Dear Dr. Man, I’m 55 years old and I live in Boca Raton. I want younger-looking skin and have thought about getting a facelift, but I haven’t decided yet. One of my friends at the tennis club said she got a treatment called Thermage and that it produced the same results as a facelift. Is this possible? Please tell me more about Thermage and what I can expect, results-wise.
Thermage is a technologically advanced approach to treating aging skin. It is currently used for treating loosening of the skin around the eyes, forehead, mouth and other areas of the body.
Thermage works by heating the underlying layers of the skin (dermis) with a unique delivery of radio frequency energy, while protecting the skin's top layer (epidermis) with a cooling spray. This is accomplished with advanced safety features that monitor skin temperature and regulate treatments. Thermage causes immediate collagen contraction, followed by new collagen production over a period of time, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Each time energy is delivered, there is an immediate cool sensation, followed by a brief hot sensation, and again by a cool sensation. Depending on the size of the area treated, the procedure itself may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
One of the major benefits of the procedure is that it does not require any downtime, so you can resume normal activities immediately. Minimal redness is seen in some patients, but it usually disappears shortly after treatment. There is no special care needed after treatment. As a part of good skin care, sunscreen is recommended.
Some patients see results soon after treatment; although in most patients, results appear gradually over 2 to 6 months. Recently completed studies demonstrated continued improvements for at least 6 months after a single treatment session. Thermage is very safe. Although this is a relatively newer technology, the number of adverse effects has been small.
While Thermage is an excellent treatment option for many people, it is not a replacement for a facelift or blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). It is important to have realistic expectations when undergoing any treatment. If you’re considering Thermage or any other procedure, visit a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to see what is right for you.
Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. Dr. Man has a private practice in Boca Raton, FL. www.drman.com
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