Each time the treatment tip touches the skin, it delivers radio frequency (RF) energy into the skin to create a uniform and volumetric heating effect in the mid and deep layers of the skin. There is an internal cooling spray in the treatment tip that cools and protects the surface of the skin. You will feel and hear this cooling spray when the treatment tip is contacting your skin.

- What is the Thermage    Procedure? - How does it work? - What does a Thermage    Procedure feel like? - How long will the Thermage    Procedure take? - When can I return to my    normal activities?		- When will I notice results? - How many treatments will    I need? - How long with the effects    last? - How safe is it?

What is the Thermage Procedure? The Thermage procedure was developed to help the signs of aging skin. It works by tightening tissue. It is currently used for treating periorbital (around the eye) wrinkles. The Thermage procedure is also known as ThermaLift, Thermal Lifting, Therma Plasty, and Thermoplastic contouring. The Thermage technology is being studied for other aesthetic uses on the face.

How does it work? The radiofrequency (RF) energy uniformly heats the dermis while cooling and protecting the epidermis. It 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.

What does a Thermage Procedure feel like? Each time treatment is delivered there is an immediate cool sensation, followed by a brief hot sensation, followed by a cool sensation. Your physician may offer anesthetic enhancement to increase your comfort.

How long will the Thermage Procedure take? Depending on the size of the area treated, the procedure itself may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

When can I return to my normal activities? You may return to your normal activities immediately, as there is usually no "downtime". Minimal redness is seen in some patients but it usually disappears shortly after treatment. Heat-related complications can occur but are uncommon. There is no special care needed after treatment. As a part of good skin care, sunscreen is recommended.

When will I notice results? Some patients notice the results soon after the treatment, although in most patients they will appear gradually over 2 to 6 months.

How many treatments will I need? In a large clinical trial, all patients were treated in a single treatment session with good results. New studies in process are evaluating whether repeat treatments provide better, faster, more consistent results.

How long with the effects last? A recently completed study demonstrates continued improvements for at least 6 months after a single treatment session with the ThermaCool TC system.

How safe is it? It is very safe. Although this is a relatively new treatment and a new technology, the number of adverse effects has been small.