Thermage^® Skin Tightening

Radiofrequency skin tightening works to stimulate collagen production at the deepest layers of the skin. This is why improvements may be seen up to 6 months after a Thermage^® skin tightening treatment. Since the skin and body is constantly regenerating, the effect of a Thermage^® treatment will vary according to the lifestyle and daily practices of the patient, but results may last 1-2 years.⁶ For the best skin tightening treatment, use effective skin products including a daily SPF, exercise and a healthy diet to maximize results of skin tightening on face and body.

Thermage^® was the first radiofrequency skin tightening treatment to be approved by the FDA in 2002.⁷ Off-face use, or use of Thermage for the body, was approved in 2006. 8 Thermage is specifically FDA approved for treating wrinkles and smoothing the appearance of skin. It is also FDA cleared for use around the eyes, which sets it apart from other radiofrequency skin tightening protocols.

For any procedure, including radiofrequency skin tightening with Thermage^®, there is always a risk of side effects. In addition to practitioner error, radiofrequency skin tightening treatment relies on the conductivity of the individual’s skin which will vary from person to person. Like any treatment modality, side effects are possible with the most frequent being redness and minor swelling that usually resolves within 24 hours.⁹ Because the mechanism of Thermage^® relies on heat, people with heat sensitivity or skin conditions aggravated by heat such as rosacea should consult with an experienced practitioner to learn if Thermage^® is the best skin tightening treatment with such conditions.

Performed correctly, Thermage^® radiofrequency skin tightening delivers heat deep into the dermis without heating the epidermis enough to cause damage. The Thermage^® handpiece regulates the temperature to stay within a range that creates collagen production and remodelling, as well as an immediate skin tightening on face and body. All this action occurs in the deeper, dermal layers of the skin leaving the upper, visible layer (the epidermis) undamaged.

Thermage^® skin tightening is a popular choice after weight loss or pregnancy to firm the skin of the stomach. Cost will vary based on location, practitioner and the Thermage^® model being used (newer models such as Thermage^® CPT will cost more). In general, a Thermage^® radio frequency skin tightening for the stomach will range in cost with an average cost reported around $4,000 due to the incresed time needed to treat the larger area.¹⁰ Compare locations and practitioners to find the best skin tightening treatment cost for you.

As an FDA-approved device for treatment of wrinkles around the eyes, Thermage^® is a popular radiofrequency skin tightening treatment. With age the skin around the eyes becomes weaker and the muscles begin to lose strength. The surrounding fat may move down to the lower eyelids causing sagging and puffiness. The thinness of eye skin makes it difficult to treat, but it does respond well to radiofrequency skin tightening. Thermage^® triggers collagen production and remodels existing collagen in the eye area for a smoother, tighter appearance. Thermage^® results have been reported to be improved when used in conjunction with dermal fillers.¹¹ If the concern is under eye bags due to excessive fat deposits (often due to genetic predisposition) a surgical procedure such as a lower blepharoplasty may be optimal.

All potential candidates for Thermage^® will present unique circumstances and should decide if Thermage is the best skin tightening treatment for them after consulting with an experienced practitioner. Generally, the age range for beginning Thermage^® is between 30-60, but, as always, the best skin tightening treatment at any age is one that has been discussed with a doctor or trusted professional.

Thermage^® skin tightening treatments stimulate new collagen growth to smooth, tighten and contour skin for an overall improved appearance. Therefore, the best way to maintain your results after a radiofrequency skin tightening is to protect the new collagen and maintain healthy collagen production. For the best skin tightening treatment maintenance, adopt a healthy lifestyle (nicotine, for example, impedes the body’s ability to generate skin cells), follow a daily skincare routine using effective products and daily SPF, and incorporate moderate exercise on a weekly basis. It may be appropriate for some patients to repeat Thermage^® every 1-2 years to maintain results. However, this decision should be made in tandem with a trusted professional and only be considered after 6 months when the full effects of a Thermage^® skin tightening treatment can be seen.

Thermage^® radiofrequency skin tightening uses radiofrequency technology to heat the deep, collagen-rich layers of the skin, separating the water molecules from the fibrous collagen, causing an immediate contraction that results in skin tightening. The secondary healing process creates new collagen over the next few months, creating a further skin tightening effect for an improved appearance of the skin.¹²