A NON-INVASIVE SKIN TIGHTENING TREATMENT

 The face reveals everything, the age and other factors that have an effect on it, like environment or gravity. Over time the facial skin gets mature and loses collagen and elastin, the protective proteins that keep it firm and tight. The loss of these important proteins causes the facial skin to appear saggy and loose, to develop lines and wrinkles and to look older.

Thermage® CPT for the face treatment is a proven, non-surgical procedure that tightens and smooths the facial skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. During the procedure, the existing collagen is firmed and tightened and the production of new collagen is stimulated. Some patients may see the immediate results after the treatment, but as the new collagen is produced by the skin the results continue to improve in the next 6 months.

It is FDA-approved, safe and brings long-lasting results. It restores a more youthful appearance as well as firms, tightens, tones and contours the facial skin.

Thermage® CPT for the face treatment rejuvenates the facial skin and returns a improved skin complexion. It is performed with RF energy which tightens the loose skin. The treatment is also known as a non-surgical facelift.

Procedure info at a glance

Is it painful? Unpleasant but tolerable
Is there any downtime? Possibility of redness and minor swelling for up to 24h
How many sessions are needed? One
How long does the procedure take? Around 90 minutes
When can I see the results? Right away with constant improvement over the period of 6 months
How often should I do it? Once per year

How It Works

WHY IS THERMAGE® CPT FOR THE FACE SPECIAL?

Thermage® CPT treatment is non-surgical procedure that makes the skin tighter and firms the facial contour. Over the period of time, the new collagen is produced as the body starts to respond to the heating effect. Collagen is a very important protein, that keeps the facial skin nicely structured.

WHY DOES SKIN LOSE FIRMNESS AND BECOME SAGGY?

The skin is formed from three different layers: 

  •     a visible top layer on the surface or the epidermis,
  •     an underlying layer full of collagen or the dermis,
  •     an inner layer under the dermis or subcutaneous layer that is also called the fat layer which has a network of collagen fibers that run through it.  

Different factors contribute to the breaking down of the collagen in these three layers – genes, sun exposure, the aging process. The face starts to wrinkle and sag. Due to environmental stress, the skin loses its firm and smooth texture.  

Thermage® CPT for the face is a brilliant treatment because it effectively firms the collagen in the underlying and inner layer of the skin. It makes the collagen fibers stimulated and energized.  RF energy that is emitted through the applicator heats the deep tissue and gently lifts the skin and makes it tighter which results in improved facial contours.

This treatment is fast and straightforward and it involves no incisions. There is little to no downtime after it and it is safe for all skin colors and types.

HOW DOES THERMAGE® CPT FOR THE FACE WORK?

Thermage® CPT for the face works by heating the deep layers of the skin where there is an abundance of collagen fibers. The heating is delivered by the safe RF energy that stimulates the skin’s existing collagen and causes the building of the new one. This deep uniform heating triggers the remodeling of the collagen network. Over time the facial skin becomes plumper, smoother and rejuvenated. The results are gradually more visible – wrinkles and fine lines are reduced, the texture of the skin is improved and the aging signs are greatly decreased.

Thermage® CPT for the face treatment lifts the facial skin, restores its structure, improves the facial contours and keeps the face looking fresh and youthful.

WHAT DOES THERMAGE® CPT FOR THE FACE TARGET?

Thermage® CPT for the face treatment can address different areas on the face and also the neck. It can tighten the skin in: 

  •     Upper or Periorbital area – this includes forehead and the around the eyes area
  •     Mid and lower face – this includes the cheeks, around the mouth area, jowls, jawline and under the chin.
  •     The neck

Patients with mild to moderate loose facial skin are ideal candidates for Thermage® CPT for the face treatment. They are over30 years old or they are experiencing the early signs of aging. Patients who desire to tighten the skin on their neck, brow, cheeks and jowls but don’t want to undergo more invasive procedures, will greatly benefit from this treatment.

Patients who have realistic expectations and wish to improve the overall appearance of their faces are perfect candidates for Thermage® for the face treatment.

BENEFITS OF THERMAGE® CPT FOR THE FACE TREATMENTS

Thermage® CPT for the face treatment is an excellent way to rejuvenate the facial skin, to restore its beauty and youthful appearance.  

The treatment smooths out fine lines and wrinkles and makes the skin tighter. The facial contours are improved especially in the chin and jaw area. 

It is a fast and easy treatment that can befitted in any busy schedule. 

Patients increase their confidence and enjoy their beautiful and restored facial skin for a long period of time.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

  • HOW DOES THERMAGE® CPT FOR THE FACE TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?

    Upon arriving at Lucia Clinic, the patient is first consulted with Lucia’s Thermage therapist. The therapist examines the patient’s facial skin and determines whether he/she is a good candidate for this treatment. Then, the therapist talks with the patient about his/her goals and expectations and creates a customized treatment plan that will address the patient’s specific skin concerns.

  • PREPARATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT

    Before the treatment, a grounding pad is placed on the patient’s back or legs. Since the RF energy is monopolar, the current travels from the applicator to the patient’s face but it doesn’t travel back. So it requires a grounding electrode or a return pad.

    The Thermage therapist then cleans the patient’s face to remove makeup, creams and other impurities. While the face is still wet, the therapist applies a special, temporary grid on the targeted area. This is a piece of paper with squares and circles that is transferred to the skin and serves as a grid so that the therapist does not overlap the pulses.

  • DURING THE TREATMENT

    When the treatment starts, the therapist places the Thermage applicator on the patient’s face and starts releasing the RF pulses. The therapist uses a special treatment tip called Thermatip™ to deliver the controlled amount of RF energy. With each pulse, the applicator heats deeper layers of the patient’s skin and at the same time protects the outer layer of the skin with cooling and vibration. This ensures the patient comfort. The deep heating sensation indicates that the proper temperature is reached for collagen tightening. During the treatment, the patient is asked to provide feedback on the level of heating that he/she feels from the RF pulses. The feedback actually helps the therapist to make sure that the patient is absolutely comfortable and safe during the treatment. The therapist can always lower the level of energy if the patient is experiencing any discomfort.

  • POST-TREATMENT PROCEDURE

    After the treatment, the therapist cleans the temporary grid from the patient treatment area. The patient can immediately feel that the skin has become tighter because the uniform heating caused loose collagen structures to get firmer.

    The patient can return to his/her regular skincare regime right after the treatment. It is recommended to use a high SPF when exposed to the sun.

  • HOW LONG DOES THE THERMAGE® CPT FOR THE FACE LAST?

    Procedure usually lasts for 60-120 minutes, all depending on the size of the targeted area and how well the patient tolerates the procedure.

  • HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS ARE NECESSARY?

    Thermage® CPT for the face skin tightening treatment doesn’t require more sessions to deliver optimal results. Usually, only one or two sessions yearly are necessary for most patients.

    Patients can have additional touch-up treatments afterwards once a year to keep their facial skin firm and rejuvenated.

  • DOWNTIME AND SIDE EFFECTS

    Right after the treatment is finished, the patient feels a sensation of warmth and that his/her skin is tighter. Gradually, the patient notices further tightening of the facial skin.

    As the procedure is non-invasive it requires no downtime. Thermage® CPT for the face treatment is non-ablative and it works beneath the skin’s surface. The top layer of the skin is left unharmed. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities right away.

    Some patients experience redness similar to sunburn, but it resolves quickly.

    Other side effects include swelling around or on the targeted area. Blisters rarely occur. All the sensitivities should stop in a couple of days or weeks. Should the patient experience some unusual discomfort he/she should immediately inform the dermatologist who will take further, necessary actions.

  • WHEN ARE THE RESULTS OF THE TREATMENT VISIBLE?

    Thermage® CPT for the face treatment provides immediate and continuing results. Some patients feel that their facial skin is tighter after a single session. The full results of the treatment appear gradually over a 2 to 6 months period of time. Since every patient is different, the results may vary. It all depends on how much time the body needs to produce the new and healthy collagen. The results include increased skin tightening and improved facial contours.

    The achieved results are long-lasting because the treatment causes additional collagen production. The effects of the treatment can be seen for up to 2 years. When the collagen fibers build up, the skin continues to get tighter and the facial skin appears healthier, smoother and more youthful-looking.

    The treatment does keep the facial skin rejuvenated but it can’t stop the natural process of aging. Therefore, patients can undergo additional Thermage treatments to maintain the results for a longer period of time.

  • CAN THERMAGE® CPT FOR THE FACE BE COMBINED WITH OTHER AESTHETIC TREATMENTS?

    Definitely yes. Thermage® CPT for the face can be combined with a lot of different facial treatments. These treatments include injectables like Botox®, dermal fillers or collagen induction injectables.

    Botox® is well-known for relaxing the muscles that make habitual movements and cause wrinkles and fine lines. It is mostly used in the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes area.

    Fillers can be combined with the Thermage® treatment to make wrinkles and folds even smoother. They are particularly effective in improving the skin that looks older than it is or that is overly exposed to the sun.

    Collagen induction injectables like Radiesse or Sculptra are a unique products that stimulates collagen production and therefore it combines well with the Thermage® treatment. It restores the lost facial volume, plumps the facial skin and makes it more younger-looking. It improves the appearance of age spots and broken capillaries with minimal to no downtime.

    All these different facial treatments complement Thermage® treatment because they target the specific areas in the face and deliver brilliant results in smoothing deeper wrinkles and lines and additional facial rejuvenation.