Thermage is positioning itself as a cutting edge way to get rid of skin imperfections that come with age like wrinkles and sagging. It’s definitely going to attract a lot of attention as more and more of the American population gets older but wants to retain their good looks. But can something like this that works invisibly using radio waves really work?
Overview
Getting old isn’t fun, especially when your body starts showing signs of aging before you think it should. It’s then that you want to start taking drastic measures to get things back to the way they used to be. But topical treatments are usually too slow and ineffective, and surgical treatments are too much of a risk, so the perfect solution would be something that is non-invasive, quick to work, and shows great results, turning back the clock and making your skin look the way it used to.
The Claim
Thermage says that it uses radio frequencies that work to alter your skin where you can’t see it: below the surface. They say that you can solve many of your biggest concerns with your face, like sagging skin, and also to help with facial wrinkles, and bulging. They say that unlike other treatments, this actually works with your body, and gets it to produce more collagen which has been shown to give you more youthful looking skin. They say that since this goes right for the problem you get more focused results, with less wasted time, effort and energy treating larger areas that don’t really need it.
Thermage is a proven radiofrequency treatment that transforms skin by working below the surface and addresses a wide range of surface imperfections that result from age and environmental factors. Benefits include the tightening of sagging skin, better definition of facial features around the eyes, jaw and neckline, and even the smoothing and sculpting of unsightly bulges and wrinkles on the face and body. Thermage radiofrequency energy works with your body, stimulating your collagen to help your skin get that smooth feel and youthful look you want. Thermage treats targeted problem areas – so the results are focused and effective.
They also say that for most people, one treatment is all that’s required. This compares very favorably to other, similar treatments like microdermabrasion that require you to go back again and again to get the results you seek.
The Hype
The hype is that more and more treatments like this one are going to keep emerging as technology improves and as baby boomers age. It’s the perfect intersection of an aging population and an emergence of technologies.
The Cost
Since Thermage treats very specific areas, and everyone has their own desires on what they want done, the cost will vary and will be revealed to you during your consultation. You should expect to pay $2000-$3000 for an average treatment. This figure can vary considerably based on where you live, and what you’re getting done, so don’t make up your mind based on price until you get an exact quote.
The Commitment
You just have to sit still and let them conduct the procedure on you, so your commitment level is very low. Since most people only need one treatment, this lessens your involvement even more. There aren’t a lot of other options out there that can compare to this, and are so hands-off for you. The treatment itself takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half so you don’t even need to spend all day at the office.
Evaluation
With Thermage you want to keep your expectations low. Thinking that it is going to magically transform your entire look overnight is only going to disappoint you or frustrate you. You should set reasonable expectations, and be patient for the results. This goes against human nature, because we want results yesterday, and we want big results. But your skin did not deteriorate quickly, it took several years, so asking for several months to see improvement is not asking too much.
Final Thermage Review
Thermage is definitely worth looking into if you’re wanting to improve the appearance of your skin. The cost is somewhat high, but if it gives you the sort of results it promises it would definitely be worth it. They say that it can take up to 6 months for some people to see the full effects, and that the results can last years under the right conditions. The method seems sound, heating up collagen below the surface, because that’s where it’s located.
Using creams and lotions to stimulate collagen is one option, but you are dealing from the outside in. By using radio frequencies you bypass this outer layer and work right at the source. That’s what gives this the edge, and why people are talking about this so much.
Our Recommendation
This is a pretty revolutionary procedure, and it’s amazing what science is able to do now. Radio waves can definitely make it past your outer layer of skin, because they can make it through brick walls. However, the ability for them to be controlled enough to effect the underlying skin is what’s most impressive.
I had thermage by a dermatologist. Very painful. At my 6 month follow up photo absolutely no change. An expensive treatment especially if no consistent results.
I was reading about radio waves and it is my understanding that they are dangerous to the body.
I guess we all age and we have to accept the changes in our body eventually, but if there’s a way, I want to hold it off for as long as I can. I’m over sixty now but my body feels young. I walk 3 hours every day and I’m more active than most people in their 20s. The only thing that I don’t have is youthful looking exterior, but I don’t want to get plastic surgery to achieve it. I read some mixed reviews on thermage but I would like to try it myself to see for myself it works or not.