Thermage: EFFICACY IN A Foundational Device

More than 15 years since it came on the market, the Thermage radiofrequency (RF) device continues to evolve. For many physicians it is a foundational tool with broad application and mass appeal.

Thermage is the only RF device approved for use on the eyes, and periocular application is one of its most common uses in the office of Rebecca Kazin, MD. “I would say the most common uses include treatment of the jaw line and neck, knees, upper arms, and thighs.” In some cases, RF treatment can be used for tightening the abdomen, especially post-baby, and can also help to tighten and firm the buttocks.

Thermage appeals to women as well as to men, Dr. Kazin notes. Especially among men who may be averse to needles, Thermage RF can offer an alternative mode of tightening and lifting in the brow and jaw. For a non-invasive brow lift, treatment yields a natural-looking benefit, whereas some men fear injectables would feminize the face.

With Thermage, there's a chance for slight swelling, but treatment really results in no downtime, Dr. Kazin says. There's no bruising and no complex skin prep—additional positives for male and female patients.

A Proven Track Record

Michael Kaminer, MD has been using Thermage since its launch, and emphasizes that the device offers consistent results with a high degree of safety. “I've never seen a long-term side effect; Patients of ours are extremely happy,” he says. “Virtually everybody will see some sort of a preventive benefit. The statistics prove that well over 90 percent of patients—and in our practice it's well over 95 percent of patients—will actually see a visible result after they have the Thermage treatment done.” Patients can see results of treatment as soon as a session is complete, but improvement will continue up to about six months.

Besides tightening skin, Thermage may help to prevent the development of skin laxity, Dr. Kaminer says. He prefers that patients undergo treatment as a preventive for sagging of the jowls and neck, instituting therapy as soon as patients “feel” a change in the skin. Many patients have a sense of skin sagging before it is overtly visible, he adds.

Thermage is useful as a skin maintenance tool, Dr. Kaminer says. He urges patients to return for treatment at least every two years, and some patients opt to return on an annual basis.

A Patient Pleaser

Thermage is more comfortable than other RF devices and results are more predictable, Dr. Kaminer observes. “Thermage to me has been the cornerstone of my skin tightening practice.” Treatment “makes people happy,” he says. That patient satisfaction yields an increase in business. “Our number one technology where we saw significant growth year over year was Thermage. And the reason why is people come back for repeat treatments.”

“I recommend it to a lot of people,” Dr. Kaminer adds. “If I had to think of one of my top three to five things to bring into an office to really have a comprehensive cosmetic practice Thermage would be at or near the top of that list.”