Thermage

Thermage is a safe, clinically proven way to tighten and contour skin. It is a revolutionary cosmetic procedure that provides a more youthful facial appearance naturally through the stimulation of your own collagen. It is a non-invasive procedure that requires no incisions or downtime. A single treatment is all that is necessary in most patients, and the results are long lasting.

As a result of aging, sun exposure or hereditary factors, the collagen, which is a major structural component of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, begins to break down, contributing to the formation of sagging, lines and wrinkles.

Each touch of the Thermage ThermaCool tip delivers a controlled amount of radiofrequency energy that uniformly and safely heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissues, while protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating action causes the deeper structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten the skin, resulting in a smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.

The Thermage procedure immediately tightens existing collagen and stimulates new natural collagen production for up to six months following the treatment. Unpublished reports by experienced cosmetic doctors indicate that results may last for years and are based on the patient's natural aging process.

The procedure is done as a one time treatment that takes between 20 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the area treated. Furthermore, there is no preparation necessary, and, because there is no downtime, you can quickly resume your normal routine. Unlike some other treatments, Thermage works on any skin type, and it can work on the entire face.

Treatment Areas

• Periorbital region: forehead and area around the eyes, mostly for elevating the eyebrows
• Eyelids: a new approved indication that improves hooding, improves texture and tone around the eyes, and softens lines and crows feet
• Mid/Lower face: includes the cheeks, area around the mouth, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin, for tightening lax skin on the face and jowls
• Lower face/submental: includes the area around the mouth, chin, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin, the lower part of the above
• Full face: includes the periorbital region and mid/lower face areas; the whole enchilada!

Benefits

Thermage offers a non-surgical way to tighten the skin, with no downtime. It does not produce as much tightening as a surgical procedure, but it does not have the recovery time or risks associated with surgical procedures.

Alternatives

There are other similar machines that have attempted to produce results similar to the Thermage, but to the best of our knowledge they are less effective or possibly as effective. There is no similar device that we are aware of that produces better results than Thermage. The Fraxel re:pair laser does produce noticeable tightening, but this is associated with about a week of downtime.

Safety and Side Effects

The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 190,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side effects is less than 0.4%. The most frequently reported incidents are classified as swelling, redness, bumps, and blisters on or around the treated area. These side effects have disappeared in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.11%) but longer lasting side effect described as a surface irregularity has also been reported. This has reportedly become almost nonexistent since the adoption of new, more gentle and more effective treatment parameters, within the last year.

Normally, the complete procedure can be performed in just one session lasting from 20 minutes to two hours, depending on the treatment area. General anesthesia is not required, but to make sure you are comfortable we may offer light pain medications prior to treatment.

Recovery Time

One can return to regular activities immediately following treatment and there is no special care after treatment. Some patients exhibit a temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, this usually resolves within 24 hours.

Questions and Answers

How does it work?

The Thermage works by heating up the deeper tissues by means of a radiofrequency current. The skin is protected by a cooling spray. The heat injury causes immediate contraction of the collagen and longer term there is the production of new collagen.

Who are the best candidates?

Women 35-60 normally have the best and most predictable results. If your skin is too lax, the results will not be as dramatic.

What can I expect?

During the treatment, you'll feel a brief heat sensation each time Thermage delivers radiofrequency energy to the under layer of your skin. This indicates that your collagen is being stimulated and tightened.

You should feel and see your skin being smoother, firmer, and tighter immediately after your Thermage treatment. You may also notice some contouring effects which will begin enhancing the shape of your face.

Does it hurt?

With each touch of the ThermaTip device, the patient experiences a brief, deep heating sensation as the CRF energy is delivered to the skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is an indication that collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. To protect the skin and make the treatment more comfortable, the surface of the skin is cooled before, during, and after each application of CRF energy. Patient feedback on the level of heat sensation experienced during the procedure will help guide the energy settings, to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. We will offer you mild pain medications prior to treatment to minimize discomfort.

Before-treatment instructions:

Unlike surgery, there is no pre-procedure preparation, such as blood work or fasting, required.

After-treatment instructions:

After treatment, your skin may be slightly red for a day or two. But most people resume regular activities immediately after treatment, with no downtime or special follow-up care. Good skin care and sunscreens are recommended as part of your regular skin care regimen. The only signs of treatment are naturally smoother, younger, and healthier skin.

Over time, you should continue to see improvements to your skin as a result of the production of new and increased collagen, as well as some additional contouring effects due to continued tightening over time. These effects will continue for up to six months. You should see lasting results.

Who performs the treatment?

After an initial consultation with Dr. Bock, Thermage treatments are performed in our office by highly trained RNs.

Is Thermage the only radiofrequency technology on the market today?

While there are other skin care technologies that use radiofrequency energy, the Thermage proprietary technology appears, in Dr. Bock's opinion, to be the most effective technology available to accomplish non-surgical deep skin tightening.

How much does the Thermage procedure cost?

The procedure cost may range from $1,259 to $3,200, based on the facial areas treated. Dr. Bock will discuss the relevant fees with you at the time of the consultation.

Why should you choose to have your Thermage treatments at California Skin & Laser Center?

At California Skin & Laser Center, we want you to have an excellent outcome and to feel that your needs and concerns have been promptly addressed in a caring and sensitive fashion. We strive diligently to ensure your satisfaction, your comfort, your privacy, and your safety. All treatments are supervised or performed by a board-certified dermatologist with many years of successful experience in a large variety of cosmetic procedures. Many treatment modalities are available, and we can recommend the one or two that are most likely to meet your needs; we're here to meet your needs and help you realize your aspirations. At our clinic in Stockton, CA, we serve communities throughout San Joaquin County and the Central Valley, including Lodi, Sacramento, Tracy, Manteca, Modesto, Galt, and Valley Springs; many of our patients also come from the San Francisco Bay Area.