Thermage Sydney is a revolutionary non-surgical skin treatment procedure by which one can reverse the visible signs of ageing. It is an FDA and TGA approved treatment for facelifts and body laxity and used frequently in Sydney. The face, eyelids, back of the hands, the neck and the body are the areas where Thermage is known to work effectively. One question that is frequently asked is: does Thermage work? Thermage is a non-surgical procedure by which radio frequency is focused on your skin to energise the body’s natural renewal process. Thermage uses a combination of heat energy and cooling effects to protect the skin and keep the patient comfortable through the procedure. The latest technology includes Comfort Pulse Technology, known as Thermage CPT, which sends cooling effects in between gentle vibrations to make the treatment more comfortable. In spite of all the precautions and comfort, we need to keep in mind the fact that not all of us are the same, and thus we all respond differently to treatment.
So does Thermage Sydney treatment really work?
People impacted by the effects of ageing want the benefits of a facelift but many prefer a non-invasive, non-scarring and a non-surgical method. Before we answer the question, “does Thermage work?” we will first take a look at how Thermage works. With age, the natural collagen fibre, which gives the skin its shape and elasticity, wears out. A number of factors like sun damage, exposure to environmental toxins, and pollution, and smoking accelerate this process. As a result, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle. Thermage applies captive radio frequency, which penetrates into the deep layers of the skin. It primarily uses mono polar radio frequency devices, which reach the subcutaneous layer which is made up of fat and collagen. The frequency waves are then converted into heat energy that stimulates the existing collagen and signals the skin fibroblasts to increase the production of new collagen. This process shows immediate results by tightening and rejuvenating the skin. The heat also increases blood flow, resulting in an increase in the metabolism of the fatty layer. The result of all of these processes is younger looking face, with skin that appears tighter, has less face and neck sagging, and fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
How does Thermage work?
Thermage has shown impressive results on the face. However, in addition to its use for non-surgical facelifts, Thermage can also be used to tighten and tone the skin around the abdomen, the eyes, and other body parts like buttocks and thighs. After pregnancy, many women want to get rid of the stretched out skin around the abdomen. Thermage is effective for the midsection in this group of patients. It can also be used in the case of patients who have lost a lot of weight. With age, the skin around the eyes begins to droop and puffiness and bags start forming beneath the eyes. This problem can be addressed with Thermage as it can tighten the drooping eyelids.
Does Thermage work for patients who are not good candidates for a surgery?
Yes. Thermage is an effective way to get younger looking skin for those who are not good candidates for surgery or those who do not require a complete face lift. Some of the results that can be achieved using this treatment include:
• Tighter skin with a smooth tone
• Reduction in the appearance of wrinkles
• Less jowls
• Fewer lines on the forehead
• Smoothed out crows’ feet
• A tighter jaw line
• Smoothed out scowl lines between the eyebrows
• Eyebrow lift
• Reduced hooding of the eyelid
• Reduced vertical lines above the lips
• Improvement in the appearance of acne scars
• Tightening of the skin around the arms, thighs and buttocks
• A radiant complexion
The Thermage Procedure
Most medical clinics in Sydney that provide Thermage have similar steps to the treatment process. The procedure begins with the removal of your make up with a gentle cleanser. Next, a rubber-grounding pad is placed on your abdomen. Then the treatment really begins – pulse by pulse, one side of your face is treated at a time. You will see immediate results after one side of your face is done. You may be even be offered a look in the mirror. However, it takes four to six months to see full benefits of Thermage. The process of producing new collagen will continue for a couple of years after the treatment. A big advantage of this process over other laser skin tightening treatments is that it does not require repeated sessions to maintain the texture and tone of the skin. Some laser treatments suggest ten or more sessions to get the full effect. Even with its higher per session price tag, Thermage treatment is more cost effective than laser treatment. Thermage is not painful and thus does not require anaesthesia before your treatment. However, mild pain medication can be given for patient comfort or as a precaution. Most patients only feel a brief sensation of heat every time the Thermage is pulsed into your skin. The Thermage device releases cooling cryogen spray to keep a check on the temperature of the skin. Precautions are taken by the physician to reduce the chances of burning. The temperature on the surface of the skin is maintained at around 40 degrees Celsius whereas the temperature ranges between 65-75 degrees Celsius in the deeper tissues. The treatment is quick and could last for one or two hours, depending on the size of the target area. Preparation for the treatment and administration of any local anaesthetic or sedative could add to the time. It does not require any particular patient preparation apart from removing make up and cleansing the skin – even this is sometimes done by clinic staff, depending on individual office procedures.
Potential Risks or Side Effects with Thermage
Thermage is has been approved by most national regulatory agencies and has many built-in safety measures to reduce risks and unwanted changes. Like any other medical treatment, Thermage does have a few potential side effects, which are temporary and minor. Newer devices like ThermaCool (TC), ThermaCool (TC-3), ThermaCool (NXT) and ThermaCool Comfort Pulse Technology (Thermage CPT) help reduce the occurrence of side effects.
The side effects may include:
- Redness
- Blisters
- Bups
- Swelling
- Crusting/scabbing of the skin
- Herpes eruption (for those with the virus)
- Numbless
- Pigmentation
- Acne, and
- Skin surface irregularities
None of these unwanted side effects are permanent and they will heal within a very short period of time. Swelling and redness dissolve within a couple of hours. Only in rare cases will they persist for up to a few weeks. Some individuals may experience soreness, tingling or a burning sensation for a few days. Some rare risks of Thermage are bruising, soreness and surface irregularities of the treatment area. These symptoms generally disappear in a couple of days without any specific treatment. This means that there is literally zero downtime required with Thermage treatment. Patients can immediately return to work or their regular activities of daily living the same day. Recently, Thermage device manufacturers have released even better technology. The third generation Thermage has doubled the size of the tips giving more options for the number of pulses, and thus speeding up treatment to larger areas. The added cooling element on the tip makes the procedure virtually painless and much more comfortable. Repeatedly, Thermage patients have reported that they chose the Thermage treatment option over other alternative because of its zero downtime.
Is Thermage safe for everyone?
Anyone who has a pacemaker, an internal cardiac defibrillator, a skin infection in the target area or a female who is pregnant should NOT undergo Thermage. Obese patients will not see good results from this treatment. Patients with a metal implant of any kind should not have Thermage done on those areas. The procedure involves breaking or wounding of collagen and requires your body to have a healthy healing system to produce new collagen; therefore, patients with a condition that impairs wound healing should not have it done. For a Thermage treatment around the eyes, patients who have had recent corneal or lasik surgery should let their eyes recover first. Most importantly, before undergoing the treatment, ensure that you discuss your medical history with the treating physician and be sure you understand the potential risks involved in the procedure.
Are results from Thermage immediate?
Immediate results following a Thermage treatment are visible, but subtle and sometimes less obvious to others around you. Your skin will appear more youthful with a tighter and firmer texture within days or weeks. Your skin will feel smooth and supple, with a radiant glow. It is important to reiterate that the results of Thermage vary from person to person depending on the condition of the skin and the network of collagen fibre under the skin. Striking results have been reported in patients with healthy skin, though a marked improvement can be seen in everyone undergoing this treatment. The most remarkable part of this process is the cumulative and continued improvement over time after the initiation of treatment. The body’s natural process is enhanced and stimulated after Thermage treatments making your skin continue to “act” younger. Instead of using artificial material to make your skin appear more youthful, your body’s natural system is stimulated to produce the desired effects.
Does Thermage Work for Individuals Who Have Had a Prior Traditional Facelift?
Patients who have previously undergone a surgical facelift and are now experiencing a sagging, flaccid look to the skin and recurrence of fine lines and wrinkles, are a good candidate for Thermage treatment. It has been shown that Thermage is a safe method for all skin types. It is most effective for individuals between the ages of 35 and 69. Although physicians are making continuous progress in anti-ageing technology, after a certain age, skin becomes too elastic for Thermage to be effective.
How much does Thermage cost?
Based on our review the average cost of a Thermage treatment in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is approximately $3,000, with the newer Thermage CPT often being only slightly more expensive. The cost of a Thermage treatment session in most capital cities of Australia could range anywhere from $2000 to about $5000, depending on the target area. Some clinics and cosmetic services centres offer a discount if you book future sessions in advance. The price may seem daunting in spite of it being a more cost effective treatment when compared to other available alternatives. The process is expensive for several reasons. For the purposes of sterility, the tip of the device used is disposable. Other supplies used such as the coolant, the coupling fluid, and the grounding pad also add to the expense. Training and technology are also factors that contribute to the cost. Overall, Thermage in Sydney is still less expensive than a surgical facelift or the number of laser treatments required to achieve and maintain results. Many doctors provide financing options and offer payment plans to manage the cost of the treatment. Make sure you consult with your physician and his or her staff about the details.
Will Thermage Work for Me?
While one should never consider Thermage a replacement for a facelift surgery, it can be a viable alternative in many cases, especially in younger patients who are displeased with their appearance even in the earliest phases of ageing.
Watch the Results Develop over Time
After a Thermage treatment, it is important to be patient. Enjoy waking up each day looking a little younger. While you may not observe immediate results, they will happen. Past Thermage patients have seen remarkable changes in their skin. Within a matter of four to six weeks after an initial treatment, jaw lines become more defined, puffiness around the eyes is dramatically reduced, the brow line is smoothed out, and fine lines and wrinkles become softer and less apparent. Most patients do not experience any side effects and may even get back to work within a couple of hours or sometimes even immediately after treatment. Visit your skin care physician to learn more about Thermage treatment.
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