Skin Tightening

THERMAGE

Skin tightening can be achieved in a variety of fashions. However, short of a face lift and significant down time, Thermage (also referred to as ThermaLift, Thermal Lifting, ThermaPlasty and Thermoplastic contouring) is based on the delivery of radio frequency energy into the dermal layer of skin. It has been proven to be very effective in the properly selected patient. At no time is it meant to replace a more formal facelift.

It is currently used as a non-surgical browlift and non-surgical tightening of facial wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, the mid and lower face and the neck.

The radio frequency (RF) energy emitted from this device uniformly heats the dermis while cooling and protecting the epidermis. It is designed to cause immediate collagen contraction followed by new collagen production which occurs over a period of time. At the present time, the Thermage technology is the only non-invasive method to tighten loose skin.

Depending on the size of the area treated, the procedure itself may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Dr. Van Wyck may ask you to arrive an hour before your procedure for administration of an anesthetic cream.

You may return to your normal activities immediately, as there is usually no”downtime”. Minimal redness is seen in some patients but in most cases it disappears shortly after treatment. Heat-related complications may occur but are uncommon. There is no special care needed after treatment. As part of your skin care program, sunscreen is recommended.

Recently published studies conducted by Thermacool show that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment session. However, many patients report seeing an earlier response.

A single treatment has produced good results in a significant number of patients. Dr. Van Wyck will assess the number and frequency of treatments required to achieve optimal results for your skin.

Unpublished reports by experienced physicians indicate that results may last as long as 18 months or longer, based on the patient’s natural aging process.

The Thermage procedure is very safe. Although it is possible that skin damage can occur, this advanced treatment has been studied carefully in hundreds of patients with minimal reports of lasting adverse effects.