Thermage Treatment

Below are some frequently asked questions about your treatment with Non-Ablative Radio Frequency with ThermaCool® by Thermage, Inc.

What is ThermaCool?
How does the ThermaCool work?
Where on the face is it applied?
Is it painful?
How long does the procedure last?
Do I need special preparation?
When can I return to my normal activities?
When will the results show?
How many treatments will I need?
When can I have another treatment?
How long will the effects last?
How safe is it?
How expensive is the treatment?

What is ThermaCool?

ThermaCool is a radio-frequency device that allows for tightening of skin without injury to the skin's top layer (epidermis). APDerm^® Center for Cosmetic Services is the only facility in the Emerson Hospital area to offer this advanced cosmetic service.

How does the ThermaCool work?

Deep, intense, uniform, sustained heat in the tissue underneath the surface of the skin will produce contraction and tightening of excessively flaccid or lax skin.

Where on the face is it applied?

Tightening skin in certain key areas can be advantageous for cosmetic improvement, for example: Treating the skin of the forehead can lift the eyebrows and enhance the appearance of the eyes, making the eyes look more open, less tired, more alert. Previously, this result could only be obtained with major surgery or Botox. Other areas of the face such as the skin of the cheeks and neck can also be treated to reduce flaccidity, which produces deep folds with aging.

Is it painful?

Each time the machine is fired, there is a sensation of heat in the area. Fortunately this heat sensation lasts only fractions of a second and is followed by a cool sensation, which also helps with the discomfort felt. This is the result of the use of cryogen spray, which is delivered before, during an after the application of heat. Systemic pain medication and sedatives will be administered based on individual pain tolerance.

Thermage Treatment | Concord | Westford | Marlborough

How long does the procedure last?

The procedure itself may take anywhere from 30-75 minutes depending upon the site of the area treated.

Do I need special preparation?

You may continue to use your topical creams or medicines taken by mouth up until the time of the procedure.

When can I return to my normal activities?

You may return to your activities immediately, as there is usually no down time. Minimal redness is seen in some patients. Swelling, bruising, and pain is uncommon after the procedure. There is no special care needed afterwards either, unless you develop crusting which can occur rarely. If crusting is seen, then Aquaphor healing ointment should be applied twice daily.

When will the results show?

Although in some patients the results are seen immediately, in most patients they will appear gradually over 4 to 6 months. Since the effects are so gradual, the patient may not be aware of the extent of the changes. Photographic comparison with pre-operative pictures will usually demonstrate the changes.

How many treatments will I need?

For many patients one treatment will suffice. Repeat treatments may be needed for others.

Thermage Treatment | Concord | Westford | Marlborough

When can I have another treatment?

A decision regarding further treatment can be made as early as one month, however, since benefits are delayed further treatment may not begin for four months.

How long will the effects last?

The studies to date demonstrate that there may be a variable response.

How safe is it?

It is extremely safe. Although this is a relatively new procedure and a new technology, great effort has been made to make it as safe as possible. The number of adverse effects are very small.

How expensive is the treatment?

The fee for this cosmetic non-insurance covered service, varies significantly depending on the patient and the areas to be treated. For a limited time, APDerm^® Center for Cosmetic Services offers a complimentary ThermaCool consultation with Donna Kulas, DCNP, to discuss your treatment options.