THERMAGE - NON-SURGICAL LIFTING

Below we have included detailed information on the non-surgical Thermage lift performed at "Bellazone". If you are interested in benefiting from the procedure, please read on.

Our Aesthetic Medicine and Laser Therapy Centre also offers other aesthetic medicine treatments for both body and face.

What is thermage?

Thermage lifting is a permanent, innovative method of skin rejuvenation in a non-surgical manner. The only clinically proven Thermacool procedure (FDA-certified) involves the use of radiofrequency( RF ) waves, which volumetrically heat the deeper layers of the skin to increase skin tone and elasticity and to achieve a permanent lift without the use of a scalpel. This system can only be applied by a specialist in aesthetic medicine. The treatment is suitable for all skin types. It is a non-invasive way to achieve a safe lift, more effective than a lift with artificial fillers, with the possibility of performing it at any time of the year. It is now also an alternative to the scalpel!

It is now also an alternative to the scalpel!

Thermage is a permanent lifting using radio waves!

Turn back the clock with thermage?

As we age, the skin loses elasticity, the oval of the face changes, the fat pads on the cheeks disappear and the skin in these areas collapses. This is influenced by many factors such as gravity, hormonal changes, rapid weight change and pregnancy, but only some of which we can control. The Thermage treatment turns back the clock for our skin, restores skin tone and heals collagen. The results of the treatment include a mini lift, lifting of the eyelids, rejuvenation of the skin of the neck and décolletage, softening of the facial oval, improvement of skin tone on the abdomen and arms.

Thermage as unipolar radiofrequency versus other rf systems

One of the most common terms for unipolar RF is Thermage, but only one device that emits unipolar RF isThermag. Other companies are more deliberately misusing a specific terminology, a catchy term from a marketing point of view, deliberately misleading interested patients. Thermage is a proprietary name for a manufacturer that produces a device that emits high-frequency radio waves ( over 6 MHz ) and a specific technology for their emission into the skin. The Thermage treatment is performed with Thermacool TC or Thermacool NXT devices, which uses a unique method of emitting thermogenic unipolar high-frequency radio waves with simultaneous cooling of the superficial skin layers. Heating the skin to a depth of a few millimetres (on average 3 - 4mm to a temperature of 55 - 60 degrees.C) while protecting the epidermis from burn, thermage technology initiates a series of connective tissue transformations in the skin, producing the greatest stretching effect on flabby skin of any RF technique available.

Other unipolar radiofrequency wave generating devices use lower frequency waves and therefore a lower thermogenic effect on the skin, an uncomplicated superficial cooling system based on the use of gel, which gives shallower penetration and poorer heat tolerance, and uneven radiofrequency emission, which gives non-uniform heating of the skin. Therefore, these treatments are performed in series and repeated frequently in order to obtain good results.

I will also point out the possibility of accessibility to bipolar radiofrequency, whose penetration of radio waves is considerably shallower than unipolar radiofrequency.

Thermage technology at the highest level

Thermage is the only device to use monopolar capacitively coupled radiofrequency ( RF ) energy. The patented technology enables deep, even volumetric heating that cannot be achieved with other systems. Treatments with other RF technologies, or light source devices, only cover the superficial layers of the skin, whereas Thermage reaches deep into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Thanks to the unique heating profile of each treatment tip, RF energy can penetrate to varying depths into the skin and subcutaneous tissue, binding existing collagen fibres and stimulating the production of new ones

So Thermage is the ultimate solution for non-surgical skin tightening and contouring treatments.

WHAT IS THE UNIQUENESS OF THE THERMAGE TREATMENT?

The Thermage method was invented in 1995 by Edward W. Knowlton. It was refined over the following years to receive FDA safety and quality certification in 2002 for improving skin tone on the face, neck and body. The Thermacool generator emits high-frequency radio waves ( over 6 Mhz ), which means that the electric field induced by such RF radio waves generates vibrations of molecules at the same frequency, and the vibrations generate heat in the tissue. The radio waves are delivered to the skin through a high-tech electrode, the socalled ThermaTip, in a unipolar manner, and the uniqueness of the Thermage treatment lies primarily in this tip and the way the energy is delivered to the skin. No other device operating with unipolar radio waves uses a similar technology, i.e. volumetric heating of the skin. Volumetric technology consists of heating the skin in a cylindrical shape with a surface area of the active electrode (3cm2 on average) with the greatest and uniform concentration of heat in the middle layers of skin under the electrode, while cooling the epidermis. Of the available RF technologies, Thermage heats the skin the deepest. The single discharge of the pulse transmitted by ThermaTip has three components:

• cooling,
• ogrzanie skóry RF z jednoczesnym chłodzeniem,
• cooling of the heated tissue

A cryogenic agent is used to cool the tissue, which is applied to the skin in the form of a spray. Contact fluid is used for tight adhesion of the active electrode to the epidermis and uniform penetration of energy

Operating principles

During skin ageing, collagen fibres change their structure, which manifests itself in a loss of elasticity, flabbiness, the appearance of excess skin, wrinkles and changes to the oval of the face.

This is caused by a reduction in the number of collagen fibres, changes in their structure ( collagen is stretched and twisted ), and a reduction in active fibroblasts ( connective tissue cells responsible for producing elastin and collagen fibres ).

Thermage is an innovative treatment designed to halt the ageing process of the skin and improve what has been damaged over the years. It is based on a patented American technology - capacitive radiofrequency - CRF called Thermacool.

The Thermacool device uses a special treatment tip called the ThermaTip, which delivers a controlled amount of RF energy - radio waves and involves volumetric heating of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with the help of these radio waves. With each touch of the skin, the Therma Tip system heats a large amount of collagen. In the deeper layers of the skin and within the underlying tissue, while the surface of the skin is protected by cooling at the time, the deep even heating causes an immediate contraction of structures deeper in the skin, thickening and firming the skin through collagen denaturation, i.e. damaged collagen is degraded and its breakdown products stimulate the production of new collagen. Radio waves act on the body's natural mechanisms leading to a complete remodelling of the skin's structure inducing strong and permanent skin rejuvenation. The skin rejuvenation process is a two-step process:

• In the first stage, the collagen fibres are shortened and their structure renewed by the volumetric heating of the radio waves. The result is an improvement in tension and elasticity and the first visible effects of skin rejuvenation.
• In the second stage, fibroblasts are stimulated to produce new fibres. A complete remodelling of the skin structure takes place. Thanks to these two processes, the skin becomes thicker, firmer, tighter and, as a result of the changes in its structure, younger.

Thus, Thermage, by contributing to the transformation of the collagen structure to a 'younger' one, smooths and tightens the skin, thus making it rejuvenated.

The great advantage of Thermacool technology over other radiofrequency devices is the use of volumetric heating in three dimensions, which allows the deeper layers of the skin to be affected.

Advantages of this method - reasons to trust thermage technology:

• more than half a million treatments performed to date
• more than 2,300 surgeries in 80 countries
• extensive clinical data in the field of non-invasive aesthetic medicine, more than 50 scientific publications
• more than 50 patents for advanced, innovative technology
• FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) registered for non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and fine lines as well as temporary relief of the visual symptoms of cellulite
• first and only FDA approval for non-invasive eyelid skin treatments. Thermage treatment is the only treatment that helps to smooth and tighten the skin around the eyes, reduce wrinkles and sagging eyelids without surgical intervention
• single treatment - only one treatment is performed. Most often, some improvement is seen immediately and becomes more pronounced for up to 6 months
• treatment without convalescence period - after the treatment you can immediately return to normal, everyday activities
• regardless of skin color - unlike laser treatments, Thermage treatments are suitable for all skin types and colors
• a treatment for every season of the year - after the Thermage treatment, you do not have to avoid the sun, as after laser treatments

What sensations can the patient expect during the procedure?

Each time the ThermaTip treatment tip is touched, the patient feels a brief, deep warm sensation. This indicates that the collagen is reaching the appropriate temperature level. The doctor controls the amount of energy delivered in order to centre the dose for the best result and the comfort of the treatment. In addition, to ensure comfort, the ThermaTip is cooled before, during and after heating to lower the patient's skin temperature.

Areas of most effective application:

• forehead
• cheeks oval
• face neck
• decolletage
• upper and lower eyelids
• hands
• thighs
• knee area
• abdomen
• buttocks

The effects of thermage treatment are:

• restoring skin tone, improving facial
• contours and structure
• elimination of sagging cheeks and chin
• improvement of eye contours
• softening of fine lines and crow's feet (results not seen in other treatments)
• lifting of drooping upper eyelids
• smoothing lower eyelid wrinkles
• elimination of flaccidity of the skin of the neck and cleavage
• lifting the buttocks
• removal of loose and sagging skin on the thighs, shoulders and knees
• removal of excess skin from the abdomen (perfect after pregnancy or weight loss)
• hand lifting effect
• rejuvenation

Smoother, tighter and younger-looking FACE:

If you have decided that you no longer look as young as you feel, there is a way to turn back time. Thanks to the THERMAGE FACE treatment, you can get a naturally looking younger face without surgery, injections and recovery period.

• Smoother and stronger skin

Thermage treatment stimulates and renews collagen, strengthening the skin structure and reducing skin sagging

• Contouring along the jaw line and under the chin

Thermage treatment works deep under the skin surface, reshapes the jawline and reduces vertical folds (so-called turkey neck)

• Smoothing wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and forehead

Fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed and plumped up

Effects on the face:

• Restoration of facial skin tone and firmness
• Smoother and softer skin - lifting effect
• Improving facial contour and structure
• Elimination of sagging cheeks and chin
• Redefining the jawline
• Elimination of double chin so called "turkey" neck
• Improvement of eye contours
• Reduction of eyelid drooping - tightening of the eyebrow area
• Smoothing of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes
• Smoothing of wrinkles around the mouth and on the forehead
• More resilient skin with a natural tone

Lifting for tired EYES:

The THERMAGE EYE treatment is the only treatment that helps to smooth and tighten the skin around the eyes, reduce wrinkles and sagging eyelids without surgical intervention - without stitches, without bruises under the eyes and without swelling characteristic of invasive lifts.

Effects on the eyes:

• lifted eye contour
• lift of drooping upper eyelids
• brightened eyes
• smoother and tighter skin under the eyes
• smoothing wrinkles and fine lines
• soften fine lines and crow's feet
• smoother eyelid skin

Stronger, firmer and better shaped BODY

The THERMAGE treatment can be used with many other aesthetic treatments. The combination of an IPL photorejuvenation treatment and a Thermage treatment is a great way to achieve firmer and smoother hand skin and eliminate unsightly, age spots.

• smoothing and tightening

The abdomen, knees, legs, arms and hands are the areas where the signs of ageing appear fastest. Thermage has developed treatments that are specifically designed to smooth and tighten wrinkled and sagging skin with wrinkles

• body contouring and shaping

Many women struggle to get back into shape after pregnancy or weight loss and want to tighten sagging skin and even out unwanted bulges. Thermage treatment helps tighten, firm and shape the arms, thighs, buttocks and abdomen

• cellulite

Despite rigorous exercise and diet, most women experiencing cellulite cannot significantly alleviate its appearance. A single Thermage treatment helps to shallow the dimples and smooth the skin texture.

Effects on the body:

• smoother, softer skin on the abdomen, legs, knees, buttocks and arms
• stronger, flatter and smoother skin
• stronger, flatter and smoother skin
• tightening of excess abdominal skin ( perfect after pregnancy or weight loss or after liposuction surgery )
• buttock lift
• ściągnięcie luźnej i obwisłej skóry na powierzchniach ud, ramion oraz kolan
• tightening of loose and sagging skin on thighs, arms and knees
• smoothing of wrinkles above the knees
• smoothing of irregularities as part of the temporary alleviation of the visual symptoms of cellulite
• reduction in body
• circumference hand lift

Am i a good candidate for a THERMAGE treatment?

• if you are 30 - 70 years old
• you are bothered by fine lines, lack of tone and loss of firmness or excess skin
• or you want to prevent the skin ageing process by firming collagen fibres
• you do not opt for surgery or other fillers
• then you are a good candidate for Thermage treatment
• this therapy is designed for patients of all ages. In younger groups ( 30 - 35 years) serves as a prevention of premature ageing. In more mature individuals ( 40 - 65 years), it often replaces plastic surgery. It can be combined with other selected aesthetic medicine techniques for optimal effect. This procedure is also performed in younger people to reduce acne or acne scars

Questions and answers

How long does the treatment last?

The Thermage procedure can last between 30 minutes and2 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and the degree of skin damage. The time required to prepare the treatment should be added.

How many treatments are needed?

In most cases, only one treatment is performed to achieve the intended effect.

What kind of sensations after the procedure can the patient expect?

Immediately after a Thermage treatment, the patient can feel the skin tighten, becoming smoother and younger. Over time, greater effects are noticed.

When will the effects be visible?

Published clinical studies by Thermage show that measurable improvements in skin tone appear immediately after treatment and then gradually stabilise through a period of 2 - 6 months after a single treatment. However, many patients have already observed a change earlier.

How long does the effect last?

The Thermage treatment causes an immediate tightening of the collagen structure, followed by further changes over time. The Thermage procedure provides a long-lasting effect. This is supported by clinical studies, which estimate that it lasts for at least five years. However, the longevity of the results obtained is influenced by the patient's age, the condition of the skin and the lifestyle they lead after the treatment.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

The Thermage procedure does not require any special preparations. Immediately after the procedure, you can return to your normal activities.

How will I look immediately after the treatment?

Immediately after Thermage, the skin may be slightly pink, however, the patient immediately feels a tightening of the skin, a so-called lifting effect. The skin is softer. There are no contraindications for applying make-up. The results of the Thermage procedure are gentle, look natural and do not require the convalescence period that occurs w i t h a surgical procedure.

After how long will it be possible to return to normal activity?

No special treatment is required after the procedure and most patients return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Is the Thermage procedure safe?

Thermage is a safe, the only clinically proven, non-invasive procedure with a safety factor of up to 99.8%.

The procedure has achieved a very good safety record. With an estimated more than 500,000 treatments carried out worldwide, the percentage of side effects is less than 0.3 percent

The most common side effects are changes such as swelling or redness in or around the treatment area. These effects disappear within a few days after treatment.

Contraindications to treatment

• pregnancy and lactation
• cancers
• autoimmune diseases
• patients undergoing treatment with Roacutan or Izotec
• use of steroids
• pacemaker or defibrillation devices