Thermage
Thermage is a truly 'new' method now available in the fight against wrinkles, loosening skin, thinning skin, etc..
I first heard of Thermage in Boston during May of 2003. Dr. Stephen Mulholland
of Toronto, Ontario, has been using the method for months. He along with a San Franciscan Plastic Surgeon of significant repute, have found the Thermage method and machine to be very beneficial to their patients.
The FDA has given approval for use of the machine for wrinkles around the 'orbits'. This would include the lids and upper cheeks.
A physician can direct a use of the Thermage machine in other areas. This is sometimes called an 'off Label Use' but this term is not completely accurate. Since the machine became available during the past few months, the technology has been used over the face and neck and also to help tighten loose skin of the abdominal area.
The 'machine'
Briefly what happens when the Thermage machine is used is that using a piece of metal about a half inch square, the metal and the skin in contact with the metal, is cooled. A radio frequency current is then passed under the cooled skin. Sensors in the cooling that are 'computer' monitored, check both the temperature and the amount of energy that passes beneath the cooling plate. The deeper parts of the skin are treated by the heat that is generated. The treatment feels cool and warm - I know because they 'experimented' on me at the meeting !! - actually - I had two pulses - just to see how it felt - and it did not hurt - it felt a little warm - 2 pulses.
How long does it last
I will refer you to the Thermage web site for that answer
How much does it cost.
The cost of therapy and treatment has to include the disposable computerized cooling / heating plate. There are two types of heads and the costs differ. One head will treat a portion of the face and the second will treat the entire face and probably the neck. This along with the cost of the machine, the necessary other supplies and the trained professionals needed to apply the therapy, all adds up to somewhat of a 'pricy' therapy. However we have found that many women are able to afford Botox and the charge for Botox in many areas is about the same as Thermage treatment.
Botox and Thermage
Our intent is to combine Thermage therapy with Botox.
The corporate web site is
www.Thermage.com.
