Thermage is a new non-invasive cosmetic procedure that is used to help tighten and contour skin in a single treatment. Unlike many other cosmetic procedures such as fillers or Botox, Thermage doesn't involve surgery or injections and the manufacturer maintains that it requires little to no downtime.

While it sounds like the ideal treatment to rejuvenate aging skin, critics maintain that it comes with some negatives. These include Thermage's price tag (treatments range from between two to five thousand dollars), the fact that some individuals see little benefit and that the recovery process can vary amongst patients. Today let's take a closer look at this procedure.

How Does Thermage Work?  

Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to safely heat the deep layers of your skin, while cooling the surface of your skin to keep it intact during the procedure.

This type of heating stimulates your body's natural skin renewal process, which can help to tighten existing collagen and form new collagen. According to Thermage's website, the benefits include a replacement of sagging or wrinkled skin with smoother, tighter skin. As well, skin tone and and texture are improved leading to a younger looking appearance. One of the advantages is that only one treatment is required.

Thermage Benefits  

Thermage is indicated for treatment on the face, including the eye area as well as the body. The manufacturer maintains that it can be used to benefit the following conditions:

- Sagging skin on the face, under the chin or body (as may occur after pregnancy or weight loss)
- Loose jowls or lack of definition in jaw line
- Wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth, eyes or forehead
- Lack of definition in lips
- Tired looking eyes or excess skin on the eyelids
- Love handles and cellulite  

Should You Choose Thermage?  

Results with Thermage vary amongst individuals. On a website asking about individual experiences with the Thermage procedure, some individuals are very happy with the results while others maintain that the procedure is very painful and requires far more down time than advertised. As well, criticism is that the price far exceeds the potential benefit and that results only last a few months.

Because this is a fairly new procedure, you may want to wait to learn more about its long term safety before proceeding. However, if your pocketbook allows and you do opt for Thermage, ensure that you work with an experienced and qualified practitioner. Results with many cosmetics procedures are often only as good as the practitioner. Lastly, while Thermage is certainly something to consider, it can't deliver the benefits of a face lift.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care. She owns and operates an online skin care store at [Link Removed] 

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