Thermage

Thank you so much for making my dermatological experience a great one. I love my results. When I look in the mirror, I do see someone who looks ten years younger than before. My skin is smoother and glowing and my wrinkles are fewer and less noticeable. And I can't forget my lips-they look awesome.
— Kim Lampert

Who Is It For

The Thermage (or Thermalift) procedure is a new method to tighten and lift skin, and smooth wrinkles. This cosmetic procedure does not require invasive surgery, chemicals, needles, or lasers. The Thermage procedure is FDA approved for the non-surgical treatment of wrinkles. Ideal candidates for the Thermage Procedure have thin or medium thickness skin, and mild to moderate facial wrinkling. The procedure can also be used to treat areas of the face that are still loose after a surgical facelift. The Thermage procedure is very safe. We have been performing the Thermage procedure since 2003, and we have gained extensive experience with this treatment. In our office, Dr. Anterasian has performed over three hundred Thermage procedures, without any adverse events. We are very pleased with the results we have achieved with Thermage, and our patients have truly enjoyed the cosmetic enhancement the procedure provides.

How It Works

The treatment tip simultaneously heats and cools the skin. It emits radio frequency energy to heat the collagen in the deeper skin layers while protecting the top layers of the skin with a cooling spray. The heating action causes the deep structures of the skin to tighten immediately. Over the next few months, the procedure stimulates the production of new collagen, further enhancing the result. There is no significant recovery downtime with the Thermage procedure. In many physician offices this procedure is performed by a nurse. However, in our practice, this procedure is only performed by a board-certified physician.

Results

The combined action of the immediate tightening of collagen and the production of new collagen results in a tighter skin and a more youthful appearance. Because treatment occurs at the fundamental level of tissue contraction, the results are more significant and longer lasting than superficial remedies for aging and sun-damaged skin. The optimum result is generally achieved approximately four months following the procedure. At that time, if a patient wishes, the procedure can be repeated to further enhance the result.

Make An Appointment

Still Not Sure? — Read our Q & A

  1. What does the Thermage procedure do?

    The Thermage procedure is used to smooth wrinkles and to tighten and lift the skin of the face without surgery, chemicals, or needles. Thermage is also used to tighten loose skin on the abdomen and upper arms.

  2. Is the Thermage procedure approved by the FDA?

    Yes. Thermage is FDA approved for the non-surgical treatment of facial wrinkles.

  3. Who performs the Thermage procedure?

    Unlike many other offices, in our office the Thermage procedure on the face or on the neck is performed entirely by board certified and highly experienced physicians, not a nurse. When Thermage is performed on other areas of the body, a physician and a nurse work together as a team to complete the procedure.

  4. What is a multiple pass Thermage procedure?

    Recently, physicians learned that treating the skin tissues with Thermage four or five times in one treatment session at more comfortable energy levels gave a much better cosmetic result than treating the tissues only one time at higher more painful energy levels. For this reason, our Thermage procedures consist of a series of five complete passes over the face and upper neck. All of our patients receive at least 400 Thermage pulses, which takes over an hour to complete.

  5. Is the Thermage procedure performed the same way in every office?

    No. Some other offices make only one or two passes with the Thermage, and deliver fewer Thermage pulses; these treatments are less effective. Our office does not recommend or perform these less effective Thermage treatments. Also, in many offices the procedure is performed entirely by a nurse; in our office, board certified experienced physicians perform the Thermage procedure.

  6. Can I see before and after pictures of patients who have had a Thermage procedure?

    We have been quite pleased with our results from the new five-pass Thermage. We will be happy to show our results from a few of our patients who we performed Thermage on, in order to demonstrate the kind of improvement that Thermage can potentially give in skin and facial rejuvenation.

  7. How long before I can return to my normal activities?

    Most patients return to their regular activities immediately upon leaving the office after their Thermage procedure. The Thermage is truly a no downtime procedure.

  8. Is the Thermage procedure safe?

    The Thermage procedure is performed around the world and has an excellent safety record. The most frequently reported side effects are swelling, redness, and bumps in or near the treated area. These side effects have usually disappeared in a few days or weeks. In our office, our physicians have never had any adverse outcomes from any of our Thermage procedures.

  9. How many treatments will I need?

    Every Thermage procedure is complete unto itself, and most patients will have noticeable improvement after a single treatment. Additional improvement can be obtained by repeating the Thermage once or twice more at four to six month intervals.


Read more about Thermage in our newsletters

Be the first to know about new products, procedures and special offers.

Sign Up
Last modified: April 01 2008