[Health Column] What is Thermage treatment? A complete overview from its effects to fine wrinkle improvement

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

 

 

Hello, this is Director Choi Woo-hyuk.

 

If you are interested in lifting procedures, you have probably heard the term "Thermage" at least once. Thermage is a representative high-frequency laser treatment that simultaneously improves skin elasticity and provides a lifting effect. It is especially popular among those who want to address issues such as fine wrinkles around the eyes and face, loss of elasticity, and enlarged pores without side effects as they age.

 

 

1. What is a contour lifting?

 

From a dermatological perspective, 'skin tightening' and 'lifting' are distinctly different concepts. Tightening refers to the reaction where collagen within the dermis increases, making the skin firmer, while lifting involves physically pulling the skin in the opposite direction of gravity. Methods like Thermage, which deliver high-frequency thermal energy, activate collagen in the dermis, resulting in a significant tightening effect, and also induce contraction of surrounding tissues, which can partially contribute to a lifting effect. Therefore, many procedures describe these two concepts together.

 

 

2. Thermage procedure principle

 

Thermage treatment delivers high-frequency (RF) energy intensely to the dermis layer of the skin to induce collagen regeneration. To prevent thermal energy from damaging the skin surface, vibration and cooling technologies are applied to the laser tip. In other words, the procedure maintains a cold surface while pushing hot energy inward, causing collagen contraction and regeneration. This is why patients feel a cold sensation along with a sudden, 'popping' heat sensation during the treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Thermage for the face vs. EyeThermage for the eye area

 

Thermage is mainly divided into the face-specific 'Total Tip' and the eye area-specific 'Eye Tip.' The Total Tip is used on the entire face, while the Eye Tip is suitable for thin and sensitive areas like the eyelids. Using a regular Total Tip on thin skin areas like around the eyes can pose risks of eye damage or burns, so it must be used appropriately for each area. In particular, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes often cannot be effectively improved with Botox alone, so Thermage Eye may be a good alternative.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Thermage treatment effects

 

So, what are the main expected effects of Thermage treatment?

Firstly, it is naturally an increase in elasticity. As collagen increases, the skin becomes firmer, and the heat contraction effect from radiofrequency adds to this, resulting in some lifting effect.

The second is fine wrinkle improvement. As collagen decreases due to aging, small wrinkles that have formed may become noticeably smoother after Thermage.

The third is pore reduction. Pores tend to widen when the surrounding collagen collapses, so when collagen regeneration occurs, the density increases and naturally the pores become narrower.

Fourth is skin tone improvement. As the environment of the dermis layer improves, it positively affects skin issues related to pigmentation, making the skin appear brighter.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Thermage procedure side effects and precautions

 

Of course, to receive Thermage safely without side effects, a few precautions are necessary. For sensitive treatment areas, use dedicated tips, and after the procedure, pay special attention to UV protection and hydration. Additionally, since the effects vary from person to person, it is important to have a personalized treatment plan through prior consultation. Rarely, temporary redness or tingling may occur on the skin, and if you have sensitive skin to heat stimuli, it is advisable to discuss this thoroughly in advance.

 

 

 

6. Suitable candidates for Thermage

 

Thermage is the most historically established and proven method among non-surgical lifting procedures that utilize powerful high-frequency energy. It can be expected to have a wide range of effects, including promoting collagen production, improving elasticity, reducing fine wrinkles, shrinking pores, and enhancing skin tone. If the appropriate treatment method and post-care are properly managed, it can be very helpful in effectively delaying skin aging.

 

 

✔ For those concerned about decreased facial elasticity
✔ For those seeking gentle wrinkle improvement that cannot be resolved with Botox
✔ For those who want to improve both pores and skin tone together

 

 

 

 

By consulting thoroughly with a specialist and adjusting the tips and energy intensity to match your skin type and condition, you can make a wise choice that achieves not only elasticity but also lifting, fine wrinkle improvement, and skin tone enhancement all at once.

 

 

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

Graduated from Korea University College of Life Sciences
Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine
Kyung Hee University Hospital Resident
Full member of the Korean Society of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine

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