If you are thinking of getting an anti aging treatment but the thought of cosmetic surgery puts you off - you may be tempted by some of the apparently low-risk non-surgical procedures that have come on the market recently.
Thermage - the makers claim - is one of these highly effective anti aging treatments - all the effects of a face lift without the pain.

This apparently miraculous anti aging treatment first came to everyone's attention - as with so many other things - following a glowing review on Oprah.  But is Thermage all it's claimed to be?

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a relatively new anti aging treatment which heats and tightens the lower layers of collagen in the skin resulting in a younger and smoother appearance. When Oprah featured Thermage on her TV program, the treatment was very new and there was quite a bit of criticism as significant problems emerged for some users after the program went on air.

The Thermage treatment is based on the use of radio frequency to heat up the deeper layers of the skin and this technology has caused some  users significant problems with dimpling.  The heat from the Thermage machine penetrated too far into the tissue heating up the fat layer as well as the skin and resulting in a lumpy dimpled look - a bit like cellulite,  Definitely not what the customer ordered! 

The makers of Thermage insist that these problems are no longer possible due to the updating of their machinery and new radio frequency technology.  A Thermage treatment takes place in one intensive session and some consider that a gentler approach over a series of seesions is better. 

If this is a worry - talk to the clinic about it and consider whether you prefer an alternative less intensive radio frequency system like Polaris. 

Don't expect a miracle 

A Thermage treatment isn't a replacement for a full surgical lift - expect a degree of tightening around the order of 30% but don't expect miracles.

The Thermage facelift can be applied to the forehead, brow, eyes, mid and lower face and the neck to even out wrinkles and lines. How much of the face is treated is up to you and depends primarily on the amount of collagen breakdown.  You can just opt for thermage around your eyes, to eradicate the worst of the laughter lines. 

Thermage is one of the relatively new non-surgical anti-aging treatments where results last for a reasonable length of time: typically from six months to two or more years.  How long it lasts will depend on the rate at which your skin naturally ages combined with external factors like smoking, exposure to the sun, diet and nutrition. 

You also need to be patient - the final results of treatment won't be seen until around three to six months following the procedure.

Will it hurt?

A Thermage facelift is a relatively simple process.  A wand is passed over the skin, sending out radio waves that have an immediate tightening effect on the skin.

The procedure is relatively painfree, with the sensations being described as similar to deep heat within the skin.  Some people describe pinching and burning sensations which can be a little unpleasant.  A cooling spray is used to ensure that you are kept comfortable throughout the Thermage treatment.  

A Thermage full face treatment takes around an hour although Thermage for the eyes alone will generally take no longer than 15 minutes.

The Polaris system works in a similar way to Thermage but you would have a recommended series of six shorter sessions over several months.

Unlike cosmetic surgery - normal activity can resume immediately following Thermage treatment

Risks and side effects 

The maker's claim there are now no serious risks attached to Thermage.  Since the initial problems - side effects are experienced by less than 1% of those who opt for Thermage treatment. 

Possible side effects include redness of the skin, swelling and blisters although these should all be temporary problems and can generally be expected to disappear within two weeks. 

What does it cost? 

Compared with many surgical anti-aging procedures, Thermage prices are low, especially when you consider that the results will last longer
than many other non-invasive treatments.  As with all these treatments though - you have to bear in mind that they won't last forever and that
long term as far as this technology is concerned is probably three years maximum.

Typically, Thermage for eyes would cost around $1,000 with a Thermage facelift costing around $5,000.  In the UK prices typically start at around £2,000.  Polaris costs less per session but the total cost is around the same for the six sessions. 

If your wrinkles, crinkles, sags and bags aren't too pronounced and you are happy with the cost involved - an anti aging treatment like Thermage may be something to consider. 

 

anti aging treatments non surgical facelifts thermage

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