Thermage (Solta Medical) is a noninvasive skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency technology to smooth fines lines and wrinkles and to tighten and lift the skin of the face and body.  Thermage treatments can be divided into 2 categories:  more superficial treatments for skin tightening of the face, neck, and eyelid and deeper treatments for body contouring on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms.

During the procedure radiofrequency energy penetrates deep into the skin to heat the underlying connective tissue that supports the skin.  This causes immediate tightening of the skin and stimulates the formation of new collagen, which promotes further tightening and lifting over time.

Thermage is safe and effective on all skin types. However, the best candidates for Thermage treatment are those with mild to moderate skin laxity, minimal sun damage, and do not regularly smoke cigarettes. The effects of Thermage treatment are less dramatic than surgery but there are no associated risks, down time, or recovery period.

Thermage treatment involves heat energy being applied to the skin that is alternated with a cooling device.  Any minor discomfort during treatment is tolerable without anesthetic or pain medication; however, your doctor may recommend local anesthetic if your pain threshold is extremely low.

Thermage treatment takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.

After Thermage treatment, you may experience slight redness and swelling that will resolve within a day, but you should be able to resume daily activities as normal.

Immediately after Thermage treatment there is noticeable tightening of the skin, but results continue to develop over 2 to 6 months as the newly stimulated collagen is produced. Just like with its counterpart, Ulthera, peak results are delayed and patience is rewarded with a tighter, more lifted appearance without any risks or side effects. Typically, treatment results last 1-2 years.

Very noticeable results are realized after the first Thermage treatment, but 2 or 3 consecutive treatments will improve the outcome. Follow-up treatments every 1 to 2 years are recommended to maintain results.

You should only visit an actively board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Dermatologists should be certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). Plastic Surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Both of those boards are part of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a non-profit organization that is considered the gold standard of physician certification. Consult the Charlotte’s Book Premier Provider directory to find a doctor who meets these standards and specializes in this treatment. For more information about how we choose our providers, please read Credentials We Abide By.

$2,000 – $5,000 depending on areas treated.

Expectation management is key when it comes to Thermage…this is not an alternative to surgery, but a wonderful way to postpone it just a little bit longer.

For those ideal candidates just first starting to notice the effects of gravity, this is one of the very few treatments where one may be enough to get the results you need.

Smokers be warned: cigarette smoke will break down the collagen that is trying to rebuild from the Thermage treatment…talk about null and void!

 

Disclaimer: As always, this information is provided to you for educational and/or informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular product, treatment, or procedure. This information is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about any procedure or treatment, users should always consult their doctor or other qualified health care professional. Please visit our Terms of Service to view our full disclaimers.