Are You a Candidate for Non-surgical Thermage®?

By Dennis Hurwitz on February 23, 2016

Like many patients, you want to tighten loose skin and soften lines without extensive surgery or downtime. Fortunately, at The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery, we offer a number of non-surgical procedures that can give you a dramatically younger look. Thermage® is an innovative treatment that uses radiofrequency waves to tighten the skin on your face and most areas of your body. Because the procedure is non-invasive and involves minimal discomfort, most patients can undergo this treatment. Dr. Hurwitz will evaluate your skin, health history, and cosmetic goals to make sure that Thermage® is a suitable option for you.

What Is Thermage®?

Thermage® treatment is a simple and stress-free process. The entire procedure typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Dr. Hurwitz will use a special handheld device that emits high-power radiofrequency waves. The energy heats the collagen located in the deeper layers of your skin. At the same time, the Thermage® device has a cooling effect that prevents significant discomfort during your treatment and protects the top layers of your skin from damage.

Collagen is an important connective protein in the human body. It retains moisture and gives your skin a smooth, youthful quality. As the collagen heats up, it will constrict. This will stimulate the growth of new collagen so that your skin will begin to heal on its own. By triggering your body’s natural healing process, Thermage® can achieve long-lasting skin tightening results. Typically, you will start to notice the effects of your treatment after several months.

Thermage® and Your Cosmetic Goals

Thermage® can address any of the following cosmetic concerns:

• Mild skin laxity
• Fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes
• Drooping eyelids
• Sagging brow line
• Drooping skin under your chin or around your jawline
• Crepe-like skin on your abdomen or knees
• Cellulite

Thermage® and Your Skin Quality

While Thermage® can achieve stunning results, it is not intended for severely sagging skin. If you want to address deeper creases or more extensive skin damage, Dr. Hurwitz may recommend facial plastic surgery. Facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery can all be effective options.

In addition, you will typically enjoy the best results if you have a certain amount of skin elasticity. For this reason, most Thermage® patients are under age 65. However, many older patients have enjoyed outstanding results from this treatment. Dr. Hurwitz will conduct a personalized exam to see if Thermage® is right for you.

Thermage® and Your Overall Health

Because Thermage® is non-surgical, it is safe for almost all patients. In fact, the treatment can be a good option if your doctor has told you that you are not a candidate for a facelift, due to some medical condition. At the same time, however, it is important that you have generally healthy skin. Dr. Hurwitz will consider any skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea, before recommending treatment.

Contact Us to Find Out If You Are a Candidate for Thermage®

To learn more about non-invasive Thermage® and to find out if it is right for you, contact our office today. You can also schedule a consultation with our Pittsburgh plastic surgery clinic to personalize your treatment timeline.