Over time, the areas that suffer the most from flaccidity, such as the abdomen, arms, anterior knees and buttocks begin to sag. There are several techniques to solve this flaccidity, with or without surgery. One of the safest techniques without surgery is Thermage radiofrequency, especially indicated to tighten the skin by stimulating collagen in certain types of flaccidity.
What does Thermage consist of?
It is a non-invasive procedure that does not even require injections. This treatment seeks to reaffirm the skin’s natural collagen. Our skin has three layers, the outer layer is the epidermis, the intermediate layer is the dermis, where most of the collagen is found, and the inner layer is the subcutaneous layer, which also has a network of collagen fibers. When collagen is damaged by sun exposure, aging or simply by family inheritance, the skin begins to wrinkle. Thermage treatment targets these wrinkles by heating the middle layer and the collagen network of the subcutaneous layer of the skin. This causes a stimulation of new collagen with elastic and tightening capabilities.
The ideal patient would be an adult between 35 and 60 years of age who suffers from flaccidity, due to the passage of time or after weight loss, pregnancy and who is not overweight. In addition, some post-surgical patients may also opt for this treatment.
Each application takes from 500 to 1200 pulses. What the patient experiences is a brief, deep heat sensation, indicating that the collagen is reaching the perfect temperature to break down the old fibers and after about 60 days begin to form new young collagen fibers.
How does it affect the skin?
To protect the skin and make the treatment as comfortable as possible for the patient, the skin surface is cooled before, during and after each application. This keeps the surface layer intact and allows the patient to immediately return to normal activities.
The treatment is painless and does not require any type of anesthesia. After treatment, the patient will notice that the tightening effect gradually increases over the next six months as collagen formation is stimulated. In some cases, the treated areas may appear slightly rosy, but this disappears after a few hours. In addition, it is advisable to use creams appropriate to the skin type and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
The results can last up to two years, although they may vary depending on the quality of the skin of each patient. After this time, there is no problem in re-treatment.