Thermage® CPT

Comfort Pulse Technology™

Nonsurgical Skin Tightening

What is Thermage® CPT and how is it different from "regular" Thermage?

Thermage® is a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology that has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours, tighten loose and sagging eyelid skin and also improve the appearance of cellulite - the applications have not changed, but the results and the delivery comfort have improved.

Thermage CPT is the newest technology which incorporates an advanced treatment tip for more uniform and longer-duration deep dermal heating (the action which creates the tightening) - and includes an innovative vibrating handpiece that makes the treatment far more comfortable.

Why is improving comfort levels such a big factor?

Originally, Thermage was, quite frankly, a painful procedure. In order to effectively heat the tissue levels to start the collagen firming and production, the heat levels have to be high and this in turn made Thermage admittedly a tough procedure for a majority of patients to tolerate. Turning down the sensation of heat without turning down the heat means we can get better tightening results because patients can tolerate a higher level of energy.

The NEW CPT system

• Vibrational delivery interferes with the signals sent to the brain about pain. End effect? You feel vibration and massage instead of heat.
• Tip advancement delivers the heat more uniformly so there are no "edges" of heat perception. Smooth heating helps minimize the body's differential heat perceptions.
  
  Benefits of the Thermage CPT - See Video

How Thermage works

Thermage uses a sophisticated treatment tip called Thermatip™, which delivers a controlled amount of Radio Frequency energy. As the heat tip is applied 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 loose collagen 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.

"I was very pleased with how you handled my Thermage. I already see results particularly around the chin and I am so pleased.

You were very helpful and answered lots of questions and concerns. Again, I had a very positive experience and enjoyed your staff and appreciated your time and help with the Thermage. I was quite nervous and it went so well and so easy." Dr. Ginny Gordon, Total Dermatology Thermage patient

Will Thermage take the place of surgery?

Thermage is a tightening and firming procedure and will not deliver the same results as surgery. It is a patented, FDA approved procedure which will tighten collagen that has loosened with age or skin stretching (as in weight gain and loss or pregnancy). New collagen helps reduce wrinkling and sagging by the application of heat which affects the collagen support layers of the skin. The appeal of Thermage is the nonsurgical nature of achieving this firming and tightening.

Patient satisfaction is high. Over half a million patients have been treated with the Thermage technology.

What happens during the procedure?

Initially your skin will be cleansed to remove any residual oils. A sheet of paper with grid markings will be transferred to your skin to indicate which areas might need additional tightening and to guide Dr. Pilest or our Thermage nurse and assure full coverage of the area to be treated.

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.

"... I am so excited about this treatment I am carrying around my before pictures which were taken in your office. I am 2 months post treatment and the results are beyond amazing. The next few months should only reveal more incredible results. I am telling everyone how excited I am about this procedure and you are more than welcome to share my joy with other patients." Joyce McBroom

What will my Thermage® procedure feel like?

You will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. The vibrating handpiece dramatically changes the perception of discomfort and many patients have compared the procedure to a massage.

The deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. Dr. Pilest or the Thermage nurse controls the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. You will experience a short blast of super-cooled air immediately before and after each pulse, which helps to significantly add comfort to the treatment.

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. Body areas will take more time.

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.

Will I need more than one Thermage treatment?

A single Thermage® treatment has produced results in the majority of patients. Results are generally fairly subtle and will not give you a "just treated" appearance. Some patients are more proactive and choose to have annual procedures to further tighten skin in the lower face or to maintain a firm and sharp jaw line.

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 do the effects of Thermage® 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.

Do I need to schedule downtime?

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 Dr. Pilest or our Thermage nurse.

Where can Thermage® be used?

Face

• Sagging skin
• Loose jowls or lack of definition in jaw line
• Sagging skin under the chin (“turkey neck”)
• Wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth, eyes or forehead
• Lack of definition in lips

Eyes

• Tired looking eyes
• Excess skin on the upper eyelid (also known as “hooding”)
• Crepey texture of eyelids, making it hard to apply eye shadow or eye liner
• Wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes (“crow’s feet”)

Body

• Wrinkled, crepey or sagging skin on the tummy, knees, arms, legs, hands or buttocks
• Sagging skin or unwanted bulges after pregnancy or weight loss
• Love handles
• Appearance of cellulite

About Thermage Body with photos, videos and links.

Benefits and Advantages?

• no recovery or patient downtime.
• patients may return back to work directly after the procedure
• no cutting, surgical drains, sutures or bruising
• less costly, non-invasive method
• no special follow-up regime.

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How will I know if I am a good candidate for Thermage?

View photos of ideal candidates for Thermage to see how you fit the criteria.
Patients with excessive skin redundancy will not see the same results as those who have mild to moderate sagging.

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.