Thermage®

Nonsurgical Skin Tightening and Contouring

Our office uses the latest Thermage CPT system for your enhanced treatment comfort and time savings. The Thermage® procedure is the pionreer in non-invasive treatment to deliver 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. Dr. Pilest 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?

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 lines (rhytides).

The Science of Thermage and Why it Works

Thermage 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. Total Dermatology Patients

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What happens during the procedure?

Initially your face will be cleansed to remove any residual oils. Dr. Pilest will draw various markings on your skin to indicate which areas might need additional tightening. Much like making alterations to an article of clothing, the Thermage® treatment is customized to provide the most benefit for each individual patient. A special pad will be placed on your back. This pad completes the "circuit" for the RF energy. You will lie on a comfortable table and a paper transfer will be used to place a "grid" on the areas of your face to be treated. This grid ensures complete and uniform treatment and assists in the customizing of the treatment. Some areas will require more "passes" of the thermatip™ than others to achieve the desired results.

During the treatment you will be asked to provide feedback on the level of heating you feel from the RF pulses. This feedback allows the best selection of RF energy levels to be used and makes certain you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the treatment is completed, the grid is removed.

What does the Thermage® procedure feel like?

With each touch of the thermatip™ 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 Thermatip™ device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable.

How long does it take?

The Thermage® procedure can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of pulses required. Additional time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.

What's the difference between "regular" Thermage and MacroPulse Thermage?

Thermage results are very much dependent upon several factors. The skill of the person who performs the treatment is a pivotal factor. Both Dr. Pilest and our special Thermage Registered Nurse have advanced training in the procedure. Dr. Pilest recently was selected for the elite Pinnacle Award in recognition of his expertise.

The number of pulses required to obtain the best results possible for a full face and neck treatment are most often between 600 and 900. Dr. Pilest's special MacroPulse Thermage implements this high number of pulses at sufficient power intensity to get the job done. If you feel no discomfort during your treatment, chances are you will not get the results you are looking for. Dr. Pilest will recommend any necessary medication to allow for effective treatment levels.

What will my skin feel like after the procedure?

Immediately following a Thermage® procedure, your skin should feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. Overtime, you will notice additional tightening.

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.

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 session. However, many patients have reported seeing an earlier response.

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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 physicians indicate that results may last 24 months or longer based on the patient's natural aging process.

Is the Thermage® procedure safe?

Thermage® has 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 usually disappeared in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.1%) 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.

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.

Can Thermage® be used on other areas of the body?

Thermage® is gaining increased public awareness in the treatments's ability to tighten loose body skin - especially loose skin on the tummy area. Used post-pregnancy or pre-liposuction, Thermage has proven to tighten that area that no amount of exercise will touch. an effective treatment for tightening loose areas on the body

Benefits and Advantages?

Most importantly, there is no recovery or patient downtime. Patients may return back to work directly after the procedure. Secondly, selecting Thermage® for skin tightening means no cutting, surgical drains, sutures or bruising. Thirdly, Thermage® is a less costly, non-invasive method. Lastly, there is no special follow-up regime.

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The Ideal Thermage® Candidate

This individual is a good candidate for periorbital treatment seeking
tightening and lifting along the brow line

Shown here is a good candidate for softening of the nasolabial fold and
contouring of the jawline and neck

Here is an example of a good candidate for reduction of jowl fullness

Here is a good candidate for reduction of submental*  laxity and fullness.
*(The areas beneath the chin to mid-neck)

The only way to properly assess your suitability for the Thermage® treatment is through a consultation with Dr. Pilest. Skin thickness, degree of laxity (looseness), amount of skin sagging, and overall skin condition and tone are factors used in determining the potential benefits of treatment.

Thermage® Patients Before and After

Brow lift Effect

Jawline, Neck and Nasolabial Fold Tightening

Submental (Neck) and Jowl/Jawline Tightening

Photo Source: Thermage®

Thermage® Treatments are enhanced when combined with Thermage® PLUS procedure combinations such as Fraxel Gentle Facial Resurfacing, Dermal Fillers, Botox, Wrinkle and Line Fillers such as Restylane,Radiesse or Juvederm. Light Treatments such as IPL Fotofacial, De-Pigmentation procedures and Vascular Lasers.

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Thermage® Video Links

Thermage Interview Videos

During your office consultation you will be provided with a detailed plan of the treatments that will benefit you most. Please Contact Us for a consultation appointment or with any questions you may have.


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