How Long Does Thermage Last?
Thermage is a non-invasive, skin-tightening treatment that addresses loose, sagging skin and visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Thermage treatment works to increase collagen production, improving the appearance of skin laxity and other aging signs over time. The procedure is safe and painless, requiring no downtime afterward. The Thermage FLX is a revolutionary treatment that improves on the original Thermage treatment to produce more collagen, increase device coverage, and improve patient comfort. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to incorporate the Thermage FLX into her cutting-edge, private NYC dermatology practice.
As the treatment works by stimulating collagen production, results are not immediately visible, and it can take three to six months to see improvements. The results from Thermage are long-lasting, with effects from only one Thermage session lasting for two years or more. Having a proper skincare regimen and avoiding excessive sun exposure can help to further maintain and enhance the results from Thermage treatment. Additionally, Thermage skin-tightening treatment can be complemented with other cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, Fraxel, and dermal fillers, to address other skin concerns, such as sun damage and deep lines. If you are interested in tighter, firmer skin and creating a more youthful appearance, Dr. Green is here to help.
Dr. Michele Green is an expert in using non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Thermage for pan-rejuvenation. Dr. Green is a world-renowned, board-certified dermatologist who has been treating skin laxity, fine lines, and other signs of aging for over 25 years. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times have consistently voted her as one of the best cosmetic dermatologists in NYC. Dr. Green employs the most innovative, non-invasive treatments to rejuvenate the skin and create the appearance of a facelift without the need for plastic surgery.
What is Thermage?
Thermage is a non-invasive, FDA-approved skin-tightening treatment from Solta Medical that utilizes radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are important proteins responsible for providing structure and elasticity to the skin. As we age, the production of these proteins is reduced, resulting in saggy, crepey, loose skin as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Thermage works by delivering heat energy to the middle layers of the skin to tighten existing collagen and trigger the body’s natural collagen production process. Thermage can be used to contour and tighten the skin for all body parts, including but not limited to the face, jawline, jowls/neck, thighs, knees, chest/décolletage, and buttocks. One session of Thermage skin tightening treatment will result in firmer, tighter skin and an improved appearance in fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, tightening the skin can help reduce the appearance of cellulite and associated dimpling in treatment areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
How does Thermage FLX work for skin tightening?
Thermage FLX is Solta Medical’s newest revolutionary skin-tightening treatment. The Thermage FLX uses the same radiofrequency technology as the previous Thermage to stimulate collagen production. However, the Thermage FLX has improvements in both speed and patient comfort. The Thermage FLX device has a larger treatment tip that is able to cover a 25% larger surface area during treatment, allowing for increased coverage, faster speeds, and improved comfort. Treating the face with the previous Thermage technology takes up to 90 minutes, while the Thermage FLX cuts this time in half at just 45 minutes. The Thermage FLX also incorporates a new patented AccuREP algorithmic technology to deliver optimal energy and more precise treatment for maximum results.
Who is a good candidate for Thermage?
Thermage is excellent for those experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity and individuals with mild sun damage. Thermage treatment can safely improve skin laxity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in patients of all ages and skin types. Individuals should be 18 years of age and older and in good health. Thermage should not be performed on individuals with an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD), an implantable pacemaker, an insulin pump, or any other implantable electronic device. Thermage is not safe for individuals who are pregnant. While Thermage is the gold standard for correcting mild to moderate skin laxity, it cannot treat patients with too much excess skin. Dr. Green will consult with every patient interested in Thermage treatment to ensure that the procedure can provide them with their desired aesthetic results. If there is too much excess skin in a treatment area, Thermage may not be recommended, and Dr. Green may refer you to a plastic surgeon for cosmetic surgery. If you are unsure whether Thermage treatment is right for you, consult with Dr. Michele Green for assessment and an individualized treatment plan.
When do you see Thermage results?
Some patients notice an immediate plumping effect or glow immediately after treatment. Results will improve over the following months as collagen production increases in the deeper layers of skin. Typically, patients will be able to see the full cosmetic results four to six months after the Thermage treatment.
How long does Thermage last? Is Thermage permanent?
While Thermage treatment can improve skin laxity and the appearance of aging signs, results are not permanent. Most individuals find that the effects of Thermage treatment can last for up to two years or more, depending on the individual’s natural aging process and skincare regimen. As it takes three to six months to see visible improvements following treatment, most individuals undergo regular maintenance sessions, typically every year to a year and a half, to keep their cosmetic results.
How long before you need Thermage again?
You will start to notice improvements in your skin three to six months after Thermage treatment, with results lasting for up to two years with proper skincare management. Dr. Green generally recommends scheduling a Thermage treatment every year or year and a half to maintain and optimize your desired cosmetic results. For many patients, one session of Thermage treatment is sufficient for long-term skin-tightening results. For those experiencing more moderate skin laxity, a second session after four to six weeks may be necessary for maximum results.
Are there side effects to Thermage treatment?
Not at all! Thermage treatment is safe and painless, making it the number one treatment for skin tightening. Some individuals may experience some redness after treatment, which typically resolves itself within an hour. There is no downtime after the procedure, and individuals are able to resume their normal activities immediately following treatment.
How much does Thermage cost?
The cost of a Thermage skin tightening treatment will depend on the area being treated, your geographical location, and the individual performing the treatment. Addressing multiple areas of the body will result in a higher treatment cost. Additionally, while treatment at a MedSpa may be cheaper, receiving treatment with an expert cosmetic dermatologist such as Dr. Green will ensure that you receive the optimal results and the highest quality of care. During a consultation with Dr. Green, she will discuss your skin condition and aesthetic goals to establish an individualized treatment plan. Typically, one session of Thermage can range from $3,500 to $4,500, and a closer estimate of the treatment cost will be provided to you based on the body areas you would like to address.
What not to do after Thermage
It is important to keep your skin from getting irritated in order to maximize the results from Thermage. Patients should avoid hot environments, including steam rooms, saunas, hot showers, and strenuous exercise, for about three days post-treatment to avoid skin irritation. It is best to practice proper sun protection, avoiding both direct sunlight and tanning beds, to prevent UV damage and the appearance of aging signs.
What can I do at home to make my results last longer?
To maintain the cosmetic results from the Thermage procedure, it is important to maintain a regular skincare regimen. Using sunscreen, retinol, vitamin C, and antioxidants daily are all essential for achieving and maintaining healthy skin. Sunscreen works to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays, which contributes to premature aging and the development of aging signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and sagging skin. Your sunscreen should be broad-spectrum to protect against both UVA and UVB rays and carry a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that stimulates collagen production and increases the rate of cell turnover to allow for new healthy cells to reach the surface quickly. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress, increases cell turnover rate, and brightens the complexion.
Dr. Green believes that proper skin care and sun protection are vital to maximizing the effects of Thermage skin tightening. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private Upper East Side dermatology office, she will work with you to create an individualized skincare regimen to suit your skin type, concerns, and aesthetic goals.
Can I combine Thermage with other cosmetic procedures?
Absolutely! Thermage is the number one non-invasive skin-tightening treatment for addressing skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles in as little as one treatment session. Many patients concerned with skin laxity are also interested in improving sun damage, volume loss, skin texture and tone, deep lines, and hyperpigmentation. For maximum facial and skin rejuvenation, Dr. Green recommends combining Thermage with other non-invasive procedures such as Botox, Fraxel, or dermal fillers.
Botox and other neuromodulators are often paired with Thermage treatment to address dynamic wrinkles on the face in addition to skin laxity. Dynamic wrinkles are created by muscles that move during facial expressions. Botox is a neurotoxin that works to freeze the muscles responsible for these wrinkles and smooth out creases along the forehead, eye area, and glabella. Combining Thermage with Botox injections can create a natural-looking, long-lasting brow lift with no downtime.
Individuals concerned with sun damage can incorporate the Fraxel laser to rejuvenate the skin further. Fraxel is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses fractionated heat energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and increase collagen synthesis. The Fraxel laser can treat many different skin concerns, including sun damage, age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and enlarged pores.
For individuals experiencing deep lines and volume loss, Dr. Green may recommend complementing Thermage treatment with dermal fillers. Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid-based fillers commonly used for treating volume loss in the face. These fillers have various formulations to address concerns from mid-face volume loss to deep nasolabial folds.
Which lasts longer, Thermage or Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a skin-tightening treatment that employs ultrasound energy to increase collagen production. Ultherapy penetrates deeper layers of the skin in comparison to Thermage, resulting in a more painful procedure. Additionally, Ultherapy is limited to treating only the face and chest, while Thermage can treat all areas of the body.
The results from Ultherapy can last for a year or more, while results from Thermage can last for two years. For both Ultherapy and Thermage, practicing proper skincare and incorporating other non-invasive anti-aging procedures into your treatment plan will help to maintain results for longer.
Is Thermage immediate?
The effects from Thermage are not visible immediately following treatment. Thermage works to trigger the body’s natural collagen synthesis process. As collagen levels increase, patients will begin to see improvements in skin laxity and texture. The full benefits of Thermage are typically visible three to six months after a treatment session.
Are Thermage results permanent?
Unfortunately, the results from Thermage are not permanent. However, results are long-lasting, with results holding for up to two years or more. Maintaining a skincare regimen with proper sun protection can help to enhance and prolong the effects of Thermage treatment. Additionally, engaging in regular, annual Thermage sessions will help to maintain cosmetic results.
How to get started with Thermage treatment today
Thermage is the gold-standard skin-tightening treatment for stimulating collagen production and addressing skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles across the entire body. The treatment is safe and effective and requires no downtime after the procedure. While results are not permanent, the cosmetic effects from a single treatment session can last for up to two years or more with proper skincare maintenance. Additionally, Thermage treatment can be paired with other non-invasive cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, Fraxel, and dermal fillers, to address other signs of aging. If you are frustrated with the appearance of loose, sagging skin and are interested in pan-rejuvenation, consult with Dr. Green today.
Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience treating the world’s most discerning men and women with the most innovative cosmetic procedures on the market. Dr. Green was one of the first NYC dermatologists to incorporate Thermage FLX into her patients’ treatment plans. Through her less-is-more approach, she delivers long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation results to her patients. She has consistently been voted as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times for her expertise and dedication to her patients. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private dermatology office, she will discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals to devise a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Please contact us online to schedule a consultation today or call 212-535-3088 to learn more about Thermage and other non-invasive cosmetic procedures for pan-facial rejuvenation.