THERMAGE®
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Patient Information
The Thermage® procedure is the only non-invasive treatment that delivers
tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. (Collagen is
the building block that provides structure to your skin.) The Thermage®
procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who specialize
in cosmetic procedures. Your physician is your best information resource for
determining how this treatment will most benefit you. The more commonly asked
questions about this popular procedure are listed below.
WHAT IS THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT WILL MY SKIN FEEL LIKE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS OF THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE
LAST?
IS THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE SAFE?
HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN RETURN TO MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
HOW MUCH DOES THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE COST?
WHAT DOES THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE FEEL LIKE?
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
WHAT IS THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE?
The Thermage® procedure employs a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology
called ThermaCool™. It has been clinically proven to tighten and gently
lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. The incision-free
procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities.
Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types.
The ThermaCool™ device has been cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive
treatment of facial wrinkles and rhytids. [back to top]
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The ThermaCool™ Device uses a sophisticated treatment tip called ThermaTip™,
which delivers a controlled amount of RF energy. With each touch to the skin,
The ThermaTip™ device uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in
the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously
protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating
action causes deep structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time,
new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin, resulting
in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance. [back
to top]
WHAT WILL MY SKIN FEEL LIKE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Immediately following a Thermage® procedure, your skin should feel tighter,
smoother and more youthful. Over time, you will notice additional tightening.
[back to top]
HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS OF THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE LAST?
The Thermage® procedure causes immediate tightening of the collagen structure,
with additional tightening over time. Unpublished reports by experienced cosmetic
physician indicate that results may last 24 months or longer based on the
patients' natural aging process. [back to top]
IS THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE SAFE?
The Thermage® procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 70,000
estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side
effects is less than 1%. 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 (<0.2%) but
longer lasting side effect described as a skin depression has also been reported.
Consult with your physician regarding this and any other questions you may
have on the safety record of the Thermage® procedure. [back
to top]
HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN RETURN TO MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
Most people return to their regular activities immediately following the Thermage®
procedure. Some people experience mild redness (like a sunburn), but it usually
disappears quickly. No special care is needed after treatment unless otherwise
instructed by your physician. [back to top]
HOW MUCH DOES THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE COST?
The cost for the Thermage® procedure depends on the facial areas being
treated. Certainly, the more treatment area involved, the more the procedure
will cost. Your physician will discuss his or her fees with you at the time
your consultation. [back to top]
WHAT DOES THE THERMAGE® PROCEDURE FEEL LIKE?
With each touch of the TermaTip™ device, you will experience a brief,
deep heating sensation as the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying
tissue. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen
is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. The physician controls
the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum
results. The TermaTip™ device is cooled before, during, and after heating
to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Prior to treatment,
an anesthetic cream may be applied to enhance your comfort. Additionally,
your physician may also prescribe relaxants and/or pain medication. [back
to top]
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Recently published studies conducted by Thermage® show that measurable
tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single
treatment sessions. However, many patients have reported seeing an earlier
response. [back to top]
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage®
treatment has produced results in the majority of patients. Your physician
will determine the course of treatment that is right for you. [back
to top]
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The Thermage® procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to any hour,
depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required
for skin preparation prior to the procedure. [back to top]
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