Thermage treatments are typically performed in a doctor’s office, providing for greater convenience and a more economical option. This treatment produces a 15 to 20 percent improvement without incisions or injections.

Radio waves are used to produce the skin tightening results. Radiofrequency waves heat collagen protein in the deep layers of the skin, which helps to contract and build the patient’s natural occurring collagen. A patented FDA approved hand piece is used to deliver the procedure. The outer surface of the skin is protected by a cooling mist that prevents damage to the epidermis while energy pulses are sent to the dermal layers. The energy pulses generally last between two and seven seconds each with the typical face requiring 400 and 500 pulses. A Thermage session will typically take up to a couple of hours to complete.

Minimal discomfort can be expected during the process itself. Deep heating and a pinching are often experienced during the procedure. These can be made less bothersome by topical anesthetic and oral pain medications. Occasionally, nerve blockers and IV sedation have also been used to decrease discomfort during Thermage treatments.

The benefits of this innovative treatment do not stop when the patient leaves the doctors office. The skin will continue to improve for up to six months. A patient can expect the results of Thermage treatments to last up to two years or more for a cost between $1000 and $5000.