Thermage

Skin is made up of two layers, the visible outer layer called the epidermis, and the deeper layer called the dermis. The main structural component of the dermis is a protein called collagen, which provides the skin its strength. As we age, the body produces less collagen resulting in wrinkles and laxity.

The Thermage procedure causes the collagen in the dermal layers of the skin and its underlying tissue to tighten, thereby reducing skin laxity and wrinkles and renewing facial contours.

The Thermage procedure for ‘Skin Tightening’ uses the latest radiofrequency technology to create a precisely controlled zone of heating in the dermis and the underlying tissue. At the same time the epidermis is protected with continual cooling. The heating of the collagen initiates a natural biological reaction that causes the collagen to contract and thicken. This process, called denaturation, provides the initial results of tighter, smoother looking skin.

In addition, the body also initiates a second response called neo-collagenation, due to the heating of the dermis and underlying tissue. This response is part of the body’s natural wound-healing response and initiates new collagen creation providing long-term tightening of the skin. The combination of these two processes, provide immediate skin tightening and long-term tightening effects.

While there are a number of procedures available that affect collagen, only the Thermage procedure offers a completely non-invasive, no-downtime method to tighten loose skin and is FDA approved. This procedure is the only non-invasive method that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. (Collagen is the building block that provides structure to your skin.)

The Aesthetic Beauty Centre is the only establishment in the North East of England where the Thermage procedure is available. We were the first clinic in the UK to start delivering Thermage treatment (12th November 2004).

The Thermage procedure employs a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology called ThermaCoolT. It has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. The incision-free (Non-wounding) procedure is of relatively short duration and requires no recovery time from normal activities. Unlike some laser treatments, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types.

The system uses a sophisticated tip called ThermaTipT, that delivers a controlled amount of energy. With each touch to the skin, the ThermaTip device uniformly heats a volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling.

This deep uniform heating action causes deep structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time, new and remodelled collagen is produced to further tighten skin, resulting in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.

The Thermage process can be likened to that of pulling on a rope at one end to gradually remove the slack. The procedure typically takes around an hour or less, and patients can return to their regular activities immediately after.

During a typical session, clients experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the energy is delivered to the skin and underlying tissue. The heating sensation is the patient’s indication that the collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening.

The Doctor precisely controls the amount of energy delivered to produce optimum results. The head of the device is cooled before, during, and after the energy is released, in order to protect the skin and make the experience more comfortable.

The duration of a typical Thermage procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size and location of the area being treated.

Following a Thermage procedure, your skin should feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. Over time, you will notice additional tightening.

Unlike many available cosmetic procedures requiring a series of sessions, a single Thermage treatment can produce the desired results in the majority of patients.

Published medical studies conducted by Thermage show that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months following a single treatment session. However, many patients have reported seeing an earlier response.

The Thermage procedure causes immediate tightening of the collagen structure, with additional tightening over time. Results can last 24 – 36 months or longer based on the individual patient’s natural aging process.

Qualified doctors/nurses will discuss the procedure before any treatment, explaining any possible side effects.