The Aesthetic Skin Clinic: Thermage

Cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and plastic surgery in a safe medical environment

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Thermage

Thermage is a non-invasive treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. It employs a patented radiofrequency technology called ThermaCool that has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles. The incision-free procedure has no down time and can be performed on patients of all skin types.

How does it work?

The ThermaCool device delivers a controlled amount of radiofrequency energy, which uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin while simultaneously protecting the outer layers of skin with cooling. This causes deep structures in the skin to tighten, and over time, new and remodelled collagen is produced.

What does the Thermage procedure feel like?

With each touch of the ThermaTip you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the energy is delivered to the skin. This is accompanied by an audible tone. The physician must maintain contact with the skin so that it can be effectively cooled, so it is important not to move away from the ThermaTip. The physician will be guided by your feedback during the treatment and can reduce the energy if the heat becomes intolerable. You will be given analgesia and sedation prior to the treatment and made comfortable and supported throughout.

How long will the results last?

Immediately after a Thermage procedure your skin should feel tighter and smoother. We will compare before and after photographs to view this immediate lift. You will have additional tightening over the next six months, when photographs will again be taken for comparison. Unpublished reports indicate that results may continue for 24 months or longer. Because all individuals are different it is not possible to predict exact benefits, and some individuals may need additional treatments to achieve the desired effects.

What are the possible risks and complications involved?

Although complications following Thermage are infrequent, there are some risks associated with treatment which include:

Bruising and Swelling : Resolves in several days to several weeks.

Erythema or Blanching : Mild reddening or whitening of the skin for several hours.

Pigment changes : Less that 0.05% of patients have reported hyper-pigmentation.

Burns and Blisters : Less than 0.3% reported cases.

Surface Irregularities : Including dents, rippling and ridges in the skin which may not develop until a month after treatment. Low incidence of 0.2%, with most resolving naturally, or with soft tissue fillers.

These changes are very rare and almost unheard of using new protocols of lower energy. All our doctors use these newer protocols when treating.

Pain and altered sensation : Some patients have reported heat related discomfort and transient aching. A small number of patients, less than 0.1% have reported tingling, numbness and temporary paralysis.


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