Thermage™ Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Body by Thermage™ procedures?

Body by Thermage procedures are safe, non-invasive, no downtime, single treatment, cosmetic procedures that are clinically proven to smooth, tighten and contour skin to help naturally restore a more youthful appearance. All Body by Thermage procedures are administered in a doctor’s office using the ThermaCool™ system, FDA cleared for the treatment of wrinkles and rhytids, which utilizes a unique form of Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology to tighten existing collagen and stimulate new natural collagen production. Immediate results are visible and continue to improve for up to six months. The Thermage procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin color.

How do the Body by Thermage procedures work?

The procedures work by heating deep collagen fibers in the skin and underlying tissue, while protecting the skin's surface with a cooling spray. The treatment is performed with the ThermaCool device. A ThermaTip™, attached to a handheld device, briefly touches the skin, delivering the non-invasive CRF energy deep beneath the skin. This deep uniform heating action causes the deep structures in the skin and underlying tissue to immediately tighten. Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten and contour skin.

How long do the Body by Thermage procedures take?

Depending on the size of the area to be treated, the procedure may take as little as 20 minutes or up to two hours.

How many treatments will I need?

Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Body by Thermage treatment produces results in the majority of patients. Your doctor will determine the course of treatment that is right for each patient, based on the patient’s needs and goals.

When will I see results?

Immediate results are visible, and improve over time. Measurable tightening and contouring improvements appear gradually over a two to six month time period following a single treatment session.

When will I see results?

Immediate results are visible, and improve over time. Measurable tightening and contouring improvements appear gradually over a two to six month time period following a single treatment session.

Where on the body are the Body by Thermage procedures performed?

Body by Thermage procedures are performed on such areas as the face, eyes, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, thighs and knees. Specific face and eye areas are listed below:

• Eyes: eyelids and area around the eyes
• Periorbital region: forehead and area around the eyes
• Mid/Lower face: includes the cheeks, area around the mouth, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
• Lower face/submental: includes the area around the mouth, chin, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin
• Full face: includes the periorbital region and mid/lower face areas

What do the Body by Thermage procedures feel like?

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. Your doctor will ask for patient feedback on the level of heat sensation experienced during the procedure to help guide him to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. [Your doctor may offer light pain medications prior to treatment to minimize the heat sensation.]

Is there any special preparation or follow-up regime?

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

How long will the effects of the Body by Thermage procedures last?

Body by Thermage procedures immediately tighten existing collagen and stimulate new natural collagen production for up to six months following the treatment. Unpublished reports indicate that results may last for years and are based on the patient's natural aging process.

Are the Body by Thermage procedures safe?

Body by Thermage procedures have 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. Your physician will discuss this and any other questions you may have on the safety record of Body by Thermage procedures.

Is Body by Thermage the only radiofrequency technology on the market today?

While there are other skin care technologies that use radiofrequency energy, only the Body by Thermage proprietary capacitive radiofrequency technology delivers deep uniform volumetric heating powerful enough to naturally tighten and contour skin and underlying tissue. Also, Body by Thermage procedures achieve results in a single treatment compared to other technologies requiring five or more treatment sessions.

How much do the Body by Thermage procedures cost?

The procedures cost will vary based on the areas treated. Your doctor will discuss the fees with you at the time of the consultation.

 

Holzer Clinic of South Charleston
304-744-2300

 

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