Nadine Dilong Did you know that Thermage has greatly evolved over the years? Painful treatments are a thing of the past!
Thermage FLX is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that tightens and contours the skin on the face and body using radiofrequency (RF) energy. The treatment aims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, resulting in a more youthful and revitalised appearance.
The procedure stimulates collagen production and tightens existing collagen fibres by heating the deep layers of the skin. As we are aware, collagen is a protein that provides elasticity and firmness to the skin, so increasing its production makes the skin firmer and smoother. The treatment is also capable of targeting deeper layers of the skin, resulting in long- lasting results.
The treatment is carried out with the help of a device called the Thermage FLX, which is a specially designed device that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the skin. The device includes a cooling system that helps to protect the skin’s surface from heat and discomfort. The treatment is typically administered in a series of passes over the area being treated, with the energy adjusted to meet the needs of the individual.
The practitioner starts Thermage FLX by cleaning the area to be treated and applying coupling gel to the skin. The handpiece is then moved across the skin in a series of passes, delivering RF energy to the skin’s deep layers. The device’s built-in cooling system helps to reduce any discomfort, and most people are able to resume their normal activities immediately following treatment.
The RF energy delivered by the Thermage FLX device penetrates deep into the skin, heating the collagen fibres in the dermis (the middle layer of
the skin), causing contraction of these fibres and an immediate tightening effect. Thermal energy also stimulates the production of new collagen, resulting in increased skin firmness and elasticity. This reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
One of the benefits of Thermage FLX is that it can be used on a wide range of skin types and tones. It is also suitable for use on a variety of areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, abdomen, and thighs. It’s important to note that there may be an immediate result with improvement for up to 6 months.
Common misconceptions about Thermage FLX
• Misconception #1: Thermage Is Painful
One common misconception about Thermage FLX is that it is painful to use. However, this is not the case. The treatment is generally well tolerated, with the treatment experience usually characterised by a sensation of heat. It should be noted that everyone’s pain threshold varies, and some people may feel more discomfort than others. However, the cooling system built into the handpiece helps to minimise any discomfort, as well as vibrations of the hand-piece which have shown to reduce discomfort by 30%; most people are able to resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.
• Misconception #2: Numbing Helps With Discomfort
Numbing is not a safe or recommended option for Thermage FLX because when the patient isn’t able to feel the heat, there is a higher chance of side effects like burning or blistering. There is no need for numbing cream as a properly trained Thermage practitioner will be able to perform the treatment in a way that is tolerable.
• Misconception #3: No pain, no gain
The old adage “no pain, no gain” simply does not apply with Thermage FLX. Thermage FLX should be tolerable at all times, and the treatment level should not be intolerable in order for patients to see results. Trained Thermage FLX providers constantly ask for patient feedback throughout the treatment, using a heat sensation feedback scale ranging from zero (nothing) to four (intolerable), whereas aesthetic practitioners aim for two to two and a half (hot, but easily tolerable). The ideal treatment level for any given area of the skin for any given patient is not one fixed level; this is why it is critical to receive patient feedback throughout the treatment to ensure that it is both safe and effective.
The clinical endpoint, or when the treatment ‘has done its job,’ is reached when the treated area turns pink, becomes visibly and palpably tighter, and feels warm to the touch. Thermage FLX providers are trained to pause once half of the treatment area has been treated to demonstrate to the patient that the clinical endpoint has been reached before proceeding to treat the other half of the treatment area. Once the clinical endpoint is reached, it makes no difference whether the patient received 800 or 888 REPs; what matters is that the treatment achieved the desired outcome.
It’s important to note that some minor redness or swelling may occur immediately following the treatment, but this typically subsides within a few hours. To achieve the best results, it is also critical to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the practitioner.
Thermage FLX is a safe and effective treatment that can improve skin texture and tone without the need for surgery. It’s an excellent choice for people who want to rejuvenate their skin without the downtime or recovery time associated with more invasive procedures. The effects of the treatment can last for up to two years with proper aftercare and maintenance.
Additionally, the treatment has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of loose skin, and sagging skin. Although it is not a replacement for a surgical facelift, it is an excellent option for those seeking a non-invasive alternative that can produce noticeable results.
In summary, Thermage FLX is a non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and contour the skin, resulting in a noticeable improvement in skin texture and tone. It is a safe and effective option for those looking to rejuvenate their skin without undergoing surgery. Despite the myth that it is painful to use, the treatment is generally well-tolerated. The effects of the treatment can last for up to two years with proper aftercare and maintenance. Never accept or administer numbing cream or numbing gel as part of a Thermage FLX treatment. If the treatment is too painful, the provider will reduce the intensity of the treatment, and providers will pause halfway through the treatment to ensure that the treated area has met the clinical endpoint.
For more information visit: thermage.com.au
This article, sponsored by Solta Medical, originally appeared in SPA+CLINIC 92.
Read SPA+CLINIC’s latest issue here
There are 5 ways you can catch up with SPA+CLINIC
- Our quarterly print magazine, delivered to your door. Subscribe here.
- Our website, which is updated daily with its own completely unique content and breaking news.
- Our weekly newsletter – free to your inbox! Subscribe here.
- Our digital magazine – click here to view previous issues.
- Our social media – see daily updates on our Instagram, Facebook & Linkedin
