What to Expect During a Thermage Procedure

As we age, the production of structural proteins such as collagen and elastin begins to decline, leading to increased skin laxity and a more pronounced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite. Increased skin laxity—or loose skin—can affect many areas of the body, with decreased collagen production contributing to signs of aging on the lower face, along the jawline, including jowls, around the eyes, on the neck, décolletage, arms, legs, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. For a long time, many patients mistakenly believed that the only way to improve skin laxity was to undergo invasive procedures like a facelift from a plastic surgeon. However, achieving a naturally youthful appearance is now easily attainable without incisions or surgery. Sagging skin, uneven skin texture, and other concerns can be effectively addressed with the range of non-invasive treatments available at Dr. Michele Green’s Upper East Side, New York City dermatology office. One of the most popular non-surgical procedures for skin tightening is the Thermage radiofrequency laser.

Thermage is often considered the “gold standard” in anti-aging and skin-tightening treatments for many reasons. Using radiofrequency energy technology, Thermage stimulates new collagen production to fight sagging, loose skin, and to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite—all without downtime, allowing patients to return to their regular activities immediately. Thermage is a non-invasive procedure, unlike a surgical facelift performed by a plastic surgeon, which is expensive, carries a high risk of complications, and requires a lengthy recovery period. In contrast, Thermage takes only about an hour, has minimal side effects, and delivers impressive results. For a treatment that reverses signs of aging and leaves skin firm, tight, and smooth, consider the Thermage skin tightening procedure available at Dr. Michele Green’s New York City dermatology office.

For optimal results with radiofrequency skin tightening and body contouring, seek treatment from an experienced, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green. An expert in designing personalized skincare plans that include treatments such as microneedling, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, Botox, dermal fillers, and more, Dr. Green has been treating patients at her Upper East Side dermatology practice in New York City for over 25 years. Known for precision, patient comfort, and outstanding results, she earns high patient satisfaction by customizing treatments to each person’s unique needs and aesthetic goals. This approach has also earned her recognition as one of New York City’s top dermatologists by publications like Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.

What is Thermage skin tightening treatment?

Thermage is a non-invasive, FDA-approved skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to promote skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. Naturally, aging leads to a decrease in elastin and collagen production. These proteins are essential for providing the skin with a firm foundation and elasticity. As their levels drop, visible fine lines, wrinkles, crepey skin, and loose skin become more apparent. For those looking to reduce sagging and address visible aging signs, Thermage offers an excellent skin tightening option. It results in tighter, firmer, and smoother skin, softening fine lines and wrinkles, and helping you look younger without surgery by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production. The Thermage procedure can be performed on virtually any area of the face or body, including the jowls, neck, chest, décolletage, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, providing a non-surgical “lift” that firms and tightens loose skin.

How does Thermage work for skin tightening?

The Thermage treatment for skin tightening uses radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, tighter skin. When the Thermage device is applied to the skin’s surface, it emits a beam of radiofrequency (RF) energy that heats the deeper layers of the skin, known as the dermis, while keeping the skin’s surface cool for maximum comfort during the procedure. Heating the dermis triggers the body’s natural healing response, promoting new collagen growth over time. The increased collagen production in the treated area replaces sagging, loose skin with firmer, smoother skin over 3 to 6 months. Additionally, results can be partly visible immediately after the session, as the dermal heating causes water molecules in the fibrous collagen to separate, leading to an instant skin tightening effect.

Which areas of the body can Thermage treat?

Thermage can be used to treat many areas of the body, including:

• The jowls along the jawline
• Neck
• Chest
• Décolletage
• Upper arms
• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Buttocks

What are the benefits of Thermage treatment?

As part of the natural aging process, skin elasticity decreases as the production of structural proteins like collagen and elastin naturally declines. Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten existing collagen and stimulate the growth of new collagen, making it safe for patients of all skin types and conditions. Another benefit of Thermage radiofrequency treatment is that it can be applied to many areas of the body to improve skin concerns on the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs. Specifically, Thermage is often used on the face to improve hooded eyelids, sagging skin along the jawline (jowls), loose skin on the neck (sometimes called the “turkey neck”), loose skin under the arms, and sagging skin around the knees. After weight loss, Thermage can also be used to tighten the skin, as long as there isn’t too much loose skin in the treated area. Thermage offers patients long-lasting results after a single treatment, with no downtime.

Who is a good candidate for Thermage vs. surgery?

The best candidates for Thermage® treatment are individuals in good overall health who have noticed or want to prevent signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity, that their current skincare routine cannot address. As a non-invasive procedure, Thermage® skin tightening is also ideal for patients with realistic expectations about their cosmetic results and who prefer subtle improvements over the more dramatic outcomes often seen with plastic surgery. Thermage treatment for skin rejuvenation can be performed on all skin types and for patients of all ages. Its accessibility is appealing to those who want to avoid surgical procedures. Unlike plastic surgery, which requires significant downtime and carries a risk of serious side effects, Thermage radiofrequency offers skin-tightening results without surgery or recovery time.

When consulting with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for Thermage skin tightening and help develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan will incorporate non-invasive options tailored to your specific skin concerns and aimed at achieving your desired cosmetic results.

How should I prepare for a Thermage procedure?

The first step in preparing for a Thermage treatment is to schedule a consultation with an expert board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green. During your consultation, Dr. Green will discuss your aesthetic goals and examine the treatment area to determine if Thermage radiofrequency skin tightening is the best option for you. Be sure to arrive with a clean face, meaning no makeup or other products.

What happens during a Thermage procedure at a dermatology office?

When you arrive for your Thermage procedure at Dr. Green’s Upper East Side dermatology office, Dr. Green will start by drawing a grid on the treatment area to mark where the laser will be applied. Using Thermage AccuREP technology, the device heats the deeper layers of skin while keeping the surface cool. As a result, the procedure is not painful or uncomfortable and does not need a topical numbing cream. After outlining the grid, Dr. Green will move the Thermage device over the treatment area. When the device touches your skin, you will feel a heating sensation first, followed by a cooling sensation. After the procedure, you might notice a “glow” and some redness in the treated area. However, there are no other side effects from Thermage radiofrequency treatment, and patients can return to their normal activities right away. Most patients see immediate improvement in their skin texture after the first treatment, but the results will continue to develop over the next two to three months.

How long does a Thermage treatment take?

Thermage treatment is a quick and effective treatment option for addressing areas of high skin laxity. The amount of time it takes for the treatment depends on the area of the body being treated. Most Thermage treatment sessions take approximately one hour. However, parts of the body with a larger surface area, such as the thighs or buttocks, may require longer.

Are there any side effects of Thermage?

Thermage skin-tightening treatment is generally safe and has no serious side effects, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately. Some may experience mild redness shortly after the procedure, but these effects usually resolve quickly without intervention. The primary contraindication for non-surgical skin tightening with Thermage is having a pacemaker. Patients with a pacemaker, internal defibrillator, or other metal implants should not undergo Thermage radiofrequency treatment. Please inform Dr. Green during your initial consultation for facial rejuvenation or body contouring if you have a pacemaker, internal defibrillator, or any metal implants.

What is recovery like after Thermage? Is there any downtime?

Thermage is a safe and effective treatment that does not cause serious side effects and requires no downtime, allowing patients to immediately resume their regular activities after the procedure. Some patients may experience redness, which will fade soon after the treatment. After the non-invasive procedure, Dr. Green recommends practicing strict sun protection by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you go outside and reapplying it every two hours in the sun. You can also protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves. Additionally, Dr. Green advises keeping the skin hydrated by using a gentle cleanser twice daily.

What should I avoid after a Thermage treatment?

To maintain the results of the treatment and keep your skin from getting irritated, it is important to avoid certain activities after Thermage treatment. Staying out of the sun is important for maintaining the results of the treatment and preventing the appearance of signs of the natural aging process. As such, it is best to avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds after your Thermage treatment. Dr. Green also recommends avoiding hot environments, such as hot showers, steam rooms, saunas, and strenuous exercise for 48 hours post-treatment.

Will I see results right after my first Thermage session?

Thermage skin tightening treatment stimulates the body’s natural collagen production to improve skin laxity, resulting in sustained improvements over time. Immediately after the treatment, patients will see some improvement in skin texture. However, the full results of the treatment will become visible four to six months post-procedure, as collagen production creates smoother, more evenly textured skin.

How many Thermage sessions are needed for the best results?

Most patients only need one treatment session for excellent, long-lasting skin tightening results, although individual outcomes vary depending on the severity of the skin laxity. Thermage treatment uses radiofrequency technology to heat the underlying layer of skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing response and boosting collagen production for smoother, tighter skin. Some patients with more moderate skin laxity might require two Thermage treatments, spaced 4-6 months apart, to achieve optimal results. Dr. Green suggests patients schedule yearly follow-up appointments to ensure the best cosmetic results.

How long do Thermage results typically last?

Thermage skin-tightening treatment provides patients with natural-looking, long-lasting results. Many patients only require one treatment session for optimal results that can last for up to two years. Dr. Green recommends that patients schedule annual touch-up appointments to maintain the effects of the treatment over time.

Is Thermage safe for all skin types?

Yes! Thermage is a “color-blind” laser. It is FDA-approved for skin tightening on the face and body, and is safe and effective for all skin types. Some laser treatments can be risky for patients with darker skin tones and may cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. This is not the case with Thermage, which does not damage the skin. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will carefully choose the treatment or series of treatments that are safe for your skin type and will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Can Thermage damage the skin?

Thermage radiofrequency technology for skin tightening is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure that requires no downtime and has minimal risk of side effects. The heating of the dermal layers during the procedure is precisely controlled and causes no damage to the skin’s surface. Thermage applicators are equipped with cooling technology to protect the outer layer of the skin from damage. At most, some patients might experience mild redness or swelling immediately after the treatment, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few hours. When consulting with an expert like Dr. Michele Green in NYC on non-invasive treatments such as Thermage skin tightening, you can expect natural-looking, long-lasting results without concerns about unwanted side effects.

Is Thermage painful or just uncomfortable?

Thermage skin-tightening treatment is not associated with any pain or significant discomfort. Built with advanced AccuREP technology, Thermage heats the deeper layers of the skin while keeping the skin’s surface cool, preventing any damage to the surrounding tissue. With each pass of the laser, patients will feel a heating sensation followed immediately by a cooling sensation.

Do I need anesthesia for Thermage?

No. The newest Thermage handpieces are built with AccuREP technology for maximum comfort, keeping the skin’s surface cool. Meanwhile, the radiofrequency energy (RF energy) heats the inner layer of skin to stimulate collagen production. As a result, patients usually do not need anesthesia or topical numbing solutions. Dr. Green is dedicated to providing patients with the most effective treatments while minimizing discomfort whenever possible.

How do I get started with Thermage treatment today?

Thermage is considered the gold standard in cosmetic dermatology for skin tightening, providing impressive and long-lasting rejuvenation results with just one treatment session. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and remodel existing collagen fibers, which tightens and lifts the skin. With no downtime or side effects, Thermage is an ideal non-invasive option for those wanting to reduce skin laxity and achieve a more natural, youthful look. If you’re tired of loose, sagging skin and want to refresh your appearance with Thermage, Dr. Green is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing non-invasive treatment options. She takes a holistic, less-is-more approach, creating personalized skincare routines and treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently recognized as one of New York’s top dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and determine if Thermage radiofrequency skin tightening treatment is right for you.