What is Thermage®?

Thermage® is a specialized skin rejuvenation treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate healthier tissue creation. The science behind this treatment is relatively simple. Certain energy wave frequencies are more effective at promoting cellular growth and collagen production. The body reacts quite differently to gentle heat and strong heat, for example. Too much heat that is not well controlled can lead to serious injury.

On the other hand, targeted energy that is absorbed by the lower dermal layers and the underlying supportive tissue can kick start the growth of healthier skin. We often recommend Thermage® to our clients who desire firmer, suppler skin with less wrinkling.

What Makes Thermage® Different

The problem with abrasive resurfacing, chemical peeling and filler injections is that only a certain percentage of individuals can truly benefit. Resurfacing and peel treatments can actually cause discolored regions or have bleaching effects. Filler injections may not be suitable if the skin is too thin. Bumpiness is often a side effect, and it lasts for quite some time.

Thermage® is suitable for all skin types and skin tones. This is because the energy delivered is absorbed more deeply while the epidermis remains unaffected. Although Thermage® does not directly treat the skin, it promotes healthier tissue growth. After a single treatment session, patients can expect long-term improvement in the skin’s appearance, and this is long-lasting because collagen production increases for an extensive period after the treatment is complete.

How Thermage® Works

The device used is connected to specialized equipment that produces radiofrequency energy. The device not only delivers radiofrequency bursts of energy, but also a cooling sensation. The most advanced of these instruments can be calibrated to intersperse the deep heat delivery with the cooling bursts. This keeps the epidermis comfortable and prevents the heat delivery from conducting back toward the surface.

The area to be treated is thoroughly cleansed prior to the use of the Thermage® instrument. The tip of the device is placed next to the skin and a rapid burst of radiofrequency energy is released. This energy passes right through the epidermis without harming it. The energy is absorbed deeper down and stimulates collagen production. Interspersing the heat delivery with cooling bursts keeps the client comfortable during the entire procedure.

The results aren’t immediately noticeable because collagen remodeling takes time. Over the next several months, however, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic. A typical treatment takes less than one hour, and repeat procedures are rarely necessary.

The Ideal Candidate for Thermage®

Those who are experiencing skin sagging on the face or neck caused by poorly supported skin are the best candidates for Thermage®. Some individuals are opposed to the idea of undergoing a full facelift procedure and are worried about the surgery involved. Thermage® is a popular non-surgical alternative.

If Thermage® sounds right for you, learn more during a consultation with one of our experts at Metro Dermatology. We’ll give you all the facts about how radiofrequency energy can effectively treat sagging or wrinkled skin with no surgery or abrasive skin resurfacing necessary. We have locations in Elmhurst, Flushing, Englewood and the Bronx. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.