Thermage for the Body

Thermage Tightens the Abdomen, Arms, and Other Areas.

Thermage is a procedure that uses radiofrequecy energy to heat the underlying support tissues without harming the surface layers, so there is no associated downtime.

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How does thermage work?

The thermage procedure uses safe radio-frequency energy to penetrate the top layer of skin and create a volumetric and uniform heating effect to the deep dermis. It reduces wrinkles and achieves brow lifting by skin tissue tightening caused by immediate collage contraction followed by gradual collagen tightening. The result is a more youthful appearance to lax and sagging skin. Instead of the superficial treatment of the skin's surface, tissue tightening offers longer lasting deeper structural benefits. This is accomplished while also protecting the epidermis with a cooling cryogen spray during treatment.

Where on the Body is Thermage performed?

The most common areas of the body to treat with Thermage are the abdomen and the arms. But Thermage is also used in other areas like the knees as well. Additional applications to treat other body areas and combining Thermage with other procedures is common.

Is Thermage painful?

Each time the Thermacool device is pulsed there is a brief sensation of intense heat in the skin. An anesthetic cream applied before the procedure helps to alleviate patient discomfort. Pain medications by mouth have been very helpful. Also, the Thermacool device monitors the surface temperature of the skin and applies a cooling cryogen spray, which is delivered before, during and after the application of heat.

The Thermage procedure takes about and hour or more depending upon the site but a face normally takes from 1-2 hours.

Is there any special preparation or follow-up routine?

Not really! Unlike major surgery , there is no need to interrupt any medications or to do any fasting. You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment providing you are not too sedated from the pre-op pain cocktail. We recommend that someone drive you home. Some patients exhibit a temporary redness or superficial blistering for a few hours after treatment but there is usually no swelling or bruising. If blistering occurs , avoiding direct sunlight by using a sunscreen is suggested.

In most patients, results appear gradually over 2-6mos., although some patients see a earlier response.

How many treatments will I need?

A single treatment has produced good results in a significant number of patients. However, Dr. Richardson will assess the number and frequency of treatments required to achieve optimal results for your skin.

How long will the effects of the Thermage procedure last?

Recently published studies show that improvements continue for at least 6 mos. after a single treatment session. Other studies show that thermal collagen changes can last several years, depending on the rate of the aging process.

How safe is Thermage?

The Thermage procedure is very safe. Although it is possible that skin damage can occur, this advanced treatment has been studied carefully in hundreds of patients with minimal reports of lasting adverse effects.