| Since Thermage works under the skin you can have Thermage
on your lunch hour and immediately return to work with no
noticeable change. It is truly a "lunchtime lift." It is
generally less costly than surgery, and the effects can
last for several years. Often the tightening will continue
to improve months after the procedure as the body continues
to create new collagen, enhancing the facial contours.
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 face is Thermage performed?
Even small amounts of skin tightening in certain key areas
can be advantageous for significant cosmetic improvement.
For example treating the skin of the forehead can lift the
eyebrow and enhance the appearance of the eyes making the
eyes look more open, alert, and less tired. Previously,
this result could only be obtained with major surgery. Additional
applications to treat other body areas are now being utilized.
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.
How long does it take?
The Thermage procedure takes about and hour but adding
the dermabrasion and application of anesthetic cream adds
to the total time which is generally 2-3 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. |
