Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening
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Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening - Non-Ablative RadioFrequency with the THERMAGE TC

  What is THERMAGE?

    

THERMAGE is a radio-frequency device that allows for tightening of skin without injury to the skin's top layer (epidermis). It was developed as the result of extensive research by Thermage, Inc.

 

The THERMAGE device gently delivers a deep, intense, uniform, sustained heat in the tissue underneath the surface of the skin. This will produce contraction and tightening of excessively flaccid or lax skin, and significant damage to oil glands.


  Where on the face is it applied?

    Tightening skin in certain key areas can be advantageous for cosmetic improvement, for example: treating the skin of the forehead can lift the eyebrows and enhance the appearance of the eyes making the eyes look more open, less tired, more alert. Other areas of the face such as the skin of the cheeks can also be treated to reduce flaccidity, which reduces deep folds with aging. The skin of the neck can be tightened with treatment as well


Before (left) and 6 weeks after a single treatment (Dany Touma, M.D.)
 
Before (left) and 5 months after a single treatment of the forehead(Dany Touma, M.D.)
 

  How does the treatment work for acne?

    The treatment leads to normalization of the function of sebaceous glands, and probably  has an anti-bacterial effect. Therefore, it has a positive effect on acne, especially in the case of cystic acne. In many cases the treatment allows the avoidance of potentially toxic treatments like Isotretinoin (Re-Accutane).


Acne, before and 3 months after a single treatment
 

  What other areas can be treated?

    The eyelids can be specifically targeted with Thermage. Any area of the body, notably the abdomen, arms and thighs are improved. There is also evidence that treatment of the breasts can help tighten the skin and elevate the nipples.


  Is it painful?

    Each time the machine is fired, there is a sensation of heat in the area. An anesthetic cream applied one hour before treatment will make this quite tolerable. Fortunately this heat sensation lasts only fractions of a second and is followed by a cool sensation, which also helps improve comfort. This is the result of the use of cryogen spray, which is delivered before, during, and after the application of heat. Occasionally, pain killers or local injections of anesthesia are given for additional comfort.


Before (left) and after a single radiofrequency treatment (courtesy thermage, Inc.)
 
Thermage Eyelids
 
Thermage Eyelids
 
Thermage Thighs
  Thermage Arms
  Thermage Skin Tightening
  Thermage Skin Tightening
 

  How long does the procedure last?

    The procedure itself may take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending upon the size of the area treated.


  Do I need special preparation?

    No. You may continue use of your topical creams or medicines taken by mouth up until the time of the procedure. We recommend taking some skin specific supplements and using tightening creams.


  When can I return to my normal activities?

    You may return to your normal activities immediately after the treatment, as there is usually no down time. Minimal redness is seen in some patients but it normally disappears within an hour. Swelling, bruising, and pain is uncommon after the procedure. There is no special care needed afterwards either, unless you develop crusting which can occur rarely. If crusting is seen, then Bacitracin or Neosporin should be applied twice daily.


  When will the results show?

    Though in some patients the results are seen immediately, in most patients they will appear gradually over 2 to 6 months. Since the effects are so gradual, the patient usually may not be aware of the extent of the changes. Photographic comparisons usually will demonstrate the changes.


Before (left) and after treatment with radiofrequency (Courtesy Thermage, Inc.)
 

  How many treatments will I need?

    For many patients, one treatment will suffice. Repeat treatments may be needed for others, but may not be done for 3 to 6 months after the first treatment, since benefits are delayed. Acne patients usually require two treatment sessions.


  How long will the effects last?

    Studies to date demonstrate that there may be a variable response, but improvement tends to last several years. Maintenance treatment may be necessary.


  How safe is it?

    It is extremely safe. The number of adverse effects is extremely small.



This website is intended to educate people and prospective patients on the state of the art in laser treatment and procedures to improve the skin or treat certain skin problems. The photographs used to illustrate some of those procedures are untouched examples from consenting patients of Dr. Touma (unless indicated otherwise). Those photographs as well as the text used in this website are the property of Dr. Touma and cannot be duplicated elsewhere.