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Thermage is a non-invasive, no-downtime cosmetic surgery technique that tightens aging skin and renews the facial features. Thermage was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in late 2001 and has grown in popularity in the last few years. Thermage uses radiofrequency technology to enhance the appearance of facial skin around the eyes and forehead, producing desirable results with no incisions and virtually no recovery time.

The skin is composed of many layers. The first layer is called the epidermis and the second, the dermis. The dermis layer of the skin is responsible for collagen production. Collagen is a protein which provides the skin with strength and firmness. With aging, the body begins to decrease its natural production of collagen which can lead to wrinkles and skin laxity. Thermage targets the collagen in the dermis layer of the skin. Using the heat from radiofrequency technology, Thermage causes the dermis and underlying tissues to tighten, thereby leading to tighter and more youthful looking skin.

During the Thermage procedure, the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) is cooled down with a spray so as not to damage the visible layers of the skin. The Thermage procedure also works by activating the body's own natural healing response, leading to new collagen production. The Thermage procedure does not require anesthesia, though a numbing cream may be applied to the treatment areas prior to the procedure.

The entire Thermage procedure can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. There is little pain involved in the Thermage procedure. Patients describe the sensation felt during the procedure as a mild pinching or burning that goes away with little discomfort. Patients can resume normal daily activities almost immediately after the Thermage procedure is complete, with little or no downtime.

Thermage patients will normally notice results two weeks to six months following a single procedure. These results can last anywhere from six months to two years. The average cost of a Thermage procedure is $2,000, whereas a facelift costs about four times as much and requires invasive surgery with a much longer recovery time.

As with any medical procedure, there are possible risks that patient should be aware of. Minor skin peeling occurs in approximately six percent of Thermage patients, though this usually does not result in any permanent scarring. The FDA has received 52 reports of more serious side effects suffered by Thermage patients, including scarring, indentations, dimpling and other skin irregularities. These side effects are relatively rare. Overall, Thermage is a safe procedure that delivers successful results with little recovery time.

To determine if you are a good candidate for a Thermage procedure, you may wish to speak to a cosmetic surgeon who has been specially trained to perform the Thermage technique. Please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced Thermage cosmetic surgeon in your area.

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