What areas
can be treated? The entire face can be
treated. It can tighten the skin around the forehead,
eyes, eyelids, cheeks, jaw line and neck, creating
a mini face-lift. The abdomen, arms and thighs can
also be treated to tighten the skin.
What results
will I see? Skin is tighter and wrinkles
and looseness are diminished. Skin texture is improved.
Since the procedure shrinks oil glands, acne and
skin oiliness are improved, pores are refined and
scars minimized.
How does the
procedure work? The top layers of skin
are protected with a cooling spray while radio frequency
energy heats the collagen in the lower layers, causing
skin to tighten immediately. Over time, new collagen
is formed to further tighten skin and produce a
more youthful appearance. This procedure is the
only non-invasive method to tighten loose skin.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the building block that supports
the structure of the skin. With aging, collagen
becomes depleted or damaged by the sun, smoking
or other environmental factors. The results are
visible signs of aging, such as loose skin and wrinkles.
Is the Thermage®
procedure
painful? With each pulse, there is a cooling
sensation, followed by a brief heating sensation
as the collagen in the deep layers of skin is tightened,
and then another cooling sensation. For comfort,
a mild oral analgesic is given. The procedure itself
takes about one hour.
When will I
see results? Some tightening occurs shortly
after treatment, but it usually takes 2 to 8 months
to see the full response.
How long will
the effects of the treatment last? Studies
have shown that the collagen changes can last several
years, depending on the rate of the aging process.
Avoidance of sun and smoking will ensure longer-lasting
results. The procedure can be repeated in about
one year if necessary.
How will I
look after treatment? Most patients return
to their regular activities immediately following
the procedure. Some patients experience mild redness,
but it usually disappears quickly. Rarely, a small
blister may form. If the eyelids are treated, they
may appear puffy for a day or two. Since an oral
analgesic is given, it is not recommended that you
drive yourself home. There is no special care needed
after treatment, but sun protection is recommended.
If you are prone to facial cold sores, Dr. Gidon
will prescribe antiviral medication to prevent a
recurrence.
What will happen
if I have a tan? Skin of any colour can
be treated, including tanned skin. Treatment can
be performed any time of year since it does not
cause sun sensitivity. Of course, sun protection
should routinely be used.
What other
conditions can be improved by this treatment?
Acne, acne scarring, oiliness and skin texture can
be improved.
Can I combine
the Thermage® procedure
with other anti-aging procedures? Definitely!
This treatment can be complemented by intense pulsed
light treatments for photorejuvenation, Fraxel™,
chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Botox Cosmetic®
injections and filler substances to give the healthiest,
most attractive skin possible.
How do I know
if the Thermage® procedure
will be effective for me? Dr. Gidon is
an experienced skin care specialist who can assess
your skin and determine if this procedure and other
complementary procedures will be of benefit to you.
Just book a consultation with her.
