Thermage, also known as thermolifting, is a gentle procedure for tightening the skin. Targeted heat treatment using radio radiation gives the skin a fresher and younger appearance. Neither injections nor scalpels are used. You can find more information and selected Thermage specialists here.
Thermage, also known as thermal lifting, is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure. It aims to tighten and contour the skin and thus achieve a rejuvenating effect.
The protected trademark Thermage gives its name to the treatment device used for this procedure. Thermage was developed by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, an international pharmaceutical company based in Canada.
During the treatment, the tissue is irradiated with high-frequency radio waves. These radio waves generate heat under the surface of the skin. The body's own collagen fibers shrink when exposed to heat. This stimulates the formation of new collagen.
Over time, the treated areas of skin (sagging skin) are increasingly replaced by new, firm and smooth skin.
The result leads to
The skin-tightening effect lasts for up to 2 years.
Older woman during a Thermage treatment © Robert Kneschke | AdobeStock
The treatment is quick and uncomplicated and does not require hospitalization.
Neither operations nor injections are carried out during the thermal lift. The patient therefore has no downtime after the treatment.
The Thermage procedure is particularly suitable for patients who do not wish to undergo surgery or injections to achieve their goals.
Fine wrinkles and blemishes can be reduced using Thermage. Overall, the application improves the appearance of the skin, giving it a fresher and healthier complexion.
Thermolifting can be applied to the eyes, face and entire body. This means that almost all problem areas can be treated.
Thermage is used particularly frequently on these parts of the body:
A common area of application is the face. A thermolift tightens and contours the face and can effectively counteract a double chin and sagging cheeks.
A typical application on the eyelids reduces drooping eyelids and bags under the eyes. Wrinkles around the eyes are tightened.
Thermage can be used on the rest of the body to conceal cellulite and stretch marks. Thermage is often used on the stomach, for example, to tighten the skin and smooth the stomach.
The doctors will discuss with you in a consultation whether thermolifting is appropriate for you and can achieve good results.
Before the treatment, a special cooling gel is applied to the treated areas of skin.
A kind of grid is applied to the previously disinfected skin using a film. The impulses are then applied in a special sequence, which can be easily recognized by the numbers marked on the grid.
Grid transfer to the skin during Thermage treatment © Robert Kneschke | AdobeStock
Then it starts: the set-top box sends radio waves to each square of the previously applied grid for a few seconds, generating heat. Radio waves penetrate one to three millimetres deep into the tissue layer of the skin and cause controlled "damage" to the heated tissue through the contraction of collagen fibers at elevated temperatures.
During the treatment, the patient experiences alternating cooling and heat in the corresponding areas of skin.
A Thermage treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis in the clinic and usually only takes around 20 minutes.
Two Thermage treatments are usually required for a successful facial treatment.
After the treatment, the patient can immediately resume their daily routine. There is no need to wear a bandage or take medication.
In some cases, there may be slight reddening of the treated areas of skin, but this can be covered with a little make-up.
It is important that patients do not cool the treated areas, as the heat generated internally stimulates collagen production and therefore skin tightening. Otherwise, you do not need to pay any attention after the Thermage treatment.
Initial treatment results are sometimes visible immediately after the treatment. The long-term effects of stimulating the production of new collagen can be seen after 3-6 months.
Side effects occur in 0.2% of patients. For sensitive skin
are to be expected. However, they disappear by themselves after a few days.
Some patients feel pain during the treatment and then say that they will not repeat the treatment. The rest are very satisfied with the result. Consequently, the reaction to this intervention is as individual as the people treated.
As with any procedure, patients should carefully consider in advance whether the side effects mentioned can be accepted.
The technology is still relatively new, which means that no studies on long-term effects are yet available.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
