Buzz
Thermage procedures are designed to boost collagen production and firm up the skin's outer layer. Explore additional visuals showcasing radiant skin transformations.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Image NewsWhen Oprah Winfrey highlights a topic, it inevitably captures widespread attention, and Thermage is no different. This non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment has been showcased on her talk show and in O Magazine, sparking growing curiosity among individuals eager to reverse signs of aging through this innovative procedure [source: Singer].
The foundation of Thermage lies in a straightforward concept: rejuvenating and encouraging collagen production can naturally restore a youthful appearance. As we grow older, the collagen fibers beneath the skin's surface weaken and sag [source: Glossary]. Additionally, the body's collagen production diminishes over time, with factors like genetics, UV exposure, and smoking further accelerating this decline [source: MedicineNet].
In a Thermage session, a doctor outlines the patient's skin with grid patterns for precision, then utilizes a specialized wand to deliver radiofrequency energy to targeted zones. This energy heats the collagen in the deeper skin layers, causing the fibers to tighten. Advocates claim this process firms the outer skin layer, resulting in a smoother appearance [source: Thermage, Miller].
Thermage is versatile, applicable to facial areas like lips and eyes, as well as the neck, hands, abdomen, buttocks, and knees. It’s also effective in addressing cellulite, a common concern for many women [source: Thermage].
Actress Ellen Barkin shared in O Magazine's July 2007 issue that she undergoes Thermage treatments three times annually, a routine she’s maintained for three years [source: Monroe]. Continue reading to discover her thoughts on the treatment's results and sensations.
Effectiveness of Thermage
While many doctors and patients laud Thermage, others argue it’s overhyped [source: PRweb]. Ellen Barkin, for instance, admitted in O Magazine that she’s uncertain about the benefits of her frequent Thermage sessions [source: Monroe]. Her age, mid-50s, might play a role in her lukewarm response, as studies suggest Thermage may be less effective for older individuals. Over time, skin loses elasticity, reducing the treatment's efficacy [source: Bailly].
Age is just one of several factors influencing Thermage's success. A 30-year-old with a history of excessive sun exposure might also see limited results. Similarly, smokers and heavy drinkers may find the treatment less effective. In essence, poor skin and body care habits can diminish Thermage's impact [source: Kosova].
While Thermage isn't a universal anti-aging solution, many patients swear by its benefits. Some doctors also report improved outcomes as they’ve honed their techniques over time [source: Johnson].
Results aren't instant for everyone. Typically, improvements become noticeable between two to six months post-treatment. Although the effects aren't permanent, they can persist for six months to four years [source: Bailly]. While some patients experience remarkable changes, safety concerns may arise. Continue reading to explore this further.
To showcase Thermage's potential, some doctors have demonstrated the procedure on television. Dr. Bill Johnson from Dallas, for instance, performed Thermage on shows like "The Doctors" and "Good Morning Texas." During "The Doctors," he treated a woman’s love handles, reducing her waist from 32.5 inches (82.5 cm) to 29.5 inches (74.9 cm) [source: Johnson].
Is Thermage Safe?
Thermage received FDA approval in 2002, and its popularity skyrocketed after Oprah featured it on her show in 2003. However, critics noted that only favorable results were highlighted, omitting negative experiences [source: Kosova].
Early Thermage patients experienced side effects like burns, blisters, and scabbing. Some also faced uneven skin texture, with certain areas appearing indented while others protruded. These issues were attributed to excessive heat, which melted fat layers, causing irregularities [source: Singer].
Since its inception, Thermage has undergone significant advancements. Even skeptical doctors now agree that the procedure is safe when administered correctly.
However, discomfort remains a possibility. In her 2007 O Magazine interview, Barkin described the sensation as akin to rubber bands snapping against her skin [source: Monroe]. Many patients at the time echoed her sentiments about the procedure's pain.
Despite modern enhancements, Thermage can still be uncomfortable or even painful for some. Continuous communication between doctor and patient is crucial. If the pain becomes unbearable, patients should request a reduction in the treatment's intensity.
Having discovered that Thermage is generally safe, you might be considering scheduling a session. Continue reading to see how it compares to surgical options.
Collagen serves as the primary protein in skin and connective tissues, providing structure and firmness. As you age, these fibers weaken and separate, much like a strand of yarn that frays over time. Imagine a tightly twisted yarn gradually loosening—this mirrors how collagen fibers lose their strength and elasticity with age.
Thermage vs. Surgery
Opting for Thermage instead of surgery offers the appeal of avoiding scalpels and anesthesia while still addressing aging skin. However, the choice between the two isn’t always straightforward.
A significant advantage of Thermage is the minimal to no recovery time required. You could undergo a session in the morning and return to work by the afternoon. Even better, you can resume your daily activities, including gym workouts or outdoor exercises (with proper sun protection).
Conversely, recovering from a surgical facelift involves a period of rest at home. Expect swelling, bruising, and puffiness to last two to three weeks, along with the need to protect your stitches. This means avoiding exercise and any strenuous activities for several weeks [source: Schmid].
While Thermage offers clear benefits, surgery may still be the better choice for some. Generally, the more transformative the results you desire, the more surgery becomes the preferred option. For instance, if your goal is to look a decade younger, surgery is more likely to deliver those results [source: Schmid]. Despite favorable Thermage reviews, its outcomes are typically more modest compared to surgery. Deciding whether these subtle changes are sufficient is a personal consideration.
Cost is another critical factor. Continue reading to explore how Thermage impacts your finances.
Data from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reveals an intriguing trend: In 2007, women accounted for 91 percent of cosmetic procedures in the U.S. That same year, the number of women opting for nonsurgical treatments saw a slight decline, less than 1 percent. Meanwhile, men increasingly turned to nonsurgical options, with a 17 percent rise in cosmetic cases (both surgical and nonsurgical) from 2006 to 2007 [source: Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Research].
Cost of Thermage
Whether you opt for Thermage or surgery, one thing is certain: you’ll be paying for the procedure yourself. Insurance generally doesn’t cover elective treatments like these. Unsurprisingly, surgery tends to be more expensive than Thermage.
Take a standard facelift, for example. Costs can vary widely depending on the location and surgeon, but in 2007, the national average for physician and surgeon fees was $6,792 [source: Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Research]. This doesn’t include additional expenses like anesthesia, facility fees, medications, medical tests, and other miscellaneous charges.
Thermage treatments are estimated to cost between $2,500 and $4,500 [source: Singer]. Prices can vary based on the treatment area and the doctor’s location. For instance, Thermage for the forehead typically costs around $750 [source: Schuck]. Unlike surgery, Thermage usually doesn’t come with a long list of extra fees.
Compared to surgery, Thermage might seem like a cost-effective option. However, even if the results are impressive, they typically last only a few years—three to four at most, and often less for cellulite treatments.
A well-done facelift generally lasts two to three times longer than Thermage. Many doctors estimate that a facelift can maintain its results for seven to 10 years or more [source: Facelift Q & A]. When you factor in the number of Thermage treatments you might need over the same period, the costs of the two options become more comparable.
Deciding between Thermage and traditional plastic surgery involves careful consideration. While the choice isn’t straightforward, consulting an experienced doctor can help you evaluate your options and determine if Thermage is a suitable alternative for your needs.
In the mid-1990s, plastic surgeon Edward Knowlton developed the concept of Thermage. Collaborating with scientists and engineers, he secured a patent for the first Thermage device in 1997 [source: About Solta Medical].
