Thermage

Thermage is a safe, clinically proven way to tighten and contour skin, with improvements in tone, contour, and texture occurring naturally through the stimulation of your own collagen.

Thermage is completely non-invasive: no surgery, no injections. A single treatment tightens your existing collagen and stimulates new collagen growth. Improvements are both immediately visible and continue up to six months. Results can last for years depending on your skin condition and aging process.

The procedure itself is normally done as a single treatment that takes from 20 minutes to two hours depending on the treatment area. What's more, there is no downtime, so you can quickly resume your normal routine. Unlike lasers, Thermage works on all skin types and tones. And unlike injections or fillers, Thermage works on your entire face: forehead, eyes, nasolabial folds, jaw line, jowls and the area under your chin.

If you no longer recognize the face looking back at you in the mirror, it's time to talk to a certified Thermage physician and learn how Thermage can help you look as young as you feel.

FDA cleared for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids. Side effects are generally mild and may include redness, swelling, blisters, bumps and rare instances of surface irregularities.
* Your results may vary depending on age and skin condition.

To understand how Thermage works, it helps to know a little about how your skin works. The facial skin is made up of three distinct layers: a visible outer layer on the surface called the epidermis, a collagen-rich under layer beneath the surface called the dermis, and an inner layer beneath the dermis called the subcutaneous layer, also known as the fat layer that has a web of collagen fibers running through it.

When the collagen in these three layers breaks down due to sun exposure, family heredity, or the normal aging process, your face begins to sag and wrinkle. Naturally, treatments that work on just the surface can't do anything to restore the collagen in the under layer or the inner layer of your skin.

Thermage is the only non-invasive procedure available that tightens and renews your skin's collagen in all three layers. How? Thermage's unique Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology safely heats your skin's under layer and the web of collagen in the inner layer, causing an immediate tightening as well as improved tone and texture. And the improvements will continue and become even more noticeable for four to six months following treatment due to new collagen growth.

Thermage works on all skin types and colors. Best of all, you only need one Thermage treatment to obtain the full benefits, not three to five as you would with some laser therapies. And there is no downtime, so you can quickly resume your daily routine.

Women and Men 35-60 normally have the best and most predictable results. If your skin is too lax, the results will not be as dramatic.

Normally, the complete procedure can be performed in just one session lasting from 20 minutes to two hours, depending on the treatment area. Anesthesia is not required.

During the treatment, you'll feel a brief, heat sensation each time Thermage delivers radiofrequency energy to the under layer of your skin. This indicates that your collagen is being stimulated and tightened.

After treatment, your skin may be slightly red for a day or two. But most people resume regular activities immediately after treatment, with no downtime or special follow-up care.

Immediate Results: You should feel and see your skin being smoother, firmer, and tighter immediately after your Thermage treatment. You may also notice some contouring effects which will begin enhancing the shape of your face.

Continued improvement over time: After the procedure, you should continue to see improvements to your skin as a result of the production of new and increased collagen, as well as some additional contouring effects due to continued tightening over time. These effects will continue for up to six months. You should see lasting results.

Thermage is a great complimenting treatment to other non-surgical procedures that we offer at Athena clinic, such as Botox, Dermal fillers and Chemical peels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Information:

The Thermage procedure is a non-invasive treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. (Collagen is the building block that provides structure to your skin.)

What is the Thermage procedure?

The Thermage procedure employs a patented monopolar capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) 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 wrinkles and rhytids.

How does it work?

The ThermaCool™ system uses a sophisticated treatment tip called ThermaTip™, which delivers a controlled amount of CRF energy. With each touch to the skin, the ThermaTip device uniformly heats a volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously helping to protect 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.

What does the Thermage procedure feel like?

With each touch of the ThermaTip device, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the CRF 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. Dr Peterson 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. Sometimes prior to treatment, an anesthetic cream may be applied to enhance your comfort.

How long does it take?

The Thermage procedure can take anywhere from twenty minutes 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 Thermage procedure, your skin may 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 Thermage 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 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 Thermage procedure last?

The Thermage procedure may cause 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 Thermage procedure safe?

The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 275,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side effects is less than 0.4%. The most frequently reported incidents are classified as swelling, redness, bumps and blisters on or around the treated area. These side effects may resolve in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.08%) but longer lasting side effect described as a surface irregularity has also been reported

How long before I can return to my normal activities?

Most people return to their regular activities immediately following the Thermage 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.

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