Learn more about Thermage CPT procedures and history

Thermage (Thermage, ThermaCool therapy, Thermage CPT) is a hardware cosmetic procedure for deep infrared skin rejuvenation, performed using a ThermaCool radio wave energy generator (emitter). The technique is based on heating the deep layers of the dermis to the so-called compaction temperature (more than 60°C), at which loose and stretched collagen fibers begin to actively compact, providing the necessary lifting effect.

Thermage can be used both for deep facial rejuvenation and for skin tightening on various parts of the body, including particularly problematic areas: inner and outer thighs, lower abdomen, décolleté. The procedure is effective not only for solving problems of comprehensive body rejuvenation, but also for treating external manifestations of lipodystrophy (cellulite), in particular, “orange peel” on the legs and buttocks.

Thermage

The essence of the method

Thermage CPT, which is based on heating different layers of the skin using radiofrequency energy, is a unique non-invasive (bloodless) technique for facial and body rejuvenation, also called RF lifting. This is a rather expensive method of contouring and modeling the skin, which is used both in hardware cosmetology and in plastic surgery, in cases where the patient is not ready for surgical correction of problem areas. Some call the radiofrequency lifting technique a type of microwave therapy and inductothermy, but Thermage therapy has significant differences from other methods of deep thermal effects on the skin with currents.

Mechanism of action of Thermage

The method is based on heating the deep layers of the skin, including the hypodermis and subcutaneous fat, using monopolar radio waves with an operating frequency of up to 6.78 MHz, optimal for heating deep-lying epidermal structures. Under the influence of heat, the collagen layer of the skin thickens, which is responsible for its firmness, elasticity and healthy appearance.

Collagen is one of the fibrillar proteins that form the basis of connective tissue. With age, under the influence of the body's natural aging mechanisms, collagen fibers dehydrate, lose elasticity and become loose, which is manifested by external changes in the skin: it becomes flabby, skin turgor decreases, skin folds and creases (wrinkles) appear on the face.

Sagging skin is one of the signs of age-related changes

The radio wave energy generated by the Thermage therapy device penetrates into the deep layers of the dermis and heats the collagen fibers located in them to the so-called compaction temperature. A distinctive feature of the procedure is its prolonged effect: not only the already formed collagen layer is exposed (the skin is tightened and looks younger in appearance), but also the structures responsible for the synthesis of new fibrils, which actively continues for six months after RF lifting.

Note! Due to volumetric three-dimensional heating, which allows you to reach subcutaneous fat, the Thermage procedure is effective not only for non-surgical face lifting, but also for cellulite correction, as well as local lipomodeling of the silhouette.

Thermage is actively used for silhouette lipomodeling

Let's summarize. Thermage or SMAS lifting: what to choose?

Radiofrequency thermage affects the upper layers of the dermis, rejuvenating and restoring the skin. It is an effective, proven, simple, but outdated technology. Newer, more advanced technological innovations have already appeared that solve the same problems, but more successfully.

Ultrasonic SMAS lifting g acts at different depths and can effectively work even with facial muscles. The technology is also not new, but to date no fundamental new products have been invented for HI-FU SMAS lifting Altera. There are only repetitions, such as the South Korean Ultraformer.

Advantages over other rejuvenation techniques

Thermage, despite its high cost (one procedure will cost approximately 120-170 thousand rubles), is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, since this method of thermal effects on the skin has significant advantages over other techniques. These include:

• high power and operating frequency. The ThermaCool device, which is used for the Thermage procedure, is almost 11 times more powerful than similar radio wave energy generators. This allows you to influence even the deep layers of the skin (subcutaneous fat layer and hypodermis), which make up the framework of the skin;
• deep three-dimensional heating technology. Allows you to achieve three-dimensional compaction and contouring of the skin and enhance the production of fibrillar components, providing an active lifting effect for 4-6 months after the procedure;

  
  During the procedure, the deep layers of the skin are heated

• comfort for the patient. Thermage is considered a moderately painful procedure. Reducing the level of pain during operation of the device is achieved through the conductive method of heat supply (the electrode does not touch the skin) and a contact cooling system;
• lack of rehabilitation period. Some cosmetologists call Thermage a “lunch break procedure,” since immediately after the session the patient can go about his business, for example, return to work or apply decorative cosmetics to his face.

  
  After Thermage, the patient does not need a rehabilitation period

In addition, up to eleven tips can be used in the procedure. Tips of various sizes allow you to use the ThermaCool device not only for a facelift, but also for the correction of large problem areas: abdomen, buttocks, thighs, etc.

The device is equipped with tips for treating various zones

An important property of Thermage therapy is the ability to work in multitasking conditions. The procedure not only has a pronounced tightening, lipomodeling and rejuvenating effect, but can also be used to treat inflammatory non-infectious skin diseases (for example, acne), cellulite and its manifestations. For patients over 35 years of age, Thermage can be recommended as a procedure that naturally slows down skin aging.

Important! Unlike laser rejuvenation techniques, thermage has no restrictions on phototype and can be used to tighten dark and tanned skin.

Radio-ultrasound thermolipolysis Exilis Elite

Reviews of Thermage on the Internet often confuse the concepts of thermolifting and radio-ultrasound lipolysis. However, there are significant differences between these methods:

Exposure temperature . With radiofrequency lifting, the treated tissues are heated to 40°C, with thermage - up to 60°C. Accordingly, during the thermage procedure, constant cooling of the patient’s skin is necessary; during RF lifting, depending on individual sensitivity.

Frequency and current strength . Thermage involves the use of high-frequency monopolar energy, and the energy used in radioultrasound lipolysis is several times weaker.

Impact on collagen . Thermage, unlike radiofrequency lifting, completely denatures collagen in the treated area. This ensures a more pronounced and long-lasting compaction of the collagen framework. During RF lifting, only tertiary collagen structures are denatured.

Number of sessions . Thermage is usually done once, while RF lifting requires several sessions, and later a repeat course of treatment may be required.

Price . The cost of the thermage procedure, depending on the level of the clinic and other factors, is sometimes comparable to the price of plastic surgery. Almost every patient can afford an RF lifting session.

However, today it is not necessary to choose between these two effective lifting procedures. There is a method that combines the advantages of both principles - radio-ultrasound thermolipolysis Exilis Elite .

Without surgical intervention, quickly and reliably radio-ultrasonic lipolysis Exilis Elite will make you slimmer and younger! It is difficult to find a more pleasant and safe way to give your figure sculptural shapes and your face youthful charm. Moreover, this method can save you from having to undergo plastic surgery in the near future!

Indications for use

The Thermage procedure can be recommended by cosmetologists as a corrective measure for age-related skin changes, as well as an initial measure for the prevention of premature skin aging. Thermage is effective for combating crow's feet, wrinkles in the eye area and around the lips, and excess skin on the eyelids (including the movable eyelid area).

Thermage is indicated for the correction of age-related skin changes

Other indications for radiofrequency face and body lifting may include:

• flabby, aging skin, wrinkled skin with uneven tone and an unnatural “earthy” tint;
• drooping of the soft tissues of the face (gravitational ptosis);
• decreased skin turgor;
• sagging skin after childbirth, with sudden weight gain (or, conversely, rapid weight loss), with age-related changes;
• various stages of lipodystrophy (including the “orange peel” effect).

Sagging skin is also an indication for the procedure

To achieve a clinically and visually significant effect, it is enough to perform just one procedure. Immediately after the session, the skin will look fresh, tightened, and its elasticity and elasticity will increase. Smoothing of fine wrinkles also occurs in the first days after Thermage therapy, but it may take several weeks to eliminate large skin creases, since the effect of the procedure is prolonged due to increased collagen production for six months after thermal exposure.

The duration of preservation of the achieved result depends on the individual characteristics of the skin, the patient’s lifestyle, the quality of his diet, and emotional comfort. The average for patients aged 35-50 years is 2-4 years. After 50 years, the effect may be shorter: up to 1-3 years.

The older the patient, the shorter the effect of the procedure lasts.

Possible complications

Thermage is a safe procedure approved by the FDA in 2002. But some side effects may appear:

1. Irregularities. They may form a month after the procedure.
2. Numbness or tingling for a week after the session.
3. Burns, blisters. They appear due to overheating of tissues. Sometimes scars remain.
4. Hyperpigmentation. Pigment spots may disappear on their own after 2-3 months.

Do I need special preparation for the procedure?

Thermage does not require special training, medication, or adherence to any regimen. The only recommendations from cosmetologists on the eve of the session are a hygienic shower and refusal to use decorative cosmetics on the day of the appointment. There are also no restrictions on tanning, since the device is equipped with a burn prevention system (temperature sensors, contact cooling system, cryogas), and the technology of uniform volumetric heating eliminates the impact on the skin cellular pigment - melanin - responsible for dermal pigmentation.

There should be no makeup on your face on the day of the procedure.

Consequences

Thermage is a non-invasive technique. During the exposure process, the skin is not cut or punctured. The procedure is considered a complex manipulation. The doctor performing the intervention must have the appropriate qualifications. It is advisable to inquire in advance about the availability of a certificate confirming training in working with the device.

Mistakes by a cosmetologist and individual reactions of the patient’s body can lead to complications:

• long lasting redness;
• blisters, burns;
• irritation, annoying itching;
• scar formation.

A normal reaction of the body is considered to be mild, quickly disappearing redness, minor swelling, and local bruising. The symptoms disappear without additional intervention. Serious consequences require the participation of a doctor.

How Thermage works: features and technique

The specifics of the procedure depend on the purpose of its use and the area being treated.

Facelift

Facial rejuvenation is one of the main tasks for which a cosmetologist can recommend Thermage. Before the session, the doctor collects a detailed medical history to exclude possible contraindications, and also conducts a visual (if necessary, hardware) diagnosis of the skin in order to establish its phototype and identify problem areas. Since facial Thermage does not require prior preparation, the procedure can be performed on the day of treatment. It consists of several stages performed in a certain sequence.

Thermage facial: stages

After the procedure, the remaining gel is removed from the face, and a moisturizer is applied to the skin. The duration of the session is, on average, 30-45 minutes, however, the exposure time is determined individually, taking into account the existing characteristics.

Eyelid lift and correction of wrinkles in the mouth area

The radio wave lifting procedure in the eye and mouth area differs from lifting other areas by the use of special attachments. As with facial thermage, the cosmetologist first treats the entire surface in the direction of the massage marking lines. After this, problem areas are treated zonally: periorbital area, corners of the lips, facial contour, etc.

A separate attachment is used to treat the skin in the mouth area.

If it is necessary to correct wrinkles or excess skin in the eyelid area, special drops with an anesthetic are instilled into the eyes, after which protective screens in the form of dark plates are inserted under the upper eyelid. Protective lenses are necessary to prevent negative effects on the retina and cornea of ​​the eye and to prevent eye pathologies that can develop as complications of radiofrequency therapy.

Cellulite treatment and body tightening

To treat problem areas on the body, a nozzle is used that is 4.5 times larger in size than a standard nozzle for RF face lifting. The procedure is carried out according to the same algorithm as a facelift, but the procedure time can increase to 1.5-2 hours, which is explained by the large area of ​​​​impact.

Problem areas on the body are treated with a large nozzle

Note! Thermage is considered a moderately painful procedure, as patients typically do not experience significant pain during the session. When radiofrequency pulses enter the deep layers of the skin, they can cause a feeling of heat, but the discomfort lasts no more than 3-5 seconds due to the constant operation of the contact cooling system.

Recovery period (5 tips)

Rehabilitation after thermage lasts no more than 2 days. But it may last longer, depending on the severity of the skin defects. Within a couple of days after the procedure, a person can lead his normal lifestyle, but with a number of precautions:

• do not stay under the scorching rays of the sun for a long time and use special protective creams;
• For the first time, avoid visiting the solarium, bathhouse and sauna;
• remove salty and spicy foods from your daily diet, which can lead to swelling;
• do not use decorative makeup for at least 2 weeks, so as not to provoke allergies;
• do not use alcohol-containing products;
• Avoid alkaline soap.

The time it takes to recover depends on following these simple rules. It is advisable to additionally consult a doctor about this.

Results after the procedure

The result after the procedure can be assessed within the first hours, but this indicator is purely individual and depends on the patient’s age, the severity of age-related skin changes, individual phototype and other factors. Active synthesis of new fibrils (collagen and elastin) continues for 4-6 months after therapy, providing the effect of deep lifting and cellular renewal of the skin.

The result is noticeable immediately after the procedure

Regarding visual changes after Thermage, 80% of patients report the results shown in the table below.

External changes after Thermage therapy

Opinion of cosmetologists

Cosmetologists negatively evaluate the procedure of classic high-temperature thermage. Doctors strive to use only modern devices with low heat in their work. This helps to avoid problems with the use of appearance correction technologies in the future.

Cosmetologists prefer to avoid Thermage. Manipulation gives good results in the present, but causes problems in the future.

A cosmetologist is selective when choosing a thermal treatment technology. Some methods (classical high-temperature heating) lead to the immediate need for surgical intervention.

The doctor is sure that it will not be possible to achieve stable results with the help of Thermage. Problems with your appearance will soon return, and they cannot be solved even with the help of plastic surgery.

Who is Thermage contraindicated for?

Contraindications for Thermage therapy are:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• installed pacemaker;
• childhood;
• decompensated diabetes mellitus (glucose levels cannot be controlled with standard drug therapy regimens);
• malignant tumors of any location (deep heating of the dermis can cause tumor growth and start the process of metastasis due to increased lymph flow under the influence of thermal energy);
• pathologies of connective tissue, regardless of pathogenesis and morphological features (autoimmune pathologies of connective tissue, Libman-Sachs disease, etc.);
• conditions accompanied by fever, hyperthermia, intoxication (intestinal infections, food toxic infections, respiratory tract diseases, infectious lesions of bones and joints);
• infectious and inflammatory skin diseases with localization of the pathological process at the site of intended exposure.

If the body is intoxicated, Thermage cannot be performed.

Women are also not recommended to undergo procedures during menstrual flow.

Contraindications

Facial thermage (what kind of procedure it is, its benefits and possible side effects are discussed with the client at the initial stage of the examination) is actively used in their practice by most large cosmetology clinics.

This type of radiofrequency rejuvenation has a number of contraindications common to techniques of this type. Among them we can distinguish absolute and relative.

Absolute contraindications include:

• period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• the presence of wounds in the area of ​​exposure to radio frequencies;
• eczema, psoriasis;
• diseases accompanied by hyperthermia;
• diabetes mellitus type I and II;
• oncology;
• diseases associated with mental disorders or central nervous system pathologies.

Relative contraindications are:

• presence of a pacemaker (consultation and permission for the procedure from the attending physician is required);
• connective tissue dysplasia and other types of pathologies that require additional examination and identification of the stage of the disease;
• tendency to form scars (consultation with a supervising dermatologist is required);
• fresh tan

Photos before and after

Photos before and after thermage procedure No. 1

Photos before and after Thermage procedure No. 2

Photos before and after Thermage procedure No. 3

Is Altera more effective?

The principle of operation of the Altera apparatus is based on ultrasonic influence on subcutaneous tissue located at a depth of 3-8 mm.

There are a number of differences between the procedures performed by Thermage and Altera devices:

• a longer recovery period (about 2 weeks), often accompanied by redness and slight swelling, after the Altera procedure;
• less noticeable result compared to Thermage;
• temporary increase in skin sensitivity;
• lower price for one procedure using the Altera apparatus.