Thermage® Treatment - Skin tightening using radiofrequency heating
What conditions can be treated with Thermage®?
Thermage® - Is used for people who need skin tightening. As we age, our skin becomes looser and less elastic. Some areas, such as the face, can have fillers to help restore volume and lift. However, skin tightening is often needed on top of this to give a good result.
Other areas, such as loose skin over the abdomen due to stretching at pregnancy, be improved by skin tightening.
About Thermage®
Thermage® was the first skin tightening procedure which was shown to tighten and lift loose skin. It is a non surgical procedure that is completely non-invasive, giving clients a walk-in walk-out treatment with very little "downtime". Normal daily life activities can resume immediately post procedure.
Thermage® received FDA approval in July 2002 and since then is constantly being updated and improved with advances in technology, making the treatment less uncomfortable but maintaining the results.
Is Thermage® safe?
Thermage® is a very safe procedure, although like any medical procedure there is always a small risk of complications post treatment. At Absolute Aesthetics the clinician will discuss these with each client at their consultation.
Thermage® treatment
The treatment itself involves placing a smooth flat tip on the area to be treated which then heats the skin and immediately cools it. To ensure uniform treatment, it is moved along grid lines which are put as a temporary tattoo on the area to be treated. This allows focusing on the areas of concerns to ensure maximum response.
The flat tip emits radiofrequency energy, which produces heat in the skin. This causes immediate tightening of the collagen both in the skin and in the underlying layers. Over time, usually 3 - 6 months, new collagen will form which will enhance and cause further tightening of the skin.
The treatment can be uncomfortable when the energy is applied, feeling like a very rapid heating sensation followed by a cooling effect. The rapid cooling has been one of the new developments in the Thermage® machines that has allowed effective heats to be generated within the skin.
During the treatment itself, the clinician talks to the client and uses a grading of discomfort, making sure that the treatment is as effective as possible whilst not being painful.
The length of time the treatment takes depends on the area to be treated but on average a full face treatment can take about 1.5 - 2 hours.
Who is suitable for Thermage® treatment?
Most people with these problems are suitable for Thermage® and there are very few contra indications to the treatment. All clients have a consultation with their clinician, at which these factors will be discussed and the treatment explained. Better results have been reported in clients between the ages of 35-60 years of age over those older than this. Thermage® is compatible with most other cosmetic procedures, although it is important though that clients discuss any other cosmetic treatments that they have had, or are undergoing, at the consultation prior to Thermage®.
What does the client look like post treatment?
Usually clients experience no "downtime" post treatment and are able to return to normal life immediately. The normal response may include some reddening of the area and slight swelling. Clients themselves often feel that they have a "sun burn" feeling in the treated area. These symptoms and signs settle down very quickly.
At the consultation the clinician explains post treatment symptoms to clients in more detail. If clients become concerned at any time, they can contact the clinic to talk to one of the specialists.
Clients are advised NOT have any other form of facial treatment or therapy until authorised to do so by their clinician. They should also avoid exposing their skin to extremes of heat and cold and protect their skin with sunblock cream.
Clients can return to their normal make up and beauty regime immediately.
What are realistic expectations or Thermage®?
Thermage® is not a facelift and will not achieve the same dramatic results that surgery will do. However it does tighten the skin but gives a more natural result. Treated skin can look smoother and more youthful.
The length of time the results will last will obviously vary with each individual. The procedures causes an immediate tightening effect of the collagen and this will tighten further with time. The maximum results occur over a 6 month period post treatment. The results can last anything up to about 3 years depending on the body's natural aging process. Certain things, such as cigarette smoke and sun damage can speed up the deterioration.
How many treatments are needed?
Usually it takes just 1 treatment to establish the result. Some clients do however choose to have a second treatment at 3 months to achieve a further tightening effect. It is important to remember that the skin will continue to improve for a 6 month period post treatment, although many patients do see a response earlier than that.
The cost of Thermage® treatment can be discussed at the consultation. It will depend largely on the area needing treatment. We will be happy to provide a written quote.
If you would like to know more about Thermage® at Absolute Aesthetics, contact us on info@absoluteaesthetics.co.uk or Tel: 01483 477 189.
