The Thermage® Procedure

The Thermage® procedure can tighten and tone facial skin, renew facial contours, and produce healthier, more abundant collagen to improve skin structure. Thermage® uses a monopolar capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) device called ThermaCool® to stimulate the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis and the deeper subcutaneous layer) while cooling and soothing the outer layer (the epidermis). Read on to learn more about how Thermage® can give you a younger appearance without surgery.

How the Thermage® ThermaCool® System Works

As the collagen in the dermis and the subcutaneous layer begin to stretch and sag, the skin loses some of its firmness and naturally smooth texture. The Thermage® procedure targets these collagen-containing layers. The ThermaCool® system utilizes a specialized treatment tip called the ThermaTip™, which delivers the CRF energy to the skin in controlled amounts. The ThermaTip™ uniformly heats the treatment area, stimulating collagen growth by essentially tricking the body into thinking it has suffered an injury and therefore needs to regrow collagen to restore the skin’s structure.

What Is Thermage® Treatment Like?

In general, the higher the setting used during the Thermage® procedure, the more impressive the final results; however, there will also be an increased risk of discomfort. If you are undergoing a more rigorous Thermage® treatment, your doctor may have you take pain medication before beginning. The preparation for each treatment will vary depending on the individual Thermage® candidate.

Patients report a brief, deep heating sensation with every touch of the ThermaTip™ device. The outer layer of skin (the dermis) is cooled with a spray so that the visible layers of skin are not damaged. Each touch of the ThermaTip™ covers approximately one-half to three-quarters of a square inch, and each pulse lasts between two and seven seconds.

How Long Does Treatment Last?

In general, the actual treatment lasts less than an hour, though preparation and possible administration of anesthesia will add to this time. On the part of the patient, Thermage® procedures require no preparation beyond cleaning the face and removing all makeup.

Search Skin Care Specialists in Your Area

For further information about the Thermage® procedure, contact a cosmetic dermatologist in your area. Only by discussing your goals and medical history with a qualified practitioner can you accurately determine whether Thermage® treatment is right for you.