Thermage Treatments® at Cosmetic Laser Centers in Pittsburgh Offer Long-Term Wrinkle Reduction
Have you been searching for treatments to smooth your fine lines and wrinkles? Maybe you’ve been looking for non-invasive ways to give your skin a tighter, more youthful appearance? If so, you may be recognizing the early signs of collagen depletion in the skin and could benefit from Thermage® treatments to fight the signs of age.
Collagen is the protein that serves as one of the main building blocks in our skin. As we age, the collagen that keeps our skin looking firm and plump begins to break down, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are a variety of laser skin treatments available today to help improve the appearance of our skin, but few provide the regenerative benefits of Thermage®.
What is Thermage®?
To put it simply, Thermage® is the use of radiofrequency technology that goes deep within the epidermis to help smooth and improve the overall tone of the skin for a more youthful appearance.
This is accomplished by targeting the collagen-rich dermis layer of skin with a radiofrequency that generates enough heat to trigger substantial remodeling and regrowth, while simultaneously using an integrated cooling system to protect the surface level of the skin. The radiofrequency used also prompts the connecting tissues to contract, which results in the desired contouring effect of the skin.
What can you expect during your Thermage® treatment?
Thermage® skin tightening treatments are simple and, depending on the size of your treatment area, typically take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. During the Thermage® treatment itself, you will experience alternating cooling and heating sensations as the Thermage® device administers radio frequencies into the deeper layers of the skin.
Each treatment begins with the Thermage® wand tip touching the skin in the treatment area. Here you’ll experience a cooling sensation followed by a brief, deep heating sensation. After the heat, you will again feel a cooling sensation, and the process repeats. Each pulse of frequency lasts for a few seconds, and with a cooling sensation already incorporated into the treatment, it eliminates the need for any topical pain medications. The treatment specialist or advanced practice provider monitors the level of energy delivered in each pulse to maintain a tolerable comfort level while achieving the best results possible.
The best part? There is little to no downtime with Thermage® treatments or specific aftercare instructions to follow other than the recommended use of an SPF lotion incorporated into your routine. Some individuals may experience minor swelling, redness, peeling, blisters, bumps, or dimpling, but these side effects are rare and usually only occur in instances of overheated skin. If these side effects do occur, they tend to subside within 24 hours.
Does Thermage® work?
As the only FDA-approved rejuvenating procedure that is clinically proven to show both immediate and long-term results, Thermage® is an excellent option for those who are looking to give their skin a tighter, more youthful appearance that can last for years.
Often patients only require one treatment session to see improvement and as new collagen forms gradually over the following three to six months, the skin will continue to develop a tighter and fuller appearance as each day passes. Some patients opt to receive annual treatments to achieve superior results, but the full results and benefits of the skin treatment can last for years. Results do vary from person to person, depending on their genetic aging process, exposure to environmental factors (like the sun and smoking), and their at-home anti-aging routine.
Is Thermage® right for me?
When it comes to treating mild to moderate signs of collagen depletion, there are a variety of anti-aging treatments to choose from. Thermage® is a fantastic option for those looking for something that is both non-invasive and proven to show noticeable wrinkle reduction after just one session.
That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that even though Thermage® is unparalleled in its effectiveness and safe use on all skin types, it does have its limitations.
Thermage® is a great option for tightening skin on many areas of the body and has been proven to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite and smooth uneven, dimpled areas of the body. However, it’s crucial to note that it is ineffective for individuals with thick layers of underlying fat or excessively loose muscles. Because the radio frequencies administered during Thermage® treatments cannot remove fat deposits, it won’t effectively reach the collagen-rich level of the epidermis if there are thick layers of fat beneath the skin; nor do these radio frequencies have the ability to tighten muscles – only to contract and relax connective tissues.
It’s also important to keep in mind that results obtained with Thermage® can sometimes prove unpredictable. Although it is rare for people to see little to no improvement in treated areas, every individual’s body is different, and so Thermage® results will vary from person to person.
Most physicians agree that given the nature of Thermage® treatments and the way they stimulate collagen production in the epidermis, it should be used as more of a preventative measure than as an immediate fix. The ideal Thermage® patient is one showing mild to moderate skin laxity, has only modest sun damage, and does not smoke. Individuals who are older than 50 and are showing signs of severe skin laxity or sun damage may consider exploring different procedures to achieve immediate, significant results. With the proactive use of Thermage®, patients are likely to see significant results in terms of slowing down and reducing the natural collagen degradation that occurs with age.
With all things considered, the benefits of Thermage® treatments greatly outweigh its limitations.
When it comes to non-invasive skin tightening treatments, Thermage® is the best choice. Not only is it non-invasive, it requires little to no recovery time, and the appearance of side effects are rare. When used as a proactive and preventative measure, Thermage® is a more affordable alternative to more traditional, invasive cosmetic procedures.
Where can I find Thermage® treatments near me?
Here at Cosmetic Laser Centers, we’re proud to offer Thermage® skin-tightening procedures at both of our locations here in Pittsburgh.
Our Warrendale and Pittsburgh locations are convenient to Wexford, Cranberry, and Robinson Township. Book your appointment for laser skin treatments with us today and see results fast.