Thermage™

The Thermage™ procedure, using the ThermaCool® device, offers the very latest in non-invasive anti-aging skin rejuvenation technology. Using radio-frequency energy, the ThermaCool® can achieve results that previously would have required a face lift with the treatment session lasting one to two hours. The cosmetic Thermage procedure involves no invasive  cosmetic surgery, bleeding, bruising, or recovery time. The device heats the deeper layers of skin and fat, without affecting the outer layer. This causes the skin's natural collagen fibers to shrink and stimulates the growth of new collagen. There also appears to be shrinkage of fat tissue, tightening and firming the treated areas of the face and neck. During treatment, a cooling spray protects the skin's surface from the heating effects of each pulse of the hand held device. This virtually eliminates the risk of injuring the skin. There is a slight redness after the treatment, but no blistering and no recovery time. Normal activities can be resumed the same day. While some patients will see a slight immediate tightening, it usually takes 4 to 6 months for the full tightening and smoothing to take effect.

At the Maryland Laser, Skin & Vein Institute, our physicians have been using the ThermaCool® since the spring of 2002, treating patients during the investigative phase and many more patients since the FDA's approval. Dr. Robert Weiss presents published results on Thermage at international medical congresses.

The treatment is helpful for drooping skin of the face and neck, and some forms of acne scarring.  Thermage allows for many of the benefits seen from a face lift  but without surgery.  As a result, it is sometimes referred to as a "non surgical face lift" or "natural face lift."

Advanced tips also allow treatment of the eyelids to reduce eyelid sagging. Some patients can also get tightening of loose abdominal skin as well. Patients who smoke are not good candidates for Thermage.   ThermaCool® is part of the broad range of noninvasive skin rejuvenation offered at the Maryland Laser, Skin & Vein Institute. Refinements and standardization of the technique have improved the results of the Thermage procedure.