Thermage FAQ

How does Thermacool Thermage skin treatment work?
Does skin color affect the outcome?
What results can I expect from a ThermaCool Thermage Facelift?
Will I need a second ThermaCool Thermage Facelift treatment?
When can I go back to work?
Does the ThermaCool Thermage Facelift replace the traditional facelift and resurfacing?
How safe is ThermaCool Thermage Skin Treatment?
Do I need special preparation?
Is ThermaCool Thermage face lift for everyone?
Where on the face is it applied?
Is a ThermaCool Thermage Facelift painful?
When can I return to normal activities?
How long will the effects last?
Can this be combined with other treatments?

How does Thermacool Thermage skin treatment work?

The ThermaCool Thermage Facelift was developed by Thermage Corporation to tighten skin without surgery. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the tissue below the skin while it keeps the skin surface cool. This "tightens" your existing collagen and stimulates new collagen growth. The end result is tighter, firmer skin. A local anesthetic cream will be used to numb the treatment area for one hour before your procedure. The length of time required for the procedure itself will depend on the size of the treatment area. The usual range is between 30 minutes and one hour. While the procedure should not hurt, you may experience a sensation of heat in the treated areas. Patients leave the office looking and feeling great. There are no restrictions in activity following the procedure. If you are seriously considering a skin treatment and are ready to take the next step, please call us at 800.763.9968 today to schedule your consultation. If the following FAQ don't answer all your questions, why not contact us using our confidential online form?

Does skin color affect the outcome?

Unlike laser procedures, radiofrequency energy is unaffected by skin pigment. All skin colors can be safely and effectively treated.

What results can I expect from a ThermaCool Thermage Facelift?

Results will vary from patient to patient, and your age, treatment area and skin laxity can all affect the outcome. While some of Dr. Stevens' patients have seen improvement within a few days, you should expect your results to appear over a period of three to five months. We will take pictures before and after your procedure so you can see the benefits of your treatment over time.

Will I need a second ThermaCool Thermage Facelift treatment?

Patients may benefit from a second treatment. We recommend waiting three months before considering a second treatment.

When can I go back to work?

Patients can return to their normal activities immediately. Occasionally patients experience a brief redness that fades within a few hours. Dr. Stevens and Charlie both saw patients immediately after their own treatments.

Does the ThermaCool Thermage Facelift replace the traditional facelift and resurfacing?

The ThermaCool Thermage Facelift will not replace laser skin treatments or traditional facelift for treatment of all skin conditions or all signs of aging. For example, C02 laser resurfacing is recommended to treat more deeply wrinkled, sun damaged skin and a face lift may be indicated for skin laxity and bands in the neck. We can determine the best treatment for your desired outcome in a consultation.

How safe is ThermaCool Thermage Skin Treatment?

It is extremely safe. While this may be a relatively new procedure, great effort has been made to make it as safe as possible. There are very rare adverse effects, which we will be happy to review with you at your consultation.

Do I need special preparation?

There is no need to interrupt your usual routine. You may take your usual medications before, during and after the procedure.

Is ThermaCool Thermage face lift for everyone?

Because radiofrequency is used in these treatments, patients with heart pacemakers are advised not to undergo ThermaCool Thermage face lift procedures. The radiofrequency may interfere with the heart pacemaker device.

Where on the face is it applied?

Tightening skin in key areas can be advantageous for cosmetic improvement. Treating the forehead can lift the eye brows and enhance the appearance of the eyes, making the eyes look more open, less tired and more alert. Other areas such as the skin of the cheeks can also be treated to reduce the sagginess that produces deep folds with aging. Multiple other sites are being tested.

Is a ThermaCool Thermage Facelift painful?

Each time the machine is fired there is a sensation of heat in the area. An anesthetic cream applied one hour before the procedure will make this quite tolerable. Fortunately, this heat sensation lasts only fractions of a second and is followed by a cold sensation, which also helps minimize the discomfort.

When can I return to normal activities?

Immediately. There is typically no down time. Minimal redness is seen in some patients, but it usually disappears within an hour. There is usually no swelling, bruising or pain afterwards. There is no special care needed after the procedure. You may return to your normal scheduled activities immediately.

How long will the effects last?

We do not know; however, results have been documented to last at least 22 months. But because of the aging process, skin laxity will naturally increase again with time. However, there is no "Cinderella effect" in which the results from the treatment will suddenly disappear in one day.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

The ThermaCool Thermage face lift has been successfully combined with a number of other non ablative technologies located at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates. Patients have combined this ThermaCool Thermage face lift technology with IPL PhotoFacial for treatment of photo aging, red spots and brown spots. Others have combined this with NLite or Cooltouch for treatment of wrinkles and/or acne scars. Microdermabrasion has been combined as well as BOTOX® Cosmetic for resolution of dynamic wrinkles caused by the muscles in the face.

If you're ready to schedule a consultation, please call us at 800.763.9968 today.