Thermage

One reason refractive surgery is so popular is that when we see "young" we feel young.  Thermage is another way we can turn back the clock a little by improving our appearance.  Thermage is a new skin tightening procedure that works on the deep layers of skin.  On the face, for example, it can soften or remove wrinkles and lines, reduce jowling and define the cheek and jaw more clearly. Of course, Thermage is not just for the your eyes and face since it can also work as a non-surgical "tummy tuck" and as a way to reduce cellulite!  Almost any skin can be tightened and smoothed.

We are happy to offer Thermage to our patients from Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and beyond.  Click on the link below to learn more details about this remarkable procedure and when you are ready to improve your appearance, give us a call at 1-877-EYE-6655.

 

 

 

What is Thermage®?

Thermage is a safe, non-invasive procedure that’s clinically proven to tighten and contour your skin. Its unique deep-heating technology stimulates and renews your own collagen, resulting in tighter, smoother skin.

Thermage is completely non-invasive – no surgery or injections. Unlike lasers, Thermage works on all skin types and tones. The procedure is typically performed in a single session. And there’s no downtime – so you can quickly resume your normal routine.

How Does Thermage Work?

To understand how Thermage works, it helps to know a little about how your skin works.

The facial skin is made up of three distinct layers: a visible outer layer on the surface called the epidermis, a collagen-rich under layer beneath the surface called the dermis,
and an inner layer beneath the dermis called the subcutaneous layer (also known as the
fat layer) that has a web of collagen fibers running through it.

As you age, collagen in these three layers break down and the skin on your face beings to
sag and wrinkle. Naturally, treatments that work on just the surface can’t do anything ot
restore the collagen in the dermis or the inner subcutaneous layer of your skin.

Thermage is the only non-invasive procedure available that tightens and renews your
skin’s collagen in all three layers. How? Thermage’s unique Capacitive Radiofrequency
(CRF) technology safely heats your skin’s under layer and the web of collagen in the
inner layer, causing an immediate tightening as well as improved tone and texture. The
improvements will continue and become even more noticeable for four to six months
following treatment, due to new collagen growth.

Thermage is safer than invasive cosmetic procedures. Unlike lasers, it works on all skin
types and colors. Best of all, you only need one treatment to obtain the full benefits. In
addition, there is no downtime, so you can quickly resume your daily routine.

The Treatment Procedure

During the treatment, you’ll feel a brief, heat sensation each time Thermage delivers
energy to the under layer of your skin. This indicates that your collagen is being
stimulated and tightened. Thermage is a very safe procedure. Side effects are generally
mild and may include redness, swelling, blisters, bumps and rare instances of surface
irregularities.  In most cases the redness is gone by the time the procedure is over and if you wish, you can just wash your face and apply your usual makeup before going home.  Since we usually give sedation before Thermage you must have a driver for the trip home.

The Recovery Process

Most people do experience temporary redness for a short period but this is usually only for a few hours and the redness is frequently gone by the time your procedure is complete.  You can resume all your normal activities right away including applying make-up.  You do not have to be careful about sun exposure afterwards but we do recommend sun protection for everyone as a general principle.

 We ask that you not use any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Advil, Celebrex, Aleve or similar for six months.  It will not harm you to take them but since they can interfere with collagen production you will not get the full benefit of treatment if you take them.

 After Thermage you will get about 10 to 15 percent of the benefit right away but it takes four to six months to get the full benefit.  Since the changes are slow and gradual you may not realize you are changing...that is one reason we take the pictures before the procedure.  We have found that about 95% of our patients experience a satisfactory improvement in skin tone, texture and appearance.   The benefits last from two and one-half to five years on average.

Body Thermage 

 Body contouring and "sculpting" with the deep Thermage tip is relatively new and we have had great success with it.  The first patient we treated wanted a slimmer waist since she had her wedding planned in a few months.  She had Thermage on her "tummy" and we found that she lost one inch of girth measured at the navel as soon as she got up from the table.  Over six weeks time she lost a total of seven inches! She also lost a little weight but this was only four pounds during that six weeks.  What a great wedding present! We cannot promise any given result but we do think this technique is the best way to get rid of unwanted fat and cellulite short of cutting surgery such as liposuction.  It is certainly less invasive, less painful and less expensive than liposuction or surgical tummy tuck.  Of course, surgery will give you the most dramatic result but Thermage can be very satisfactory for dissolving fat and reshaping you body.  We do this procedure on legs, arms and "posteriors" as well.  Compression garments must be worn for a time after Body Thermage for best results.  We also have a new tip designed just for cellulite if that is your concern.

Come in for a complimentary consultation to find out more about Thermage. We will give you information about prices after your consultation since the price depends on how extensive a treatment you will require and how many areas we will need to treat.