Thermage is a safe, non-ablative, monopolar radiofrequency treatment that is a non-invasive procedure. Thermage tightens collagen, contours the skin, and stimulates the production of new collagen. It is a non-surgical procedure with no down time. Thermage patients return immediately to their normal routine. Thermage can be used on all skin types.

The ideal Thermage patient is a person with minimal to moderate loose skin, andsomeone who does not want the potential risks or downtime associated with surgery, and has the patience to wait a few months to see the full benefit of Thermage. It does not replace surgery.

Thermage works by delivering heat from radiofrequency waves deeply into the skin to stimulate collagen, the substance responsible for skin firmness and tightness. During Thermage treatment, the epidermis is protected with a cooling spray while radiofrequency energy directs heat into the collagenin the dermis, causing skin to tighten immediately. Over the next several months following Thermage, the growth of new collagen is stimulated to further tighten and smooth the skin and produces a more youthful appearance.

Depending on the size of the areas being treated, the Thermage procedure takes from 45 minutes up to 2 1/2 hours.

The full face, including eyelids and neck can be treated by Thermage. Body by Thermage includes the abdomen, arms, hands and thighs.

ArtMed is very experienced with the Thermage procedure as both Dr. Peirson and Jane Watson, the owners of the ArtMed, have this treatment done annually to maintain results. Typically though, a single Thermage treatment is enough to gain the desired results.

Many Thermage patients feel and see immediate tightening following their Thermage treatment. New collagen will continue to grow for up to six months after Thermage, so continued improvement is seen. Thermage results vary with individuals depending on age and skin condition.

Results of the Thermage treatment do not disappear. Your skin will have experienced the fullest result of the treatment 6 –12 months after your treatment, and your skin will continue on its natural againg process from there. Your initial result will depend on the initial skin condition, the patient's natural aging process, and environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking which break down collagen.

Side effects and complications with the Thermage procedure are rare. Typically, the patient may experience mild redness for a few hours and the skin feels tight. Some areas may feel slightly tender for a few days following Thermage. Everyone can continue with their usual activities immediately after Thermage treatment.

When Thermage was first developed, some surgeons treated patients at very high settings while under general anesthesia. The patients were unable to give any feedback to the surgeon whether or not there was unusual pain, and fat was burned. At Dr. Peirson's office, patients are just given oral pain medicationand/or the use of ProNox (laughing gas) which has a temporary calming effect during treatment. We adjust the Thermage settings according to the patient's tolerance and use lower settings with multiple passes. The patients do feel some discomfort in certain areas, but the settings are not high enough to burn fat.

Some areas are more sensitive than others, and there is some discomfort with Thermage. With each Thermage radiofrequency pulse, there is a cold sensation on the skin, followed by a brief hot sensation, and then cold again. Thermage is usually tolerated with just oral pain medicationand/or the use of ProNox.

There may be slight redness for a few hours after Thermage, but there is no downtime. Thermage patients may return to their normal activities immediately following the Thermage treatment. Since the Thermage effect is gradual, no one will suddenly notice a change. You will just look more youthful in a few months.

Yes. Thermage can tighten areas of skin still loose after a facelift.

Yes. Thermage can be done any time, either before or after a facelift.

Yes. Thermage can tighten the skin and improve crepiness of the eyelids. Together with Botox and fillers, Thermage can lift the brow and openthe eye area.

I have some fat, stretch marks, and loose, wrinkly skin. Vanquishtreatments can dissolve the fat, laser resurfacing treatments can fade the stretch marks, and Thermage can tighten the loose, wrinkly skin. These treatments all complement each other.

The Thermage treatment is effective for cellulite. Only one treatment is needed to smooth dimples and improve skin tone, and the results are long lasting.

Yes, definitely. If there is sun damage, brown spots, and spider veins, photodynamic therapyand intense pulsed light(BBL)can be done. Profractional/Halo laser treatments can improve pores, scarring, lines, and pigmentation. Light chemical peels and microdermabrasion can smooth skin texture. Botox/Xeomin injections can relax dynamic wrinkles, and fillers such as Revanesseand Juvédermcan plump up creases. All of these procedures complement the Thermage treatment and result in more youthful, beautiful skin. Of course,at home care with pharmaceutical skin care products should be a part of any healthy skin routine as well. Aging skin benefits from daily use of deep penetrating Vitamin C serums, retinols and sunscreen.