Thermage

For tighter skin in just one treatment - Thermage! It's not often that we are impressed with new equipment but our recent two week trial with the New Generation Thermage Machine simply blew me away!

In 2007 I tried the old Thermage machine - it hurt a lot, the result was poor and I did not believe it would give clients the results that I would want to provide. This year, however, I was persuaded to try a treatment on the new machine and was astonished at the results. We immediately asked for a full two week trial, during which time we treated many clients, and many areas of the body.

Every single client got a result, and the best part is that the immediate result is only 20% of the finished result with the collagen taking between 3 and 6 months to fully develop. Some of the client in the trials came back and paid for a second area to be treated, as they were so thrilled with the first!

I personally had the Thermage on my face, neck and jaw line. Both immediately felt tighter and several weeks on, when I turn my head it is still noticeable. What is the Thermage Procedure?

At Australian Skin Clinics, we consider the Thermage NXT to be the best available non-surgical procedure for tightening loose skin. Because there is no surgery involved, you will experience virtually no downtime and should return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Some frequently asked questions on Thermage

How long has Thermage been available? The original Thermage device received clearance from the FDA in America in July 2002 but here at Australian Skin Clinics we were not convinced about the effectiveness of the first generation machine. We now have the Thermage NXT (second generation machine) and we are thrilled with the results we are getting

How does Thermage work? A handpiece with a smooth, flat tip delivers radiofrequency energy, in the form of heat, into the skin. This causes immediate tightening of existing collagen and then formation of new collagen over time resulting in further tightening

How long does each treatment take? Depending on the area to be treated, the procedure will take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

What kind of results can I expect? Your skin can look smoother and more youthful as the tighter underlying collagen offers better support.

How soon will I see results? Most patients see an initial result immediately. This initial result is about 20% of the final outcome with the other 80% developing over 2-6 months.

How long will the results last? The Thermage treatment causes an immediate tightening of existing collagen with the development of new collagen and additional tightening over time. Unpublished reports by experienced doctors indicate that results may last 18 months or longer depending on the patient's natural aging process.

How many treatments will I need? It typically takes just one treatment to accomplish a nice effect. Some patients may choose to have another treatment to obtain additional tightening. The skin will continue to improve over a six month time period as new collagen is formed.

What will I look like immediately after the procedure? Can I go right back to work? There is no special care needed after treatment and most patients return to their regular activities immediately after. Redness and/or minor swelling may occur, but it should disappear quickly and can be covered with mineral make-up. Our experienced make-up artists will ensure that you leave the clinic looking gorgeous!

Does it hurt? At Australian Skin Clinics we hate to cause you pain and will work with you to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. We recommend 2 paracetamol half an hour before treatment. If you feel that you need stronger pain relief than this, please discuss this at your initial consultation. The Thermage tip applies firstly a cooling spray followed by heating pulses, followed again by cooling. This cold-hot-cold sequence minimises pain.

Who performs the procedure? At Australian Skin Clinics, only fully trained and qualified nurses carry out the treatment.

Does Thermage replace a facelift? Thermage can definitely tighten the skin but it won't provide the same dramatic results of a surgical facelift. If you would like modest tightening of your skin without surgery then Thermage may be right for you. In addition, where skin is of poor healing quality, Thermage can be used to improve the texture in preparation for a future facelift.

Can I avoid other cosmetic procedures if I do this? We believe that Thermage is the best skin tightening procedure available. It is a stand alone treatment for lose skin, but we are also seeing that Thermage can enhance the results of other treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma injections (PRP), some EPOREX treatment formulas, Fraxel laser Resurfacing and IPL.

Can I get the Thermage procedure if I've already had other procedures? Thermage is compatible with most cosmetic procedures; but you will need to discuss your past procedures, as well as your current expectations, with our highly trained technicians.

Is it safe? Thermage procedure is very safe. Of course, as with any procedure there is always some risk and the physician can discuss those with you during your consultation.

How much does it cost? The cost depends on the area you're having treated. We encourage you to come in for a consultation at which point we can give you a more precise idea of cost.

What shall I do now? Contact Australian Skin Clinics for a consultation to discuss your suitability for treatment.