Thermage® -- "Reshaping Your Future"

The Thermage procedure is the only non-surgical, no-downtime treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed contours and healthier collagen. Thermage fills the treatment gap between the popular skin rejuvenation lasers or creams and surgery. Do something nice for yourself without interrupting your life.(See movie.) Look as good as you feel without the downtime or scars of surgery. Thermage is available only in the offices of qualified physicians, such as Dr. Salomon, who specialize in cosmetic procedures. Dr. Salomon has the experience of being a certified Thermage doctor since 2003 and utilizes the latest system, the ThermaCool®NXT. It is used on the face, forehead, eyelids, neck, abdomen, thighs, knees, arms, hands and buttocks.

Skin is made up of two layers, the visible outer layer called the epidermis, and the deeper layer called the dermis. Below the dermis is the fat layer. The main structural component of the dermis is a protein called collagen, which provides the skin its strength. As we age, the body produces less collagen resulting in wrinkles and laxity. The Thermage procedure causes the collagen in the dermal layers of the skin and its underlying tissue to tighten, thereby reducing skin laxity and wrinkles and renewing skin contours.

The Thermage procedure uses patented radiofrequency technology to create a precisely controlled zone of heating in the dermis and the underlying tissue. At the same time the epidermis is protected with continual cooling. Heating of the collagen to critical temperatures, initiates a natural biological reaction that causes the collagen to contract and thicken. This process, called denaturation, provides the initial results of tighter, smoother looking skin. Heating can be delivered to superficial, medium, or deeper tissue depths. In addition, the body also initiates a second response to heating within the dermis and underlying tissue. This response is part of the body's natural wound-healing response and initiates new collagen creation providing long-term tightening of the skin. The combination of these two processes, provide skin tightening and contour effects that continue to evolve over 3 to 6 months.

While there are a number of procedures available that affect collagen, only the Thermage procedure offers a completely non-invasive, no-downtime method to tighten loose skin, usually with 1 treatment. And now 2 new treatment tips are available for additional procedures. The Body Shape procedure using the ThermaTip DC can help shape and firm your abdomen, arms, thighs, and buttocks. The ThermaTip CL is specifically designed to treat cellulite, a condition that up to 90% of women have to some degree. The Cellulite procedure offers patients a noninvasive treatment. All performed without surgery, injections, and little to no downtime!

Thermage is the only noninvasive FDA cleared treatment available for the upper and lower eyelid areas. One treatment can reduce upper eyelid hooding, crow's feet, wrinkles and, lines. Look younger but, not different. Apply your make-up easier and without smudging!

What is the Thermage procedure?

The Thermage procedure employs a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology called ThermaCool®NXT. It has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. The non-surgical 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 and tones. The ThermaCool®NXT device has been cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids. Thermage now has the ability to provide deep contour to abdomens, arms, thighs,love handles, and buttocks areas with the new ThermaTip DC treatment.

How does it work?

The ThermaCool®NXT, Thermage's next generation system, 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. Results can be from subtle to dramatic depending on the individual patient.

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. Additionally, Dr. Salomom may also prescribe relaxants and/or pain medication.

How long does it take?

The Thermage procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.

What will my skin feel like after the procedure?

Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin should feel tighter, with minimal, if any, discomfort. 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. Some people may benefit from an additional treatment 5 to 6 months later.

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. Unlike surgery, Thermage does not risk distorting your appearance

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?

The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over 500,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side effects is less than 1%. 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 (<0.02%) but longer lasting side effect described as a skin depression has also been reported. Thermage can be safely used on any skin color or skin type. Patients with an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator cannot have Thermage treatment.

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 Dr. Salomon.