Thermage employs radiofrequency technology to produce a tightening and smoothing effect which can also improve the contours of the skin for a rejuvenating result.
It was the first system of its kind used patented technology to deliver heat via a specialised tip to the deeper tissues while cooling the skin surface.
Thermage (pronounced Therm-arj) is a non-surgical treatment for skin-tightening and contouring. It uses radiofrequency technology to introduce heat safely into the skin.
The heating effect in the deeper layers of the skin results in tightening of existing collagen, which is often seen immediately, followed by a delayed effect on stimulating new collagen. This means that the main effects are seen between two and six months.
Typically one treatment is given. You might like to repeat the procedure after 2 years.
This is a “no downtime” procedure. There is no special care needed after treatment and most people return to normal activities straight away. There is often some mild redness and minor swelling, but this usually settles within a few hours.
When the energy is applied you will feel an intense but brief heating sensation. A cooling spray is automatically applied before, during and after each application of energy to protect the skin surface and for the patient’s comfort. When the energy is applied, those having the treatment describe an intense but brief heating sensation which quickly passes.
Some people see immediate effects, such as a more radiant complexion. Skin tone will usually alter over the course of the first 4-12 weeks and the full ‘deep’ effects occur over 6 months as new collagen and skin cells are produced.
Thermage is not recommended for use if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also not advised if you’re not sure whether or not you could be pregnant.
Diabetes, heart conditions, patients with pacemakers, hearing implants, metal devices inserted in the body or compromised sensitivity may be a concern.
Thermage is a doctor-led treatment which you won’t find in beauty salons or spas. Practitioners need to be a qualified plastic surgeon, cosmetic doctor, dermatologist or physician with at least 6 years laser experience.
Training is intense and the route to becoming a certified physician is quite demanding. This is why relatively few companies offer this treatment. Doctors/surgeons carry out at least 20 hours of training on the system. The first 6 patient treatments are overseen by the suppliers of the Thermage device. Certified physicians listed on their web site as ‘certified users of Thermage’ under ‘Find a Physician ‘for consumers.
Thermage is not an abrasive product and cools the skin during treatment, so there is no particular post-treatment sensitivity. However, the sun is a primary cause of age-related skin concerns and we’d therefore always recommend using a high factor protection on a daily basis in order to keep your skin protected year round.
Thermage is a radiofrequency treatment, which works to tighten the skin. It uses radio frequency waves to penetrate the top layer of the skin in order to tighten and stimulate collagen within.
Lasers are designed to work at the skin’s surface and are used to help reduce fine lines and sun damage.
Thermage is approved by the FDA in the USA and CE marked in Europe.
Radiofrequency works well alongside a number of other aesthetic procedures, including BOTOX and dermal fillers.
“I had Thermage CPT done on my stomach just under 4 weeks ago. Since having children and just general ageing, my stomach had lost elasticity and tone and had minor skin sagging. I had read quite a lot about this procedure really hurting and it did worry me beforehand.
I’m now very glad that I tried it for myself, because it was not painful at all and at times was pretty relaxing. Indeed, on a scale of 1-10 (1=no pain and 10=very painful) most of the procedure measured around a 2, with the odd second going to about 4.5. The procedure took just over an hour and I went back to work immediately afterwards.
When the procedure was finished my stomach did feel flatter, but I was told I would not start to see real results for 4-6 months. So I’m watching this space!
Afterwards, my stomach felt warm for about an hour, but after that there were no side effects at all.
Overall, I think that Thermage is a great and painless non-invasive procedure. My stomach does feel flatter already and I definitely want my face done. For me the only downside is the cost in the UK.
S.G. Northampton, Posted on Realself.com
“My skin feels so much fresher and firmer, and I have had lots of compliments on how I’m looking.”
“I’ve had a lovely effect, especially along the jawline”
“I saw some immediate improvement and its been continuing since my treatment 2 months ago.”
“Because it happens so gradually I hadn’t appreciated the improvement until I’d seen the photos. If I get any more improvement I’ll be ecstatic!”
“When I look at photographs of myself now I can see my face is better formed.”
“If this improvement continues I’ll be ecstatic!”
A.H. Northampton
“Its really improved my skin and made me look refreshed”
S.M. Northampton
