Thermage Facial

Thermage Facial is a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment chosen by patients seeking to improve facial firmness and definition without surgery or downtime. As collagen production naturally slows with age, aging skin can lose support, leading to softening along the jawline, fine lines, and a less-defined facial contour. These changes often appear gradually and can be more noticeable around the eyes, cheeks, and lower face. Many patients seek Thermage Facial to address early-to-moderate skin laxity in a subtle, natural-looking way that fits easily into their lifestyle. At her private dermatology office in New York City, Dr. Michele Green evaluates each patient’s skin concerns and helps determine whether Thermage Facial is the most appropriate option for their goals.

Thermage Facial works by delivering controlled radiofrequency energy to the deeper layers of the skin, gently heating the tissue to improve firmness and skin quality over time. The treatment tightens existing collagen while supporting the skin’s natural renewal process, helping the face look smoother as collagen production increases. The skin’s surface is protected throughout the procedure, allowing patients to return to normal activities immediately afterward. Improvements appear gradually over the months following treatment, with many patients noticing better definition along the jawline, cheeks, and around the eyes. Dr. Green carefully tailors each Thermage Facial treatment to facial anatomy, degree of skin laxity, and long-term aesthetic goals, ensuring balanced, natural-looking results.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally recognized, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience treating facial aging with advanced, non-invasive cosmetic treatments. She was among the first dermatologists in New York City to incorporate Thermage into comprehensive facial rejuvenation plans and is known for her precise technique and conservative approach. Dr. Green focuses on enhancing skin quality and facial harmony rather than creating dramatic changes. She is consistently recognized by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her expertise and patient-centered care. When you consult with Dr. Green at her Upper East Side dermatology practice, she will work closely with you to create a customized Thermage Facial treatment plan designed to support firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin over time.

What is a Thermage Facial?

A Thermage Facial is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that tightens and smooths facial skin by improving overall firmness and contour. It is commonly chosen by patients who notice early changes, such as softness along the jawline, reduced definition in the lower face, or a general loss of skin tone, and are not seeking surgical options. Thermage Facial works beneath the skin’s surface, protecting the outer layer while treating deeper tissue, allowing patients to return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. The treatment is often used as part of a long-term skin care and anti-aging plan, with results that develop gradually and look subtle rather than dramatic. At her private dermatology office in New York City, Dr. Michele Green helps patients decide whether Thermage Facial is the right option based on their facial anatomy, degree of skin laxity, and personal aesthetic goals, ensuring results that look natural and well-balanced.

What is Thermage CPT?

Thermage CPT is a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to improve skin firmness and texture by stimulating collagen activity in the deeper layers of the skin. CPT stands for Comfort Pulse Technology, an enhanced delivery system designed to improve patient comfort during treatment. The device delivers controlled heat to the dermis while simultaneously cooling the skin’s surface, allowing collagen to tighten safely without damaging the outer layer of the skin. Thermage CPT is FDA-approved to treat facial and body skin laxity and is commonly used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Developed by Solta Medical, Thermage CPT is often chosen by patients seeking noticeable tightening with no downtime and natural-looking results when performed by an experienced dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green. In addition to facial treatments, Thermage can be used on the body to improve skin laxity and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

What is Thermage FLX?

Thermage FLX is the more advanced version of Thermage, designed to improve comfort and consistency compared with earlier systems such as Thermage CPT. Both treatments use radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin, but Thermage FLX automatically adjusts the energy it delivers based on how the skin responds during treatment. This allows the device to apply heat more evenly across the face, helping ensure consistent results from one area to the next. The updated treatment tip also covers a larger area simultaneously, reducing treatment time and improving the patient experience. These improvements make Thermage FLX a preferred option for facial skin tightening, especially for patients who want a more comfortable treatment with reliable, natural-looking results.

Does Thermage work on the face?

Absolutely! In a single treatment session, Thermage helps improve the appearance of crepey, sagging skin, leaving it more youthful. As we age, decreased collagen and elastin production lead to loose skin that can emphasize volume loss, creases, and wrinkles on the face. By tightening existing collagen and increasing new collagen production, Thermage can restore elasticity and improve the appearance of crow’s feet around the eyes, changes that affect the lower eyelids, eyelid hooding, and jowls along the jawline. Patients often notice that the face looks smoother and more refreshed, with improved definition that still preserves natural facial expression and movement.

What areas of the face can Thermage treat?

Thermage can treat multiple areas of the face where skin laxity and loss of definition commonly develop. It is frequently performed along the jawline and lower face to improve firmness and refine facial contours. The treatment can also be used on the cheeks to address softening and loss of support, as well as around the eyes to improve the appearance of fine lines, such as crow’s feet. In addition, Thermage may be applied to the forehead and temples to improve overall skin tightness and smoothness. Treating these areas together allows for balanced, natural-looking improvement across the face rather than focusing on a single isolated concern.

How does Thermage work on the face?

Thermage uses clinically proven radiofrequency technology to lift and tighten skin. The radiofrequency energy is converted into heat in the deeper layers of the skin. This heat triggers the body’s natural wound-healing process, tightening existing collagen and promoting the production of new collagen. After just one session, Thermage can firm the skin and improve the appearance of hooding on the upper eyelids, crow’s feet or wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, and jowls or sagging skin around the jawline.

At the start of the procedure, a grid will be marked on the treatment area to indicate where the Thermage handpiece will be placed on the skin. With each pass of the handpiece, patients will feel a deep heating sensation, followed by a cooling sensation on the skin’s surface, helping minimize discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure, patients can resume their daily activities without any downtime. Patients may see an immediate glow or plumping effect following treatment. While the full effects of Thermage are not immediately visible, patients will notice improvements in skin laxity and texture over the months after treatment as new collagen is synthesized.

How long does Thermage last on the face?

Thermage skin-tightening produces long-lasting results that can remain visible for two years or more. Various lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a proper skincare regimen and avoiding excessive sun exposure, can help enhance and prolong the longevity of the results. Dr. Green recommends scheduling regular touch-up appointments every year or every year and a half to maintain the desired effects of treatment.

How effective is Thermage on the face?

Thermage is highly effective for facial firming and contouring and is considered a gold standard for skin-tightening treatments. Results are not immediately visible, though patients often notice their skin feels plumper after treatment. As collagen production increases over the months following the procedure, skin laxity, fine lines, and facial wrinkles continue to improve. The full effects of treatment become visible after three to six months. The benefit of Thermage is that these results are natural-looking and long-lasting after just a single treatment, with no associated side effects or downtime. Individual results vary based on factors such as age and the degree of skin laxity at the time of treatment.

What are the side effects of Thermage treatment?

Thermage is an extremely safe and well-tolerated cosmetic treatment when performed properly. One reason patients choose Thermage is that it requires no downtime, no numbing, and no recovery period. Most patients can return to their normal routine immediately and often notice their skin looks smoother and more refreshed right after treatment. Unlike more aggressive procedures, Thermage does not cause visible redness, peeling, or bruising. Rare side effects, such as blisters, are uncommon and are generally associated with improper technique or incorrect energy settings rather than the treatment itself. When performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist, Thermage is a safe treatment that delivers natural-looking improvement in skin firmness and overall appearance.

Can Thermage be paired with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes! Thermage is commonly paired with other facial cosmetic procedures as part of a customized rejuvenation plan tailored to each patient’s needs. Because Thermage targets skin firmness and laxity, it is often combined with treatments that address additional concerns such as wrinkles, volume loss, uneven texture, pigmentation, or fat. Thermage requires no downtime, making it easy to incorporate alongside other treatments. Combining procedures allows multiple concerns to be addressed together. During a consultation, Dr. Michele Green evaluates facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine which treatments will work best together.

Injectable neuromodulators, such as Botox, are commonly used to soften expression lines caused by repeated facial movements. These lines often appear on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes during smiling or squinting. Botox works by relaxing the muscles responsible for these movements, helping the skin look smoother and more refreshed.

Dermal fillers, including hyaluronic acid-based options such as Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and Radiesse, are used to restore volume and enhance facial contours. They can add support to areas such as the cheeks, jawline, chin, and the area around the mouth, helping reduce the appearance of deep folds and hollowing.

Laser resurfacing treatments like Fraxel improve the skin’s surface by targeting concerns such as sun damage, uneven texture, enlarged pores, acne scars, and fine lines. Fraxel stimulates skin renewal by treating microscopic areas of the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact.

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma is often used to improve skin texture and tone. The treatment creates controlled micro-channels in the skin, while platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from the patient’s own blood is applied to support healing and enhance skin renewal. This combination is commonly used to address concerns such as fine lines, uneven texture, acne scars, and dull skin.

For patients with small pockets of unwanted fat, treatments such as CoolSculpting or Kybella may be used. CoolSculpting reduces fat by freezing fat cells, while Kybella uses injectable deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells, most commonly in the submental area.

Who is a good candidate for Thermage facials?

A good candidate for Thermage Facial is someone who notices mild to moderate skin laxity and wants to improve facial firmness without surgery or downtime. Patients often choose Thermage to address concerns such as softening along the jawline, early sagging in the lower face, or a general loss of skin tone, while maintaining their natural facial features. Thermage is well-suited for individuals seeking visible tightening without incisions, anesthesia, or recovery time. It is often incorporated into a long-term treatment plan to maintain skin firmness and facial definition. Annual Thermage treatments will promote new collagen production and deliver the best cosmetic rejuvenation results.

Who should avoid Thermage facials?

Thermage Facial may not be appropriate for everyone, and some individuals should avoid the treatment. Patients with implanted electronic devices, such as a pacemaker, should not undergo Thermage, as RF energy can interfere with these devices. It is also not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or have active skin infections, open wounds, or significant inflammation in the treatment area. Patients with severe skin laxity seeking dramatic lifting may not achieve their desired results with Thermage alone and may require alternative treatments. A thorough evaluation is important to ensure the treatment is both safe and appropriate, based on the individual’s medical history and skin concerns.

What is the process of getting Thermage treatment?

The Thermage treatment process begins with a consultation to evaluate skin concerns, treatment goals, and overall suitability for the procedure. During this visit, the areas to be treated are identified, and a personalized plan is created based on skin laxity, facial structure, and desired outcome. On the day of treatment, the skin is cleansed, and a grid is marked on the treatment area to guide the precise placement of the device. The Thermage procedure involves passing the handpiece over the skin, delivering brief pulses of heat, then cooling to prevent discomfort. After the treatment, patients can return to normal activities immediately. Over the following weeks and months, improvements in skin firmness and definition become more noticeable, and annual follow-up appointments are recommended to help maintain results.

Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thermage

Is Thermage or Ultherapy better for the face?

Thermage and Ultherapy are two non-invasive treatments that increase collagen production to tighten the skin. The main difference between the two treatments lies in the technology used. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to create thermal damage in the deeper layers of the skin. Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy that penetrates deeper into the dermis to stimulate collagen. While both treatments provide similar skin-tightening results, Dr. Green often recommends Thermage over Ultherapy for facial rejuvenation. The Ultherapy procedure is much more painful than Thermage because the ultrasound energy penetrates deeper. Ultherapy can also cause unwanted side effects, such as loss of fat tissue in the treatment area, whereas Thermage has none. Furthermore, Ultherapy can only treat the face and chest, while Thermage is not limited and can safely be used on all body areas for pan-rejuvenation.

What is a Thermage facelift?

Thermage can create the appearance of a facelift without the incisions, risks, and long recovery times associated with surgery. As collagen and elastin production decline with age, the skin becomes loose and crepey, making fine lines and wrinkles more visible. On the face, loose, sagging skin can appear as crow’s feet, eyelid hooding, and jowls. Crow’s feet are fan-shaped wrinkles that appear when smiling or squinting. Hooding occurs when excess skin develops on or over the eyelid. Jowls are characterized by loose skin that droops around the jaw, neck, and chin. By increasing collagen production, Thermage treatment can tighten the skin to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and hooding and contour the lower face for a more defined jawline.

Does Thermage cause facial fat loss?

Thermage does not cause facial fat loss when performed correctly by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist. The radiofrequency energy used during Thermage is calibrated to target the dermal layer of the skin, where collagen renewal occurs, without penetrating deeply enough to affect the underlying fat. By tightening existing collagen fibers and stimulating new collagen production, Thermage improves skin firmness and definition while preserving natural facial volume. With appropriate settings and expert technique, the result is a smoother, more contoured appearance without loss of facial fullness or volume.

Does Thermage tighten facial skin?

Thermage is a clinically proven, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that tightens facial skin by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, where collagen is produced, leading to immediate tightening of existing collagen fibers and activation of fibroblasts that stimulate new collagen production over time. As new collagen builds, the skin becomes firmer, and the appearance of sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles improves, resulting in a smoother, more youthful facial contour. This collagen renewal continues for several months after treatment, with full results typically visible around 3 to 6 months and lasting up to two years. Thermage is safe for all skin types, requires no downtime, and can tighten skin across multiple facial areas, including the jawline, cheeks, and around the eyes, making it an effective non-surgical alternative to a facelift for many patients.

Does Thermage tighten jowls?

Yes, Thermage can help tighten the appearance of jowls, making the skin along the jawline and lower face look firmer and more defined. Jowls develop as the skin loses firmness and begins to sag with age, softening the natural jaw contour. Thermage delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to the lower face, improving skin firmness and reducing laxity. Over time, patients notice a more defined jawline and a smoother, more lifted lower face. Thermage is best suited for early-to-moderate jowls and is often chosen by patients seeking improvement without surgery, incisions, or recovery time.

How painful is Thermage on the face?

Thermage treatment on the face is generally well tolerated, and most patients describe the sensation as brief waves of heat followed by a cooling effect on the skin’s surface. The device includes integrated cooling to protect the skin’s outer layers and enhance comfort throughout the procedure. Although sensitivity varies by treatment area and individual pain tolerance, discomfort is typically mild and short-lived. Dr. Green carefully adjusts the energy settings and technique to ensure patient comfort while maintaining effective collagen stimulation.

Can I wash my face after thermage?

Absolutely! For the three days following treatment, it is important to be gentle with the skin by avoiding hot water, exfoliants, and cleansers with irritating ingredients such as salicylic acid. Additionally, avoid hot environments, such as steam rooms and saunas, to prevent skin irritation.

Is Thermage worth it?

Yes! The benefits of Thermage include visible skin tightening and a more lifted, youthful appearance without surgery. This non-invasive treatment stimulates collagen renewal deep within the skin, improving laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles over time. Results continue to develop for several months after a single session. Many patients appreciate that Thermage does not require anesthesia, incisions, or recovery time, allowing them to return to their regular activities immediately. The natural-looking improvement in facial contour and skin firmness can be significant, especially for individuals who are beginning to notice sagging around the jawline, lower face, and eyes. Thermage provides long-lasting results and complements other cosmetic procedures, making it one of the most popular options for facial rejuvenation in Dr. Michele Green’s Upper East Side NYC office.

How much is Thermage face treatment?

The cost of Thermage facial treatment can vary by geographic location, the treatment facility, and the provider performing the treatment. Specialized training and equipment are necessary for optimal Thermage results, and it is important to see an expert in cosmetic dermatology, such as Dr. Green, who has the knowledge and expertise to deliver Thermage treatment without side effects or risks. Additionally, Thermage treatment can be performed on the lower face, the lower face and neck, the full face, or the full face and neck; as such, the price for treatment will vary based on the extent of the facial area to be treated. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess your facial anatomy and discuss your aesthetic goals to create a customized treatment plan best suited to your skin concerns. At this time, she can provide a more accurate estimate of the treatment cost.

What are the disadvantages of Thermage?

Thermage is a reliable and effective option for skin tightening, though it is important to have realistic expectations. Improvements develop gradually as collagen renewal continues, so results are not fully visible immediately after the procedure. Thermage is most effective for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and is not intended to replace surgical procedures for more advanced sagging. Some patients may experience brief discomfort during treatment from the heat used to stimulate collagen, though this is typically short-lived and well-tolerated. Because the aging process continues naturally, maintenance treatments may be recommended to help sustain long-term results. When performed by an experienced dermatologist, Thermage remains a safe and valuable option for achieving natural-looking skin tightening without surgery or downtime.

Can Thermage damage facial skin?

When performed properly by a skilled, experienced dermatologist, Thermage does not damage facial skin. The technology delivers controlled radiofrequency energy beneath the skin’s surface while protecting the outer layer with built-in cooling. This allows deeper tissues to be treated without harming the skin. Some patients may experience temporary redness or mild swelling immediately after treatment, but these effects resolve quickly and do not indicate skin damage. With appropriate settings and precise technique, Thermage is considered a safe and effective option for facial skin tightening, preserving skin integrity and overall skin health.

What does Thermage feel like during recovery?

There is no recovery after Thermage, and patients can resume their normal routine immediately after their procedure. Some people notice mild redness, warmth, or slight swelling in the treated areas, but these effects typically fade within a few hours. The skin may feel slightly tighter, similar to after a facial, though this sensation passes within a few hours. Makeup can be applied the same day, and there is no need to take time off from work or social activities. Patients appreciate how easily the treatment fits into a normal routine.

How do I get started with Thermage today?

Thermage Facial is a non-invasive, non-surgical skin-tightening treatment that improves facial firmness and definition for patients seeking natural-looking rejuvenation without surgery or downtime. It is often chosen by individuals who notice softening along the jawline, early sagging, or subtle changes in skin texture and elasticity. Thermage Facial is performed in a single session, with improvements becoming more noticeable over time as the skin gradually firms. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to help preserve results. This makes it an appealing option for patients who want visible improvement without interrupting their daily routine or altering their natural facial features. At her private dermatology office in New York City, Dr. Michele Green works closely with each patient to determine whether Thermage Facial aligns with their skin concerns, aesthetic goals, and long-term approach to facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience treating facial aging with advanced non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including Thermage, Botox, dermal fillers, and laser therapies. She is known for her individualized approach to facial rejuvenation, carefully tailoring each treatment plan to a patient’s skin concerns, facial anatomy, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Green is consistently recognized by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine for her expertise and commitment to patient care. When you visit her private Upper East Side dermatology office, Dr. Green will work closely with you to design a customized Thermage facial treatment plan to help you achieve firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. To schedule a consultation, please call (212) 535-3088 or contact the office online today.