An Alternative to Tummy Tucks

Body Thermage - Repair and Reform

Exposure to common toxins, damage from the sun, and the natural process of aging eventually results in the depletion of elasticity and strength in the collagen fibres of the body. Consequently, skin sags and wrinkles appear. Body Thermage is a popular treatment that addresses collagen depletion.

Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology is the main component in Body Thermage therapy. Its objective is to stimulate the growth of new collagen, improving the body’s contour by tightening the skin, without surgical procedures. Depending on the extent of the area the patient wishes to improve, one treatment can last from 20 minutes up to and in excess of 2 hours. Results are instantaneous - improvement to the skin is immediately noticeable. However, the body needs time to rebuild collagen and, in many cases, the desired goal can take up to six months to attain, following the first treatment.

Treatment Procedure
Body Thermage is a non-invasive process that restores the ever-diminishing collagen in our bodies. No injections are required. It consists of heating the epidermis, the skin’s layer of fat and collagen, in order to stimulate the collagen just beneath the surface. As a consequence, the skin tightens. The discomfort is slight; the patient will feel a heating sensation each time a pulse of CRF energy is released, which will be followed by a cooling sensation. Because it is a non-surgical procedure, anaesthesia or body relaxant drugs are not required. However, many physicians provide pain medication when it is requested by the patient. Over a certain period of time, successful improvement to facial skin, thighs, hips and buttocks can be achieved with the Body Thermage treatment. It is ideal for those who are apprehensive of surgery, and are content with a gradual transformation.

It consistently remains one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures, with a relatively short recovery time period, the average being one to three days.

Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved; fortunately, Body Thermage produces but a few. The side effects are typically mild and can include the following:

• Swelling
• Redness of the treated area
• Heat blisters appearing shortly after treatment

Side effects usually dissipate within a few days. Serious consequences are very rare. Any on-going unusual discomfort should be reported immediately to your treatment specialist and your physician. It may then be recommended that you cease your treatments, although such advice would only be given under unusual circumstances.

It should be noted that if you are using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and prednisone, and/or if you are a patient with a medical implant such as a pacemaker, CRF (radio frequency energy) can interfere, and it is not recommended that you proceed with Body Thermage treatments.

Costs
Body Thermage can be expensive - treatments range from just under $1,000 to a little over $5,000. Much depends on the number of treatments, location on the body, and length of sessions. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the least expensive methods for improving your body’s appearance.