This technology helps to reverse the signs of aging uses radiofrequency to lift and tighten sagging skin. This radiofrequency gently heats the deep surface of the skin causing it to contract and tighten. This lifts the face, brow and cheeks without surgery and without downtime. The procedure is safe and requires less than one hour. Only topical anesthesia is used and patients return to work or play immediately following a treatment.

How does it work?

The ThermaCool was developed by Thermage Corporation (http://www.thermage.com) to tighten skin without surgery. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the tissue below the skin while it keeps the skin surface cool. This "tightens" your existing collagen and stimulates new collagen growth. The end result is tighter, firmer skin. A local anesthetic cream will be used to numb the treatment area for one hour before your procedure. The length of time required for the procedure itself will depend on the size of the treatment area. The usual range is between 30 minutes and one hour. While the procedure should not hurt, you may experience a sensation of heat in the treated areas. Patients leave the office looking and feeling great. There are no restrictions in activity following the procedure.

Does skin color affect the outcome?

Unlike laser procedures, radiofrequency energy is unaffected by skin pigment. All skin colors can be safely and effectively treated.

What results can I expect?

Results will vary from patient to patient, and your age, treatment area and skin laxity can all affect the outcome. While some patients have seen improvement within a few days, you should expect your results to appear over a period of three to five months. We will take pictures before and after your procedure so you can see the benefits of your treatment over time.

Will I need a second treatment?

Patients may benefit from a second treatment. We recommend waiting three months before considering a second treatment.

When can I go back to work?

Patients can return to their normal activities immediately. Occasionally patients experience a brief redness that fades within a few hours.

Does the ThermaCool replace the traditional facelift and resurfacing?

The ThermaCool will not replace laser skin treatments or traditional facelift for treatment of all skin conditions or all signs of aging. For example, C02 laser resurfacing is recommended to treat more deeply wrinkled, sun damaged skin and a face lift may be indicated for skin laxity and bands in the neck. We can determine the best treatment for your desired outcome in a consultation.

Does the ThermaCool treat acne?

After only one or two treatments, the ThermaCool has demonstrated amazing effectiveness in reducing even the most severe acne (see before & after photo). Patients who have been on Accutane prior to a ThermalCool treatment have been able to eliminate Accutane therapy altogether. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new development!

How safe is it?

It is extremely safe. While this may be a relatively new procedure, great effort has been made to make it as safe as possible. There are very rare adverse effects, which we will be happy to review with you at your consultation.

Do I need special preparation?

There is no need to interrupt your usual routine. You may take your usual medications before, during and after the procedure.

Is ThermaCool for everyone?

Because radiofrequency is used in these treatments, patients with heart pacemakers are advised not to undergo ThermaCool facelift procedures. The radiofrequency may interfere with the heart pacemaker device.

Where on the face is it applied?

Tightening skin in key areas can be advantageous for cosmetic improvement. Treating the forehead can lift the eyebrows and enhance the appearance of the eyes, making the eyes look more open, less tired and more alert. Other areas such as the skin of the cheeks can also be treated to reduce the sagginess that produces deep folds with aging. Multiple other sites are being tested.

Is it painful?

Each time the machine is fired there is a sensation of heat in the area. An anesthetic cream applied one hour before the procedure will make this quite tolerable. Fortunately, this heat sensation lasts only fractions of a second and is followed by a cold sensation, which also helps minimize the discomfort.

When can I return to normal activities?

Immediately. There is typically no down time. Minimal redness is seen in some patients, but it usually disappears within an hour. There is usually no swelling, bruising or pain afterwards. There is no special care needed after the procedure. You may return to your normal scheduled activities immediately.

How long will the effects last?

We do not know; however, results have been documented to last at least 22 months. But because of the aging process, skin laxity will naturally increase again with time. However, there is no "Cinderella effect" in which the results from the treatment will suddenly disappear in one day.