What is perfect skin? If you asked any woman on the street, her answer would probably be that perfect skin is plush, even-toned, and glowing. In other words, perfect skin is flawless skin, but puberty often leaves a permanent mark that isn’t so easy to overcome. When acne scarring is your roadblock to perfect skin, it’s time to find a solution. At Perfect Skin Center in Scottsdale, AZ we offer Thermage for scar removal.
Introducing Thermage
Thermage is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses radiofrequency technology to tighten and contour skin to perfection. This is a treatment that has won Best In Class awards for its revolutionary treatment system and long-lasting results.
Thermage is one of the most common skin treatments used at cosmetic clinics nationwide with thousands of patients benefiting from this outstanding treatment each year.
How It Works
Thermage is part of a class of non-invasive cosmetic treatments that use advanced technology to perfect the appearance of skin. Radiofrequency technology emits heat that induces the body’s natural regenerative response, creating an environment for skin to heal itself from the inside out.
Thermage CPT is a system that uses both radiofrequency and low vibration to prompt the skin to build new proteins deep within the dermal layers, which tightens and smooths skin all over the body.
Benefits of Thermage
The benefits of this treatment are seemingly endless. There are many attractive qualities for this treatment, such as how quickly the treatment can be completed and the fact that most patients respond to the treatment in as little as one session. Other benefits of this treatment include:
It Is Versatile
Thermage can be used on skin all over the body. This is because the design of this advanced system makes it ideal for treating all skin, from the nerve-rich skin on the face to the thicker skin on the body. Thermage can be used on the face, neck, and body to lift skin and produce a smoother appearance.
On the face, this treatment can lift the brow line, the eye area, the forehead, the cheeks, the chin, and the jawline. On the neck, this treatment can tighten skin laxity from the upper neck to the upper chest. On the body, this is a treatment that can smooth the appearance of cellulite and correct laxity on the tummy, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Overall, this is a system that can address multiple skin concerns at one time.
Boosts Collagen Production
Thermage is a treatment that focuses on boosting collagen production within the skin to achieve desired results. The heat and vibration from the radiofrequency in the handpiece device used for treatment stimulates the production of new collagen while also reshaping collagen already present in the skin.
Why Collagen Is Important
Boosting collagen production is often the single most important goal in any cosmetic treatment that seeks to shape, tighten, and perfect the appearance of skin. Collagen is a protein within our skin that provides structure in the sub-dermal layers, giving skin volume and locking in moisture for the surrounding cells.
Over time, collagen production slows due to aging or overcompensates for damage to the skin, which can cause scarring. Treatments that address the production of collagen can fix skin laxity and work for scar removal.
Non-Invasive With Zero Downtime
As a non-invasive cosmetic treatment, Thermage is a skin-perfecting treatment that has zero downtime. Unlike surgeries or minimally invasive treatments, it is possible to immediately return to normal daily activities following a Thermage treatment.
Effective non-invasive treatments that are pain-free and have short recovery times are quickly becoming the golden standard in cosmetic treatments nationwide – and Thermage is a treatment that is leading the charge.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Many patients are curious to know that they should expect from a Thermage treatment. Regardless of what you are using this treatment for, many of the steps before, during, and after treatment are the same.
Consultation
Your first appointment will be your initial consultation, which is basically an intake appointment. We will examine the condition of your skin, particularly areas that you indicate are primary concerns. We will also ask about your overall appearance goals and discuss what this treatment can help you achieve.
We will also need to gather other information about you to add to your medical file, which may include photographs to use as a reference for tracking your treatment progress. Information we will gather from you will include:
- General medical history and current medical issues
- Current medications, supplements, or substances you are using
- Your lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise
- The products you are currently using on your skin
- Any previous cosmetic treatments you have had, including permanent make-up
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Although this treatment is non-surgical, there are a few instructions you will be asked to follow before your appointment. Some pre-treatment guidelines include:
- Arrive to appointment without make-up and with hair pulled back
- Remove all jewelry from face and body
- Remove glasses or contact lenses for facial treatment
- Take any pain relievers or muscle relaxants 1 to 2 hours before treatment
Treatment Session
Whether you are using Thermage to treat one area or multiple zones of the body, you can also expect treatment sessions to follow these three main steps:
Step One: Topical Anesthetic
We will apply a topical anesthetic to your skin before your treatment begins. The topical anesthetic will temporarily numb the treatment areas to ensure your comfort for the duration of the treatment.
Step Two: Using the Device
One of our skilled technicians will use the Thermage handpiece device to deliver treatment. We will likely use the newest update of the handpiece device, which includes a combination of vibration and cooling bursts of air to comfort the skin during treatment.
The handpiece device will glide over your skin with a small amount of heat. Many patients report feeling a warming sensation during treatment which fades once the treatment is complete.
Step Three: Cleanse
After we have treated all targeted areas, we will remove the topical anesthetic with a gentle cleanser. We may also apply a moisturizer or SPF to comfort your skin after the treatment. From start to finish, treatment sessions generally take about 60 to 90 minutes depending on how large the treatment area is.
Recovery
There is no recovery time associated with this treatment. After your treatment is complete, you are free to return to your normal daily activities, including work. You may notice some minor redness or a flushed appearance following your treatment, which are temporary side effects that fade within hours of treatment.
Post-Treatment Guidelines
Although you can return to your normal daily activities, you will be given a list of post-treatment guidelines to follow after your treatment. These guidelines will help you protect your skin while it is in a vulnerable state. Some post-treatment guidelines may include:
- Wearing sunscreen stronger than SPF 30 for 1 week
- Using gentle non-irritating cleansers for 1 to 3 days
- Avoiding certain over-the-counter medications or supplements for 3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients tend to share the same questions when they are considering treatments. Here we have gathered the most frequently asked questions about this treatment. Our expert staff will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have when you call or visit our clinic for your appointment.
What Causes Scars?
You might be surprised to learn that the cause for scars is the same protein that is used for scar removal. In many ways, collagen is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, enough collagen production can give your skin the plush, youthful appearance so many of us are looking for.
But on the other hand, an overproduction of collagen can lead to the dips, dimples, and pits left behind after acne. And how does that make any sense?
The production of scars comes down to the body’s natural healing properties. When there is inflammation on the skin, such as the inflammation caused by acne, the skin stretches to accommodate the irritation. After a blemish is gone, proteins like collagen hasten to build new structures to support the skin. The problem is that these new structures don’t match the old structures, which creates the dips in our skin associated with acne scarring.
Is Thermage Effective for Scar Removal?
Thermage and other similar treatments that stimulate the production of collagen are effective for scar removal because they help the body build new protein structures to match the structures that are built after a scar is formed.
With a boost in collagen, skin takes on a smoother appearance that essentially removes the impression of dimpled skin caused by acne scarring. Thermage is an effective tool for scar removal because it corrects the overcorrections our skin has made to heal damage left behind after acne.
When Will I See Results?
The majority of patients report noticing results of the treatment in as little as 1 to 3 days following a treatment appointment. After your appointment, you will be able to see and feel a difference in the texture of your skin. Results will continue to improve over the next several months while new collagen is being produced.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results for this treatment can last for years, depending on both your age and how well you respond to treatment. A single treatment session will produce lasting results for upwards of 6 months. At our clinic, we generally recommend scheduling annual or bi-annual maintenance sessions every year to continue seeing results.
Is Thermage FDA Approved?
Thermage has been approved by the FDA as a non-invasive skin tightening treatment since 2006. Each of the updates for Thermage treatment, such as the newest Thermage CPT, also obtain regular FDA approval. This is one of the best-performing treatments from continued clinical trials.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients only require one session at a time to see results. However, it is possible we will separate your treatment into two sessions if there are multiple large treatment areas. We will help you determine if you need multiple sessions.
Can I Combine This Treatment?
This is a treatment that can be successfully combined with other cosmetic treatments, such as dermaplaning, facials, chemical peels, and dermal fillers. If you are interested in combining this treatment with other cosmetic treatments, we will help you create a treatment timeline to address each of your skin concerns.
Who Are Ideal Candidates?
There are many ideal candidates for this treatment! Thermage can be used on any skin type and any skin tone, which makes it a great universal treatment option for mild, moderate, and even severe skin conditions. You may be an ideal candidate if you want:
- Tighter and smoother skin
- Scar removal
- Treatment for acne
- Body sculpting
Perfect Your Skin With Thermage!
Overcoming acne scars may seem like an impossible goal, but the truth is that acne scar removal isn’t the insurmountable goal many believe it to be. With the right treatments, the perfect skin of your dreams is a goal you can achieve! Contact Perfect Skin Center in Scottsdale, AZ to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to helping you perfect your skin!
