Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #66

skin
Indeed Thermage is suitable for both genders and a wide spectrum of ages.
‘Our typical client is male or female between the ages of 30 and 60, in good
health, a non-smoker, and interested in a preventative approach to combating
the normal ageing process,’ says Suzie Hoitink, registered nurse and founder of
Clear Complexions Clinics.
A thorough consultation is critical in ensuring the best result for each patient.
‘We conduct a thorough skin consultation prior to treatment, which involves
looking 2mm beneath the skin to determine the health of the skin,’ she explains.
‘We look at any current medications and lifestyle habits and, after determining
the client’s concerns, we establish realistic expectations of the treatment. We
also individualise the treatment to address the client’s specific concerns.’
Thermage
stimulates collagen
and elastin to
improve skin tone
and elasticity without
surgery, needles or
downtime
what’s involved?
During treatment, patients usually experience some mild discomfort due to
the thermal response in the skin. The newest evolution of Thermage includes
a patented Comfort Pulse Technology, which uses gentle vibrations and
interspersed cooling to increase the comfort of treatment.
‘When patients have the procedure in my clinic, we remove any makeup;
take photos (for a baseline comparison); administer a mild pain reliever for extra
comfort and relaxation; and a pad is applied to their back which enables the
radiofrequency energy to be delivered safely to the treatment area,’ explains
Dr Nguyen. ‘A grid is marked on the area to be treated, a gel fluid is applied
repeatedly to the treatment area and the treatment is then performed. A full
treatment can take 45-90 minutes, depending on the area.’
Following the procedure, patients will typically experience some redness and
mild swelling. The pattern of swelling often mirrors the final result, as the collagen
will rebuild where the thermal damage has occurred. Typically, the redness will
fade within 24 hours and the swelling will improve within a couple of days.
‘After treatment, the grid and pad are removed, photos are taken and patients
are given instructions on what to expect – possible transient redness, swelling,
a tight feeling, occasional tingling and minor discomfort,’ Dr Nguyen says.
‘Patients always book in for follow-up appointments at three and six months to
review the results.’
Results
Results following Thermage treatment arise gradually, and continue to improve
for up to six months following the procedure. This is because neocollagenesis,
or the production of new collagen, typically takes around 12 weeks to occur.
‘Results can vary from immediate skin firmness to gradual tightening over six
months,’ says Tasmanian cosmetic practitioner Dr Asha Ram. ‘There seems to
be tightening in spurts at times, and some patients continue to see improved
results past the six month period. The results are long lasting but we counsel
our patients on the most appropriate time to re-treat, based on their age and
skin condition.’
Thermage can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with
other modalities to optimise results. ‘Thermage works brilliantly when combined
with light therapies, anti-wrinkle toxins and dermal fillers, as well as a good
cosmeceutical home skincare plan,’ Dr Ram explains.
‘It produces a natural, slowly evolving rejuvenation process that suits most
patients in a broad range of age groups. Typically, patients are very excited with
the degree of skin tightening and improved texture following treatment with
Thermage,’ she concludes. csbm
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