At Kaniff Cosmetic Medical Center we strive to keep abreast of the most advanced technologies and treatments that help our patients maintain a youthful appearance. In keeping with that tradition, we are proud to announce that our practice recently acquired ThermaCool TCÔ System, a new radiofrequency-based device designed to tighten tissue and improve the appearance of skin. This sophisticated new medical treatment device was recently cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of fine lines around the eyes (crow’s feet) and is only available from selected physicians.
Collagen is a building block or foundation of the skin which supports its structure. Over time collagen becomes depleted or damaged by the sun and other environmental factors. The results are visible signs of aging such as the appearance of thinner skin or “loose” skin. After years of research and development, Thermage has developed a new procedure to treat the signs of aging skin.
The ThermaLift Procedure is a technologically advanced approach to treating aging skin. The ThermaLift Procedure tightens tissue by heating the underlying layers of the skin with a unique delivery of radiofrequency (RF) energy while protecting the skin’s top layer with a cooling spray. This is accomplished with advanced safety features that monitor skin temperature and regulate treatments. The results are a procedure that is designed to:
- Cause immediate collagen contraction followed by new collagen production over time resulting in a more youthful appearance..
- Reduce the occurrence of adverse effects by protecting the skin.
- Provide a “no downtime” procedure so you can resume normal activities immediately.
The ThermaLift Procedure requires no recovery time, so you can return to normal activities the very same day of your treatment. Best of all, there are no scalpels or stitches, and few reports of damage to the skin surface. Since the Thermage procedure works by tightening deeper tissue, it can complement other procedures that treat the upper layers of your skin.
Depending on the area treated and the individual, the procedure can be somewhat uncomfortable and is performed with an anesthetic numbing cream applied one hour before the treatment or with twilight sedation. Each time energy is delivered there is an immediate cool sensation, followed by a brief hot sensation, followed by a cool sensation. A treatment takes 30 – 60 minutes depending on the area(s) being treated. Some patients experience mild swelling for a couple of days. There is no wound care required and make-up can be worn the next day.
While some patients experience results soon after the procedure, most patients see gradual improvement over 4 – 6 months after a single session. In large clinical trials, all patients were treated in a single treatment session with good results. New studies are evaluating whether repeat treatments provide better, faster, more consistent results.
Unpublished reports indicate that results may last 18 months or longer based on the patient’s natural aging process.
The ThermaLift Procedure is very safe. Although it is possible that skin damage can occur, this advanced treatment has been studied carefully in hundreds of patients with minimal reports of lasting adverse effects.
As one of the first ThermaCool TC users in the area, we are pleased with the results both as a stand alone procedure and in combination with other rejuvenating procedures. ThermaLift to the forehead and crows feet area is an excellent adjunct to eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), improving the appearance of the eyes, position of the brow and wrinkles around the eye. Other areas that have been reported to be improved are the neck area, often in conjunction with a neck lift, and the midface area.
If you are interested in learning more about The ThermaLift Procedure, please call our office at 480-9080 to schedule a consultation. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have.