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Thermage® can tighten the skin on the face, neck, abdomen, arms
and thighs. If there is crepiness of the skin, brown spots, sun
damage, acne scarring, or stretch marks, Fraxel® laser treatments
can significantly improve these conditions and complement the results
seen with Thermage®.
The Thermage® procedure reduces the signs of aging skin to give
you a more youthful appearance. It is also called ThermaCoolTM ThermaLift
and Radiothermoplasty and is a safe, unique, non-invasive, advanced
method for tightening skin using computer controlled radio frequency
energy.
It is used for non-surgical brow lifts and non-surgical tightening
of facial wrinkles, and the treatment of acne and acne scars. It
does not require any recovery time.
What areas can be treated?
The entire face can be treated. It can tighten the skin around the
forehead, eyes, eyelids, cheeks, jaw line and neck, creating a mini
face-lift. The abdomen, arms and thighs can also be treated to tighten
the skin.
What results will I see?
Skin is tighter and wrinkles and looseness are diminished. Skin
texture is improved. Since the procedure shrinks oil glands, acne
and skin oiliness are improved, pores are refined and scars minimized.
How does the procedure work?
The top layers of skin are protected with a cooling spray while
radio frequency energy heats the collagen in the lower layers, causing
skin to tighten immediately. Over time, new collagen is formed to
further tighten skin and produce a more youthful appearance. This
procedure is the only non-invasive method to tighten loose skin.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the building block that supports the structure of the
skin. With aging, collagen becomes depleted or damaged by the sun,
smoking or other environmental factors. The results are visible
signs of aging, such as loose skin and wrinkles.
Is the Thermage® procedure painful?
With each pulse, there is a cooling sensation, followed by a brief
heating sensation as the collagen in the deep layers of skin is
tightened, and then another cooling sensation. For comfort, a mild
oral analgesic is given. The procedure itself takes about one hour.
When will I see results?
Some tightening occurs shortly after treatment, but it usually takes
2 to 8 months to see the full response.
How long will the effects of the treatment last?
Studies have shown that the collagen changes can last several years,
depending on the rate of the aging process. Avoidance of sun and
smoking will ensure longer-lasting results. The procedure can be
repeated in about one year if necessary.
How will I look after treatment?
Most patients return to their regular activities immediately following
the procedure. Some patients experience mild redness, but it usually
disappears quickly. Rarely, a small blister may form. If the eyelids
are treated, they may appear puffy for a day or two. Since an oral
analgesic is given, it is not recommended that you drive yourself
home. There is no special care needed after treatment, but sun protection
is recommended. If you are prone to facial cold sores, Dr. Gidon
will prescribe antiviral medication to prevent a recurrence.
What will happen if I have a tan?
Skin of any colour can be treated, including tanned skin. Treatment
can be performed any time of year since it does not cause sun sensitivity.
Of course, sun protection should routinely be used.
What other conditions can be improved by this treatment?
Acne, acne scarring, oiliness and skin texture can be improved.
Can I combine the Thermage® procedure with other anti-aging procedures?
Definitely! This treatment can be complemented by intense pulsed
light treatments for photorejuvenation, Fraxel™, chemical peels,
microdermabrasion, Botox Cosmetic® injections and filler substances
to give the healthiest, most attractive skin possible.
How do I know if the Thermage® procedure will be effective for me?
Dr. Gidon is an experienced skin care specialist who can assess
your skin and determine if this procedure and other complementary
procedures will be of benefit to you. Just book a consultation with
her.
Fraxel® in Combination with Filler substances
Restylane®, Perlane™, and Juvéderm™ are filler substances are made
of a non-animal hyaluronic acid gel that is used for the correction
of facial lines and wrinkles, and for lip enhancement. Hyaluronic
acid is naturally found in skin and other tissues. After injection,
the gel binds water and remains for many months. These products
create volume in the skin, resulting in a healthy, attractive appearance.
Because they are not animal based, allergy testing is not required.
There is no risk of animal-based disease transmission.
These products can be used to enhance lips and to fill facial wrinkles
and folds, such as nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth,
and marionette lines, the depressed corners of the mouth. They are
used to restore volume and reduce the signs of aging. It enhances
the brow and cheekbones, firms the jaw line and fills in the hollows
beneath the eyes. It gives the impression of a mini face-lift and
facial rejuvenation without surgery.
The injections can sting but Dr. Gidon usually uses a local anaesthetic
so patients are comfortable during the treatment. Wrinkles and folds
are immediately improved but there may be some swelling for a few
hours and a bruise that may last a few days. Lips usually become
swollen for up to 2 days and may bruise. Avoidance of anti-inflammatory
medication and vitamin E for 2 weeks before treatment can reduce
the chance of bruising. If you have a history of facial cold sores,
Dr. Gidon will prescribe antiviral medication to take before your
treatment to prevent a recurrence. These products usually last 4
to 10 months, but most patients enjoy their enhanced appearance
and have touch-up treatments every 6 months or so as needed.
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