Thermage, also known as Thermolifting, is a gentle procedure for tightening the skin. Targeted heat treatment using radiofrequency energy helps the skin achieve a fresher and more youthful appearance. No injections or scalpels are used. Here you will find further information as well as a selection of Thermage specialists.
Definition: What is Thermage?
The Thermage procedure, also known as Thermalift, is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure. It aims to tighten and contour the skin, thereby achieving a rejuvenating effect.
The registered trademark “Thermage” gives its name to the treatment device used for this procedure. Thermage was developed by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, an international pharmaceutical company headquartered in Canada.
During the treatment, the tissue is exposed to high-frequency radio waves. These radio waves generate heat beneath the skin’s surface. The body’s own collagen fibers contract when exposed to heat. This stimulates the production of new collagen.
Over time, following the procedure, the treated areas of skin (sagging skin) are gradually replaced by new, firm, and smooth skin.
The result is thus
- skin tightening,
- wrinkle smoothing, and
- facial contouring.
The skin-tightening effect lasts up to 2 years.
An older woman undergoing a Thermage treatment © Robert Kneschke | AdobeStock
The treatment is quick and straightforward and does not require a hospital stay.
The Thermalift procedure involves neither surgery nor injections. As a result, the patient has no downtime after the treatment.
The Thermage procedure is particularly suitable for patients who do not wish to undergo surgery or receive injections to achieve their goals.
Common Applications of Thermage
Fine lines and skin imperfections can be reduced with Thermage. Overall, the treatment improves the skin’s appearance, giving it a fresher and healthier complexion.
Thermage can be used around the eyes, on the face, and on the entire body. This means it can address nearly all problem areas.
Thermage is used particularly frequently on these parts of the body:
- Face,
- Legs,
- arms,
- abdomen, and
- hands.
A common area of application is the face. Thermolifting tightens and contours the face and effectively combats a double chin and sagging cheeks.
A typical application on the eyelids reduces drooping eyelids and under-eye bags. Wrinkles around the eyes are smoothed out.
On the rest of the body, Thermage can be used to minimize the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. For example, Thermage is often used on the abdomen to tighten the skin and smooth the stomach.
How Thermage Works
During a consultation, the doctors will discuss with you whether Thermage is appropriate for you and whether it can achieve good results.
Before the procedure, a special cooling gel is applied to the areas of skin to be treated.
A grid pattern is transferred onto the previously disinfected skin using a film. The energy pulses are then applied in a specific sequence, which is easily identifiable by the numbers marked on the grid.
Grid transfer onto the skin during Thermage treatment © Robert Kneschke | AdobeStock
Then the treatment begins: The set-top box transmits radio waves to each square of the previously applied grid for a few seconds, generating heat in the process. Radio waves penetrate one to three millimeters deep into the skin’s tissue layer and, at elevated temperatures, cause controlled “damage” to the heated tissue through the contraction of collagen fibers.
During the treatment, the patient experiences alternating cooling and heating in the relevant areas of the skin.
A Thermage treatment is performed on an outpatient basis at the clinic and typically lasts only about 20 minutes.
Two Thermage treatments are usually required for a successful facial treatment.
After the treatment
After the treatment, the patient can immediately resume their daily activities. There is no need to wear a bandage or take medication.
In some cases, there may be slight redness of the treated skin areas, but this can be covered with a little makeup.
It is important that patients do not apply cold compresses to the treated areas, as the heat generated internally stimulates collagen production and thus skin tightening. Otherwise, there are no special precautions to take after Thermage treatment.
Initial treatment results are sometimes visible immediately after the procedure. The long-term effects resulting from the stimulation of new collagen formation become apparent after 3–6 months.
Complications and Risks Associated with Thermage Treatment
Side effects occur in 0.2% of patients. In patients with sensitive skin,
- swelling,
- redness,
- indentations, or
- blisters
. However, these symptoms disappear on their own after a few days.
Some patients experience pain during the treatment and then say they will not undergo the procedure again. The rest are very satisfied with the results. Consequently, the response to this procedure is as individual as the patients themselves.
As with any procedure, patients should carefully consider in advance whether they are willing to accept the side effects mentioned.
The technology is still relatively new, so no studies on long-term effects are available yet.
