tired and more alert; treating the cheeks and jowls (the bulge over the portion of the jaw line near the chin) can reduce unsightly wrinkles at the sides of the mouth and diminish the jowls, to give a refreshed, relaxed appearance; similarly, sagging skin in the upper neck region can often be nicely tightened. Other areas of use being investigated include the abdomen, thighs, arms, and buttocks, amongst others.
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4. Am I a candidate for the Thermage procedure?
Individuals who wish to have tighter skin with improved facial contours are candidates for the Thermage procedure. The ideal patient is one with reasonable expectations for improvement, has moderate skin laxity and is not yet ready, willing or able to have a surgical facelift. Extreme cases may derive more benefit from face or neck lift surgery. At the time of your consultation, we will provide you with a realistic opinion as to whether or not the Thermage procedure is likely to be of benefit for you.
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5. What does it feel like?
With each pulse of the ThermaTip, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. This sensation is very brief and lasts only seconds. Dr. Bertucci determines the amount of RF energy required based on your skin’s specific features.
By gently cooling the skin before, during and after heating, the ThermaTip is able to protect the skin and minimize discomfort. Comfort is further enhanced by applying a topical anaesthetic cream 30 – 60 minutes prior to staring the procedure. A pain medication analgesic is often also given to reduce discomfort.
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6. How long does a treatment take?
The actual Thermage procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Generally, most areas can be treated in 30 minutes to 1 hour. When the pre-treatment application of the anaesthetic cream is factored in, the total time in the office is approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
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7. What will my skin feel like after the treatment?
Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin will likely feel normal, as it did prior to the procedure. Some individuals report immediate tightening, smoother and more youthful skin. Most patients will notice tightening 2 – 6 months after their treatment.
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8. When will I see results?
Although in some patients the results are seen immediately, published studies conducted by Thermage show that measurable tightening appears gradually over 2 – 6 months in most individuals after a single treatment session. Approximately 20% of patients report minimal or no improvement after treatment but review of before and after photos will often demonstrate some difference.
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9. How long will the effects last?
The procedure produces immediate skin tightening, as well additional tightening over the ensuing 6 months. Unpublished reports indicate results may last 2 years or more based on your own natural aging process.
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10. Is the Thermage procedure the same as face lift surgery?
The Thermage procedure is a non-surgical treatment that gives smoother, tighter and healthier skin. Unlike face lift surgery, there is no surgical cutting involved. It would be unreasonable to expect the same results as with face lift surgery.
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11. Is the Thermage procedure safe?
The Thermage procedure 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 described as swelling, redness, bumps, numbness and tingling around the treated area. These side effects usually disappear within a few days to weeks. Less than 0.2% of patients report a lasting side effect described as a skin depression. Newer treatment techniques make these incidents extremely rare.
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12. How long before I can return to my normal activities?
The majority of people return to their regular activities immediately following the Thermage procedure. Mild redness is seen in some individuals but in often disappears within an hour after the procedure. Rarely, one may experience swelling, bruising, and pain after the procedure. Newer treatment techniques make this extremely uncommon. No special care is required after treatment unless specified by Dr. Bertucci.
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13. How many treatments will I need?
Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage treatment usually produces visible results. After 6 months, the area is reassessed and photographs are reviewed. Some individuals will need a second treatment. Other individuals are so satisfied with the results that they choose to undergo another treatment to further enhance their appearance. Dr. Bertucci and his staff will help you to determine whether further treatments would be beneficial.
Please call our office at 905/ 850 4415 if you have any questions and to arrange your prompt, confidential consultation, or to schedule your treatment.
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