Radiofrequency Surgery

Also known as: Thermage - ThermaCool - Coblation

A single treatment with a nonablative radiofrequency (RF) device results in tissue tightening of the neck, improvement in skin laxity, and wrinkle reduction by stimulating collagen production.

Radiofrequency, or Thermage, is the only non-invasive treatment that delivers tighter skin and healthier collagen. It tightens and gently lifts skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours by causing immediate collagen contraction followed by new collagen production over a period of time.

                                        Before                              After

Many types of skin lesions can also be treated by RF, including moles, warts and small surface blood vessels.

The technology utilises radio waves that are highly focused into the tip of an electrode, which delivers a controlled amount of energy. With each touch to the skin, the device uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue (as deep as 5-6mm) while simultaneously protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating action causes deep structures in your skin to immediately tighten.

Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin, resulting in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.

With each touch of the device, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is the indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. Your doctor controls the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable.

The procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated. The treatments are done on an outpatient basis and generally require no sedation: a cooling machine and topical anaesthesia, applied one hour prior to treatment, will minimise any discomfort. There is no downtime and side effects and complications are rare. Patients of all skin types can be treated.

Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin should feel tighter and smoother although the final results, since they are based upon collagen formation, usually appear from 2-6 months after the treatment.  A single treatment has produced good results in a significant number of patients; however, some patients may require a second treatment.

Results may last two years or longer depending on the patient's natural ageing process. 

Most people have no problems after the procedure other than some redness, which usually disappears shortly after treatment, and minimal swelling lasting a day or two. 

Average Price Range: $2000-$5000

Related Article: Thermage - The New Non-Surgical Face Lift