Thermage - Introduction

Thermage CPT is a non-invasive treatment that uses radio frequency energy to tighten and strengthen sagging skin in a single session without damaging the outer layers of skin. The result is a lifting and firming of the skin as the deeper layers are rejuvenated, giving it a more refined contour – smoother skin, softened lines and wrinkles and an overall younger appearance.

Great for:
•    Lax facial skin
•    Turkey neck
•    Saggy  buttocks, thighs and lower abdomen
•    Baggy knees
•    Loose skin on the hands and upper arms

Thermage - How does it work

The lowdown
The heat generated by the radio frequency energy shrinks, renews and tightens both the underlying building blocks of the skin, namely collagen and elastin fibres. Laser treatments, even the deep Fraxel laser, only penetrate the first 1-1.5mm of the skin's surface. However, the Thermage treatment goes deeper into the supporting sub-dermal layers. This is important as the deeper layers lose their structure and shape over time due to the stretching and weakness of the collagen and elastin matrix.

How long does the procedure take?
1.5-2 hours, depending on the size of the area being treatment.

Thermage - Treatments

What happens during the procedure?
During the treatment session a handheld device is pressed against each portion of the skin to be treated, sending heat to the deeper layers. To be truly effective, a high setting must be used to drive the radio frequency energy as deep as possible into the skin, and so to minimise the pain this would cause, a special cooling system is blows cool air onto the skin.

How long will my recovery be and what can I expect?
Thermage is a non-invasive treatment – therefore there is almost no recovery time. Following the treatment your skin may be a little red, but most people resume their regular activities straightaway. There is no special after care needed.

Thermage - Results

When will I start to see results?
You will see a 25 per cent improvement in your appearance almost immediately, and another 25 per cent gradually over the next 2-3 weeks. This initial improvement is due to the heat shrinkage of a protein in the collagen and elastin fibers. The remaining improvement occurs over the following six months as collagen and elastin is stimulated forming stronger and tighter tissue.

How long will the results last?
After your one-and-only treatment, the results will last for about two years. After this time, you can repeat the treatment and continue to do so every two years or so. Thermage is an excellent procedure to have to prevent or delay a more costly surgical face lift in the future. It will also improve the strength and elasticity of the skin even after a face lift, to prolong its longevity.

Thermage - Safety

Thermage has had a few possible side effects, such as burns, blisters and indentations, but these are mostly related to the older machines. With the new superior CPT machine used by The Facial Rejuvenation Clinic, advanced temperature and pressure sensors ensure previous hot spots coming from the handheld device are a thing of the past. The results and safety are dependant on careful and correct usage of the device - The Facial Rejuvenation Clinic's Dr Garry Cussell is highly experienced in this treatment.