More and more we are becoming a generation where cosmetic procedures are the norm versus only for the rich and famous. Yet, many people cringe at the thought of “going under the knife” or the needles involved in many of the popular new, injection options.
Now, a new non–invasive cosmetic procedure to tighten loose skin has been gaining a lot of momentum in recent years on the East and West coasts and is now growing in popularity throughout the states in between – including right here in South Texas. By non–invasive, I mean NO scalpels, needles, stitches or ugly bruising.
This completely non–invasive treatment is called Thermage® and according to articles in recent national magazines and online sites, itÂ’s being used by various celebrities. Thermage was approved by the FDA in 2003 for various facial treatments and in 2006, the FDA approved it for use on the body, as a safe method of reducing skin laxity in regions such as the arms, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Thermage tightens body skin by using a computerized mechanism that heats the skinÂ’s inner layer, thus stimulating collagen beneath the surface. Patients may feel mild heat as the Thermage tip releases radiofrequencies, but general anesthesia is not needed. To protect the surface of the skin, the same tool delivers a cooling spray before, during and after each application of energy. Patients are asked for feedback on the level of heat sensation experienced during the procedure to help balance their comfort with maximum results.
The patient’s collagen is renewed and tightened, improving the skin’s texture and tone immediately. New collagen continues to grow up to six months following the procedure and patients will see more dramatic results as their collagen is restored during this period. Side effects are almost nonexistant, with patients experiencing minimal redness and/ or swelling. One of the best features of Thermage is the complete lack of downtime – because there is no surgery or anesthesia involved, patients can literally leave the office after their treatment and get back to their normal routines.
In most cases, patients only need one treatment, which lasts just one to two hours.
The results of Thermage last as long – if not longer – than several of the alternative treatments. Most importantly, patients do not have to face the potential risks of surgery and anesthesia.
Anyone from their 20s to their 80s can undergo Thermage. It is the perfect solution for early signs of aging or for people experiencing minimal to slightly advanced wrinkles and sagging. It is the best treatment to help delay invasive procedures such as facelifts or tummy tucks for a few more years. Persons who have implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, smokers, or who are on any type of medication that would interfere with the necessary healing process are not qualified for Thermage.
Mothers are also increasingly turning to Thermage to get rid of the loose, sagging skin caused by pregnancy, but don’t want to invest the time and money in an invasive procedure such as abdominoplasty or a full body lift. “Tummy by Thermage™” has become known as “the tummy shrink lift” and “the tummy heat shrink procedure” on popular television shows, as well as throughout cosmetic surgery circles. Many women who experienced skin laxity in the abdominal region after pregnancy have achieved good results with Thermage, which also helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Thermage is just the beginning of non–invasive treatments that are soon to be available in the U.S. as invasive surgery alternatives. Soon you will see non–invasive ultrasonic and other high–tech options for removing fat, as opposed to liposuction, and much more.
