Thermage® and SkinTyte™
Theory: Why Does Our Skin Age?
Collagen is a building block or foundation of the skin, which supports its structure. Over time collagen becomes depleted or damaged by the sun or other environmental factors. The result is visible signs of aging such as the appearance of thinner skin or loose skin. Deep radiofrequency, (Thermage®) or deep infrared heat (SkinTyte™) energy heats the deep levels of the facial skin and stimulates production of collagen in response to the heat energy insult. It can take up to 6 months to see a response from this procedure, which is often done in combination with fillers, fat transfer and or BOTOX® Cosmetic.
What Is Thermage? It Is Radiofrequency Heat
This new radiofrequency device is capable of delivering higher energy fluences to a greater volume of deeper skin than non-ablative lasers, and was evaluated for a number of clinical targets, including periorbital wrinkles, non-invasive eyebrow lifting, submental neck reduction and acne scaring. It is now FDA approved for upper, mid, and lower face tightening.
The problem with Thermage is its disappointing success rate of less than 10%. This is because Americans want great immediate results, and can be very critical of their results.
The Thermage company has recently developed 2 new heads, one for the face, and one for the body. The results I have seen with these heads are better!
More importantly, the company has bought the Fraxel company, which has brilliant engineers. This leads me to expect even more improvements in this technology.
What Is Skin Tyte? It Is Infrared Light with Sapphire Contact Cooling
The new SkinTyte ST is used for selective photocoagulation of soft tissue in conjunction with an integrated thermo-electric cooler to cool the epidermis prior-to, during, and after treatment, reducing discomfort and minimizing thermal injury to non-target skin and skin structures. This technique selectively targets and treats dermal collagen. The result is partial coagulation and contraction of collagen.
The majority of patients (75%) notice a visible firming after their comfortable 30 minute treatment.
Typically 1-5 sessions, spaced 3-5 weeks apart, are recommended, with yearly maintenance.
If you would like to learn more about Thermage or SkinTytefor firmer skin, click here to request a consultation at the Hughes Center for Aesthetic Medicine. Or you can call us at (856) 528-4896 to schedule your appointment.
