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Skin tightening and contouring without surgery.
Patient Information
The Thermage® procedure is the only non-invasive treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed
facial contours and healthier collagen. (Collagen is the building block that provides structure to
your skin.) The Thermage procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who
specialize in cosmetic procedures. Your physician is your best information resource for determining
how this treatment will most benefit you. The more commonly asked questions about this popular procedure
are listed below.
What is the Thermage Procedure?
The Thermage procedure employs a patented capacitive radio frequency (CRF) technology called
ThermaCoolTM. 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 facial wrinkles and rhytids.
How does it work?
The ThermaCool device uses a sophisticated treatment tip called ThermaTip TM,
which delivers a controlled amount of CRF energy. With each touch to the skin, the ThermaTip device uniformly heats
a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously protecting
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 will my skin feel like after the procedure?
Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin should feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. Over time, you
will notice additional tightening.
How long will the effects of the Thermage Procedure last?
The Thermage procedure causes immediate tightening of the collagen structure, with additional tightening over time.
Unpublished reports by experienced cosmetic physicians indicate the results may last 24 months or longer based on the
patients natural aging process.
Is the Thermage Procedure Safe?
The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 190,000 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 have disappeared in a few days or
weeks. A rare (<.11%) but longer lasting side effect described as a surface irregularity has also been reported. Consult
with your physician regarding this and any other questions you may have on the safety record of the Thermage procedure.
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.
How much does the Thermage Procedure Cost?
The cost of the Thermage procedure depends on the areas being treated. Certainly the more treatment area involved, the more
the procedure will cost. Your physician will discuss his or her fees with you at the time of your consultation.
What does the Thermage Procedure feel like?
With each touch of the ThermaTip device, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the RF 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. The physician 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. Additionally, your physician may also prescribe relaxants.
When will I see results?
Recently published studies conducted by Thermage 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 many treatments will I need?
Thermage has produced results in the majority of patients in a single treatment, unlike many laser procedures with require
up to four or more sessions. Your physician will determine the coarse of treatment that is right for you.
How long does it take?
The Thermage procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional
time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.
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