Dr. Rokhsar recommends Ulthera for the best results.
Now there is finally a non-surgical no downtime approach available for skin tightening. The Thermage®1 procedure for skin tightening uses patented radiofrequency technology to deliver heat to the collagen in your lower layers of the skin resulting in tightening. You can improve the sagging skin of the jowls, face, and neck with this procedure without any cutting. Brow elevation may be possible with the treatment of the forehead.
Dr. Rokhsar uses the most advanced and innovative protocols for the use of Thermage with superior results. Dr. Rokhsar was involved in several research projects investigating the effectiveness of Thermage for skin tightening following liposuction of the abdomen and the breasts.
The Thermage procedure is a non-invasive treatment that gives you tighter skin, renewed facial contours, and healthier collagen. The Thermage procedure is available only by qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. Your physician is your best information resource for determining how this treatment will most benefit you.
The Thermage procedure employs a patented technology called ThermaCool™3. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy and requires no downtime from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types. The ThermaCool device has been cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles.
Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin may feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. Over time, you will notice additional tightening. Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage treatment has produced results in the majority of patients. The Thermage procedure can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.
Thermage ThermaCool TC® is a non-invasive device that tightens the tissue of the face by targeting the collagen in the deep dermis of the skin. While many think that this treatment is a laser, Thermage ThermaCool TC® actually uses radio waves, and as such, is not a laser.
By combining the radio waves into a concentrated beam, ThermaCool TC® has been able to heat a deeper portion of the dermis, previously unreachable by non-invasive treatments. Other non-invasive laser treatments have been only able to penetrate half as deep as Thermage ThermaCool TC® can. The reason for this is that the laser light can only penetrate so deep before the light is absorbed in the area under the skin. Thermage ThermaCool TC® was not designed for the treatment of age spots, wrinkles around the mouth or sun-damaged skin, which is best treated with light-based systems. The device was designed to provide a surgical result without exposure to the risks, downtime or costs associated with surgery.
Apart from providing a surgical-like tightening, patients can expect to have a resolution of many of the troubling lines and wrinkles on the face. The lines patients can expect to improve are the nasolabial (between the corner of the nose and corner of the mouth) folds, the marionette (folds seen between the corner of the mouth which slope towards the edge of the chin) lines, and crow’s feet.
Effects of heating the collagen in the dermis with Thermage ThermaCool:
By causing damage to the collagen with heat, the body then sends out collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts to replace the recently damaged collagen. The heat-induced change to the collagen, which causes the initial shrinkage, does not go away.
Eyes by Thermage™ is a procedure that smoothes and tightens skin and decreases wrinkles and hooding in the eye area without surgery, injections or downtime. You’ll have younger-looking, more lifted eyes that look less tired. Plus, the smoother skin of your eyelids will make it easier to apply eye shadow and eyeliner.
The Eyes by Thermage procedure only takes about one hour. And because there are no bruising, swelling or sutures, you can usually apply make-up and return to your normal routine after the procedure.
The Thermage® radio-frequency (RF)2 energy uniformly heats the dermis while cooling and protecting the epidermis. Thermage® is designed to cause immediate collagen contraction followed by new collagen production which occurs over a period of time. The Thermage® procedure is the only non-invasive method to tighten loose skin.
Recently published studies, conducted by Thermage®, show that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment session. However, many patients report seeing an earlier response to Thermage®.
Thermage is a similar treatment to laser skin tightening. This non-invasive technique uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deep layer of the skin, affecting skin cells that are hard to reach. Collagen is found deep within the skin and is responsible for creating the structure of the skin. In response to the heat that is emitted from the radiofrequency waves, collagen will be stimulated and create younger-appearing skin with having to make any incisions.
Thermage can work in conjunction with other fillers and injections for enhanced results.
Thermage not only tightens the skin back into a more youthful appearance but is also a safe, non-invasive treatment that requires no downtime. This one-time treatment contours and rejuvenates facial skin to help naturally restore skin cells and decreasing wrinkles while smoothing the skin’s surface.
You will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the CRF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. The physician controls the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The ThermaTip device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Prior to treatment, an anesthetic cream may be applied to enhance your comfort. Additionally, your physician may also prescribe relaxants and/or pain medication.
The Thermage procedure may cause immediate tightening of the collagen structure, with additional tightening over time. The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. The most frequent side effects are classified as swelling, redness, bumps, and blisters on or around the treated area. These side effects may resolve in a few days or weeks. A rare but longer-lasting side effect described as a surface irregularity has also been reported.
Thermage FLX is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses radiofrequency technology to heat the deep layers of the skin, stimulate collagen growth, and tighten loose or sagging skin. The device is FDA-cleared to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite, and is commonly used on the face and body.
Thermage FLX works by delivering radiofrequency energy to the skin’s dermis (under the surface layer) through a patented handheld device. The energy heats the deep skin tissue, which stimulates the body’s natural renewal process and causes collagen to contract and tighten. This process also stimulates the growth of new collagen, resulting in firmer, tighter skin.
Thermage FLX treatment is suitable for anyone seeking a non-surgical treatment to address loose skin, particularly those between 30 to 65 years old. The device’s tip vibrates and cools the skin surface to help aid in patient comfort during the procedure. The treatment is non-invasive, meaning no surgery is necessary, and patients can usually resume their regular activities immediately after the procedure.
Thermage FLX treatment offers several benefits, including skin tightening, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite. The procedure is generally safe and effective, with results lasting up to several years depending on the patient’s skin condition and aging process.
If you are interested in Thermage FLX treatment, it is recommended to consult with a board certified dermatologist to determine if it is a suitable option for you.
The cost of Thermage varies depending on the size and location of the area being treated, the number of treatments required, the experience of the board certified dermatologist performing the procedure, and the geographic location of the office.
The cost of Thermage is typically lower than other more invasive skin treatments, such as a facelift. While Thermage is not covered by health insurance as it is a cosmetic procedure, many patients believe it is worth the price they paid. It is recommended to consult with a board certified dermatologist to receive a more precise idea of the cost based on the specific area being treated and the number of sessions required.
Thermage results typically last between one to two years, with some patients experiencing longer-lasting results depending on their aging process and how well they care for their skin. The longevity of results also varies based on the treatment area, skin condition, and the number of sessions received.
Some doctors recommend follow-up treatments every 6 to 12 months to maintain results over time. However, clinical studies indicate that Thermage can last for several years with annual maintenance sessions. The response to Thermage treatment is gradual, and most patients see measurable results within two to six months following a single treatment session. While a few patients may experience immediate improvement, for most patients, the response to treatment is progressive, with improvement continuing over a period of 1 to 6 months.
Most patients only need one Thermage treatment to achieve the desired results. However, some doctors recommend follow-up treatments every 6 to 12 months to maintain the results over time.
It is also noted that the number of Thermage treatments required may vary depending on the treatment area and the patient’s skin. The results of a single Thermage session are typically gradual and may take 2 to 6 months to show.
Thermage and Ultherapy are generally considered safe non-surgical skin tightening treatments. However, it is recommended that individuals with pre-existing medical or skin conditions should consult with a board-certified dermatologist before undergoing either treatment.
Thermage uses heat to initiate the body’s natural collagen production, while Ultherapy uses ultrasound to achieve the same results. Both treatments aim to create beautiful skin, but one approach may be better for a specific person. Ultherapy is generally more effective and provides long-lasting results, as the treatment is deeper and more systematic, and is safer for the skin compared to Thermage.
Ultherapy is more effective for those with fuller faces who are contouring sagging skin. Ultherapy sessions typically take 2 hours for a proper treatment of a face and neck. If your treatment is taking less time, it means that your doctor is not placing enough pulses in your skin which will ultimately result in less improvement.
Laser skin tightening is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses lasers to heat collagen in the skin to reduce some signs of skin aging and decrease skin laxity or loose skin. The procedure causes collagen to constrict, making skin look tighter, more firm, and less crepey, leading to improved skin texture and a youthful appearance. Laser skin tightening is done by heating the underlying skin (dermis) while removing the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis) through the use of laser resurfacing technology. The treatment can be used on any area of the face or body for various skin-related issues, and some lasers can send heat deep into the skin without wounding the top layer, making it especially helpful for tightening loose skin on the belly and upper arms. Dr. Rokhsar prefers to use the Fraxel restore Dual as his first choice for non ablative laser resurfacing and the fractional CO2 laser with the Fraxel Repair as his first choice for ablative laser resurfacing.
Ultrasound skin tightening, another form of skin tightening, uses a micro-focused ultrasound to send heat deep into the skin, up to 5 millimeters below the surface, to tighten and lift skin on the face, neck, and other areas of the body. The results of laser skin tightening can last up to 1-3 years with proper care, and it is a preventative treatment that can improve skin texture, tighten and lift skin, and boost new collagen production within the layers of the dermis.
The duration of laser skin tightening results may vary based on factors such as the patient’s age, skin type, the type of laser used, and the number of treatments. Laser skin tightening can last up to 1-3 years with proper care, and most patients can see some results after one appointment. However, the best results appear after 3 to 6 appointments, typically spaced a month apart for Fraxel Restore dual. For Fraxel Repair, One session achieves dramatic results. Using SPF island doing botox injections on a regular basis is essential to extend the duration of the results.
The longevity of the results may depend on the patient’s skin condition and the severity of the skin sagging or wrinkles. While a single treatment may be less expensive, it may not be the most cost-effective approach in the long term unless a patient has only a few wrinkles. Moreover, the treatment’s efficacy varies for different individuals, and the results may not be immediate, as seen in non-ablative laser resurfacing, where the effects tend to be gradual and progressive, and the patient can see optimal results in three to six months. With ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing like Fraxel Repair, one treatment session can produce dramatic results, but full effect results are seen 3 to 6 months after the procedure.
The intensity of the laser used during the procedure also affects the pain level and recovery period. The more intense the laser, the better the results and the longer the recovery period. While laser skin tightening is a non-surgical, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, it should only ever be performed by an experienced board-certified cosmetic dermatologist or a highly trained plastic surgeon.
There are many types of lasers used for skin tightening, and the best one depends on your specific skin concerns and the recommendations of your board certified dermatologist, experienced in laser surgery.
Some of the most effective laser wavelengths for skin tightening include the 1550 nm non ablative fractional laser, Called Fraxel Restore, which is effective in treating fine lines on the face, neck, hands, and décolletage and improving general skin health, and the 1927 wavelength laser, called Fraxel Dual laser, which is highly effective at treating discoloration of the skin and surface changes.
Ablative lasers, such as the CO2 and Erbium lasers, remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate collagen growth for smoother and tighter skin. The fractional CO2 laser (Fraxel Repair) in experienced hands, is the best laser for skin tightening and deep wrinkl;e reduction. Non-ablative lasers, such as the long-pulsed Alexandrite laser, penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production for rejuvenated and plumped skin. Fractional lasers, both ablative and non-ablative, treat only a fraction of the skin’s surface for faster healing and fewer side effects.
The Thermitighr skin tightening is also a highly effective procedure for skin tightening. This procedure uses a probe to heat up your skin from inside-out, for results which can be as good as a mini face lift without making cuts around your ears or scarring. The procedure is painless because Dr. Roklhsar administers numbing tumescent fluid to the treatment area.
Ultimately, the best skin-tightening laser for you will depend on your unique skin type and concerns. It’s important to consult with a board certified dermatologist with years of experience in laser surgery to determine the best treatment plan for you.
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121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110
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References
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
