Also try: facial skin treatment, lax skin, lift sagging skin, loose or excess facial skin, mini facelift, non surgical, Non surgical Face lift, ReFirme, sagging, skin tightening, surgery alternative, Thermage, wrinkle treatment
I was talking to my doctor and he said that thermage is a bunch of bunk. he said it only gives minimal results for few people and the cost was hardly worth the experimentation.
On the other hand I've read in many websites such as this one that some people have had great thermage results. I was hoping someone(s) could give more about their experience and guide me on whether I'm getting good information from my doctor.
Submitted by panda200 on December 7, 2006 - 3:58pm. Viewed 36141 times
12/15/06
Ok- I am not a doctor and this is only my opinion. If your doctor is a dermatologist than they are FOR thermage. If your doctor is a plastic surgeon- they say it does not work and believe that you can only improve sagging skin from cuttting it away and tightening the muscles- aka facelift.
So, I went to a dermatologist. my experience has been that it does work. I have minimally sagging skin, some wrinkles that I fill with Restylane 2 to 3 times a year, depending on my budget. I had thermage on my eye area and definetly see improvement.
12/22/06
panda - I decided not to get thermage. My problem with it was that the before and after pictures never look that impressive. IMO they show really little difference. On top of this the doctor I talked to about thermage told me it may be less effective on some people than others. in other words no guarantees! hardly worth thousands of dollars i got quoted. -stacy
1/22/07
Thermage is so over-hyped! I will never forgive oprah for pushing it. Does she have a contract with them?
I have 4 girl friends who spent $3-4K on thermage sessions and NOT ONE of them feels it made a difference. that's not at all what you hear about from doctors who sell it. the best thing to do is bite the bullet and get a mini-facelift or neck lift. proven to make a big difference.
d.
1/29/07
RE: BODY THERMAGE - SKIN TIGHTENING SYSTEM! **not to be confused with the Facial Thermalift procedure.
HELP! Despite hours-upon-hours of online research, I'm no more informed than when I started my quest. There is a lack of "real-time" photos and testimonials regarding "BODY by Thermage". Thermage has been around since 2004 and the US FDA approved off face applications one year ago in January 2006 so why isn't more documentation available?
My background: Early 40's size 6, 5'5" weigh 125# should be thrilled right? But after having children and yo-yo weight gain/loss, I'm left with moderately loose abdominal skin and a tush that could be better toned. I've no real skin flaws such as stretch marks but am begining to show signs of minor cellulite.
Five years ago I had abdominal lipo and a breast lift, nice result. Two years ago I tried Mesotherapy & Endermology, no appreciable benefit for those procedures.
Here are my questions:
1) (PHOTOS) Why aren't "Body by Thermage" photos posted other than those provided by the Themage Company? Moreover, why haven't physicians posted their own "success" BODY photos? This leads me to believe there aren't any. Even discussion boards and forums are without pt. photos, why?
2) (PAIN and SCARRING) There are mixed reviews on whether to numb. Seems numbing may block pt's ability to percieve pain therefore scarring could occurs. Are docs using lower frequency and more wand passes hoping for better outcomes?
3) (WAIT) Should I wait on improved technology like ELOS or UltraShape / Vaser's LipoSelect rather than take a gamble? I'd like small spot reductions while addressing skin laxity but want to avoid disappointment.
4) (Which Specialty) Plastic Surgeon -vs- Dermatologist, who'd you select to do the procedure? Plastics know the body and Dermatologist know the skin but shouldn't there be clear guidelines to calling cards? How does one go about finding the doc whose performed the most body-Thermage procedures and has been "peer" rated as a "Top Doc" in this field?
5) (Far out thinking) Bare with me--how about an endoscopic (keyhole) mini-tummy tuck instead? Through my research, it seems that this procedure is mostly performed on men, why? Are there any females who've had this done? Perhaps, this procedure could be combined with VelaSmooth or another procedure that awaiting FDA approval.
Short of the matter, I'll pay whatever and will travel wherever for a successful outcome but need better information. I'll continue to diet & exercise; refusing to go down without a fight.
Please share stories (good and bad) and pics if you've had this procedure... THANKS!
2/2/07
I had Thermage on my eye and forehead area. I'm 40, with thicker oily Italian skin, and I've had a lot of derma stuff done - I get microderm regularly, botox, restlnyne, sculptra. I've also tried several different lasers. My take on Thermage is that it helps a little. It's not dramatic at all. It's not like injectables where you go "wow". I saw some improvement, but it was subtle. So I'm not upset - it was worth trying - but I would not repeat. Maybe thinner skin would react better?
2/2/07
I think thinner actually works worse. Docs will tell you that unless you have enough skin tissue you won't see results. Sounds like a bummer to spend all that and get such meager results. --H
11/30/06
I would like to know if anyone has had laser with the TITAN laser, and if there was any improvement after the procedure. I have heard that Thermage doesn't work, but I'm wondering if the TITAN laser is any different. I would greatly appreciate any comments.
2/9/07
I had Thermage in 09/06. I have seen results in my crowfeet and forehead but it did nothing for my jowels. Yes, it was worth seeing some results but I would not do it again. I have had microdermabrasion and 2 chemical peels and I don't know if its the combination of all this that made my wrinkles less noticeable or what I got from the Thermage. I'm thinking it was the combination of all this that made the wrinkles less noticable. Despite my expectations I am still happy. My jowels have become more noticeable though so, I see much more sagging than I did before. I did have a consultation with Lifestyle Lift and I was not happy. So, I have made arrangements with a board certified plastic surgeon in Denver who will give me a lower face and neck lift for $8,000.00 dollars and this is the route I am taking. Although, Lifestyle Lift will charge me $4,000 dollars for my jowels and do nothing for my neck I think $8,000.00 dollars is not unreasonable. I just don't know how Lifestyle Lift can do a lift in 1 hour! Also, when I went for my consultation I felt rushed since they were 1 1/2 hours behind and my consult took only 5 minutes I decided to go another avenue which is good for me because I know I will get the results I want with this other doctor.
2/9/07
I agree totally! I also had the Thermage in 09/06 and I did get some improvement on my wrinkles around the eyes but I don't know if it was Thermage or my dermabrasions and chemical peels that also helped so, I can't say for sure it was Thermage that took the wrinkles away. I WOULD NOT DO IT AGAIN! I have decided to bite the bullet and get a lower face lift with a board certified plastic surgeon. Since my Thermage I see the jowels sagging even more than before. I don't know if its from the Thermage or I am just aging more. I also didn't think it was worth it but I don't have regrets since I did see some results around my eyes.
2/18/07
I'm reading all these post and I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask. Here's the first. 1) My dermotologist told me this system really doesn't work well if there is fat issues where the treatment is to be given. She said thermage works best on loose skin. (I'm four out of gastric bypass -175lb lots of skin) 2) She also told me if I wasn't happy with the result of the thermage and decided I still wanted PS that my skin would be in better condition to receive the surgury due to the thermage. I forget what they call the body thermage but that's what I had the consult for. I've targeting the saggind skin under the arms, butt, thighs. Oh, btw I'm in the Republic of Panama.
2/19/07
Interesting to read these reports. I'm in the UK and I too have had a Thermage treatment. I had lower face - from eyes to chin, including under chin. I've noticed minimal difference to eyes and definitely no difference to jowls, even after a second pass over the jawline following a 6 month review. I'm very dissapointed. I found the procedure extremely painful and paid £2000 for nothing.
2/24/07
I just went in for a consultation for Thermage the price quote for a full face was $5250 + restylne injections for lips an additional $2400 as well as Botox injection inbetween eyes $475-675! Totlal procedure would cost $8325. I am 46 with a fair complextion. I would like to believe that this procedure works however after reading all the posts I feel that the cost I was quoted is a bit over the top! I live out on the Island in NY. Anybody have suggestions as to what procedure would be best for aging skin and fine lines around eyes, lips, and labial lines? I think maybe a mini face lift with a plastic surgeon might be better than the Thermage (which is temporary)any suggestions? Thanks!
2/25/07
janet, you are REALLY SMART to question that thermage quote! Yowzee. I read on realself's blog - pretty sure it was a plastic surgeon- that you could take a baby step and get a thread lift to see how you like the results. personally i am scared of getting threaded barbs in my face. seems so painful!
Alternative face lift I hear a lot about, the life style lift. but my friend works for a doctors office and she said life style lift is just another way of getting a mini-facelift. she told me that i should look for the best facial plastic surgeon and they'll look at things like your neck, jowls, and facial features to come up with the best recommendation.
do you have a doctor in mind? I live in NJ so maybe i'll recognize names. Good luck!
2/27/07
Hey, this is my first time on this chat board. I am 49 and I have had a co2 laser peel, a Tca peel, my eyes done endoscopically when I was 37 and about 5 photo facials.
I have waited on the thermage because it's expensive and I just haven't found anyone happy yet. I think your costs are high enough to get a face lift . Frankly, I have decided to just get that next and skip the thermage. In the mean time I will get a little botox and restilane.
3/5/07
4real: Your comment about body contouring and Ultrashape lipo alternative was moved to the Ultrashape forum.
3/7/07
HAD THERMAGE. WASTE OF MONEY.
3/12/07
I'm not sure if Accent Laser is the same thing as Thermage but I had my first treatment today on my stomach and agree that it is very painful. The doctor said that I would need 4 treatments at $500 per visit. I doubt that I will go back for the second treatment.
4/1/07
I had thermage in June, 06. It cost 2400.00 for lower face and jowl line. It hurt ALOT! The meds they gave me made me sick (like a bad hangover). The doctor told me this procedure would work better and last longer on my type of skin than the thread lift which is what I wanted in the first place. (He does both). The cost was about the same.
Well, I never did see any results. I really wanted to think I did because of all the money and pain. I think it is the products I have been using since. (Obagi line and Retin-A)
Now I am ready to try Radiesse which I've read lasts longer than Restylene and maybe the thread lift in a year or so.
Do not waste your money on Thermage.
4/1/07
Oh my gosh, for that kind of dough you should get a face life. I did and I will never regret it. My whole lift plus eyes was right around $8000 and it is permanent! I was so thrilled with the result I went back 8 months later and had the brow lift. Again, another smart move....less Botox. In fact, all I need now is a little Botox on the crow's feet and a little Juvederm around the mouth. I am 56 years old.
4/20/07
yes...i agree, the best is to skip the lasers--i tried it, and found it minimal in results. i am about the same age as you. look into endo face lift. minimal bruising, and down time and risk!
but also, a friend of mine is a private stewardess and she had a job on a jet bound to africa with, lo and behold, madonna, and she asked madonna about her skin care...madonna said that the skin care line that she only uses was tracie martyn.
i went to barney's in beverly hills to check it out, and they demonstrated the lotuscupt on my eyes (it's a patch you place on your eye area) and after ten minutes i couldn't believe it!! she suggested i use it on one eye only so i could see the difference..it's amazing, obviously i bought it along w/ the serum for the face....the rep. there said that susan sarandon among almost everyone you see on the red carpet uses this stuff. but the thing that got me was that susan sarandon hasn't had any surgery and swears by only tracie martyn products. i don't know who else carries it, but i do know that barneys does phone orders, i think for free even..so hope this helps you...it was good news for me!
5/2/07
I have recently had Thermage done on my face and I have to say I am nothing but disappointed. First of all, tho the doc said how wonderful it is and how wonderful I look since the treatment, it is not true. I put on makeup and a smile everyday and when she saw me a week after the procedure I'm sure she thought it was true. However, my jaw from the jowel to the ear is diminished. Skinny, which makes the jowel more obvious due to this. Also, I have more wrinkles under my eyes, and more sagging on the outer eyelid. Also, tho my cheeks seem firmer, that is the only place I see any improvement. I went in with a turkey neck and extreme neck sagging. It is still the same even tho she worked on me for over 2 hours. It was very painful, and I was offered nothing for the pain. I think it is a sham. $2,400. She took $500 off her normal price of $2,900 because it was a new business. What was I thinking? I know, I was trying to save money. Had originally planned on a face-lift. I am sure I would have been more satisfied than I am with this little fiasco which drained me of money I needed for other things. So, I say, the treatment isn't perfected yet. My doc says she has done over 1,000 thermage procedures, and I am the FIRST TO COMPLAIN. Does that tell you something? I am in Wisconsin and had the work done in Mequon at Estetika. My advise, BEWARE of that which seems too good to be true.
5/7/07
problem i have with thermage is that its no guarentee to work, and doctors won't agree to refund if it doesn't work out. i can't take the chance with that much money!
5/8/07
i went with fillers and botox for lines etc and am very happy. I decided to go to a plastic surgeon because the spa that I went to was way to expensive and hyped eveything up. Me being a salesperson, I can see right through this. I went to the surgeon for eyes starting to droop, eyes little sunken in, cows feet and little lines under eyes. I asked his what he thought about thermage and he just laughed. He said it is great it you need it for a class reunion coming up or something and don't mind if it dissapears right after. He says that when they have these surgeon conferences, the doctors are always joking and asking who wants to buy their thermage machine for real cheap. He says that the doctors all know that it is a waste of money....alot of money..it is not fair to the patients.
5/8/07
please go to about 3-4 different surgeons until you find one that you are comfortable with and am going to get a good deal on your money.
5/11/07
I tried Titan right before my wedding last year, and can't tell you if it worked or not, which I suppose means it didn't work too well. However, I only tried one session, and I'm not that loose in the face. For my money, I wouldn't repeat.
5/11/07
I would look VERY carefully into some of these "first out" lazer procedures. I tried the Titan and won't repeat that experience. The non-oblative lazers vary greatly in their effects. I have heard very good things, for instance, about velasmooth for the body which is supposed to really help with cellulite and also has a tightening result for the skin, but it takes at least 12 sessions at 150 a shot, and then maintenance after that. However, I am actually looking into that one. And also Ultrashape is another non-oblative lazer that is replacing liposuction rather quickly, which also supposedly acts as a lift (unlike the lipo which leaves the surface skin in worse shape). There are a few doctors who blend the two approaches for an overall body contouring. So far, I don't know about any lazers that do this for the face, but I bet you anything, something is coming soon. I need a neck lift, but so far all such lifts seem to lower the ears just enough to look "done." And I just don't want that look.
There is a great magazine that provides some real info...."New Beauty"
It comes out two times a year. Good luck.
5/16/07
I am a 49 year old male who had a Thermage at Estetika of Mequon. During the initial consultation, the practitioner described all the pros and cons of Thermage. Like all medical procedures, there are no guarantees. My wife had a surgical eye lift several years ago and her results were most unfavorable. The area of attention was my jowl line. I personally noticed an immediate result and continue to see a tremendous effect. The procedure was painless. It is intriguing to me to hear all the negative comments from some doctors regarding laser skin care, while at the same time they are actively working with most states to limit who can provide such services.
5/16/07
Richard - thank you for your comment. Other RealSelf readers would love to read more about your thermage experience. To share your review and testimonial please take a moment to fill out a Thermage review. Just click on Add Your Review. Thank you.
--tom, founder, RealSelf.com
5/16/07
Acne Scars Disappear at Estetika
I am a 21 year old female pre-med student who suffered from cystic acne for 4 years. The acne scarred my face and my spirit. I tried every treatment available and had given up until I found Estetika of Mequon. Several months ago I took a chance on the Thermage procedure as treatment for my acne scarring. The provider at Estetika told me exactly what to expect. The collagen would remodel over time and it really did! I saw some improvement on the day of treatment and it continues to get better month by month. This is the first place that I have been that has been knowledgable and professional and delivered exactly what it said it would. The value is not measurable. I am now 90-95% acne scar free. With my new face and new spirit I am ready to tell the world that Estetika is your only choice for skincare.
5/16/07
who is estetika and why do they keep writing? is this spam?
5/21/07
I am a 47 year old female and had Thermage Eyes and face over 6 months ago. My friend works for the company and I was told that I was a "perfect" candidate and should see great results. I paid $3200 for both areas. Like everyone else the pain was almost unbearable even though I had Demurol and Valium. I have just had my before and after photos and there is zero difference in the photos. I can't tell which is the before and which is the after. I am being offered a second treatment for $500 but not my eyes as they are getting only the face tip sampled. I don't know whether to bother or not. I am very disappointed and wish I didn't waste the money and saved it for a face lift later.
5/21/07
I recently had my second Thermage completed. The results from the first treatment were so impressive that I opted to have another one done by the same Provider a few years later. The procedure was virtually pain-free, only a slight stinging sensation on occasion. As explained to me, I know the results accumulate over three to six months. Already I have seen improvement in my eyes, cheek and and lip line! As a health care provider I am extremely discriminating when it come to researching procedures , providers and options in the skin rejuvination arena. Thermage was my choice .The results speak for itself as I often receive compliments from my familily and friends!
5/22/07
Really looks like it. As if a bunch of customers of some place in Wisconsin would all decide to post experiences that read like bad sales copy right after someone relates their negative experience at Estetika.
Since most customers aren't as stupid as some practitioners would like to believe, damage control by the way of shilling only strengthens the credibility of the bad review and keeps even more new patients away. Some businesses will never get that it doesn't pay to be deceptive.
5/23/07
Alot of lifting can be accomplished through fillers such as restiline and sculptra, and cutting out the toxins in the diet. I was amazed at how much younger I looked after some well placed restiline (spelling?)and several weeks of only eating fresh foods, and exercizing. Also years ago I had lazer resurfacing of my face and that literally has turned back the clock fifteen years. But that procedure is not for sissies. I have stayed out of the sun since and try to keep it moisturized. Something really effective is coming for the face with all I have heard about velasmooth for the body. but it's good you all are doing your homework.
5/25/07
Your gf's were not appropriately consulted and their expectations were out of whack. Thermage clearly works, it's solid science however ANY non-invasive procedure cannot guarentee results - not even surgery.
5/25/07
Thermage's websites are chock full of before and after pics - what are you talking about? Your practioner should also have pics as well. Derm or Plastic - doesn't matter when it comes to body Thermage. Look at the company website and choose a Pinnacle Award provider (on the physician locator section) - these are the offices doing more thermage than anyone else. Good luck
5/25/07
studies show thermage is more effective with ONE treatment vs Titan's 3 to 4 treatments. Thermage is NOT a laser...it uses radio waves instead of light. Titan simply is a superficial toy compared the Thermage
5/25/07
uh...you need surgery - your belly redundancy needs to be cut away...no non-invasive procedure is going to work for you hun
5/25/07
a general statement that is ridiculous - verify why
5/25/07
how can you make a general statement like that? you are in the minority when it comes to outcomes. Your doc obviously either didn't treat you correctly or your results were subtle.
5/25/07
first to complain - yes Enuce, it does tell us something. You are a small % of patients that don't respond.
5/25/07
Mona dear - name one other medical procedure that IS guarenteed? I can't. Can you????
5/25/07
hmmmm....realy...are they always joking like that? How many do you know who are selling their machines? Typically, these are the types of docs who caught onto the hype and never understood how to operate the device - then they sell out for the next new technology - only to repeat the process again and again.
5/25/07
anything postive is now considering spam? Hmmm...sounds like a conspiracy theory democrat!
5/25/07
well now...if you really had a "friend" that worked for the company, why the heck did you pay twice the national average to have your eyes done? I smell a rat....
5/25/07
N - positive experiences with Thermage happen everyday by thousands of patients worldwide. It's unfortunate that patients turn to blog sites like this one to get professional medical attention. What's wrong with this picture? Thermage and most other procedures have reams of clinical data supporting claims and efficacy - otherwise the FDA doesn't take too kindly to these technologies. There is hard and fast science behind dermal lasers and collagen rebuilding technology (like Thermage). Careful what you spew - some may actually believe you.
5/25/07
Suze - fillers do not "lift", they only fill temporarily. Surgery lifts. Thermage can lift albeit subtely.
5/25/07
I live in Mexico, and eventhough they have thermage here , I flew to LAto have it done.
I had my eyes done with a little difference, but it has been only 3 weeks, I was told to expect improvement as the months go by (6 or so), I also had it done on my face and jaw line, I also so a difference, mostly the size of the pores got smaller right away, and there is an improvement, although small, I am glad I did it.Not much pain at all, just sometimes a bit too hot.But that's why your awake to give feed back so they don't burn you.
Will I do it again?
It all depends if I keep on seeing improvements yes, otherwise no.
I also started the Accent radio frequency (similar to Thermage, but they like it better in Spain, they have it in Mexico and I think it has just beeing approved in USA.
It also works with heat, but not shots but they rub the mashine on the skin and meassure temperature until you reach the desired temp. , the difference you need 3 to 6 treatments, but it ends up costing the same as the thermage.
It is believed the accent is great for cellulite, so I'll keep you posted see if the accent works on the cellulite.
Lau
5/29/07
My story said that I had Thermage Eyes AND Face for $3200. They said normally face was about $3000 and eyes over $1000.
6/4/07
I hope people read these posts before they get the treatment. I wish I had. I had Thermage on the neck and jowl area.
Until my very late 40's, I had a great jawline an neck and so it was hard on my vanity to see the skin getting loose and wrinkled. It probably wasn't that bad - but I swear I couldn't look at a mirror without hating it. So I "had" to have thermage.
If anything, thermage made it worse. Now the loose skin is pleated and dimpled. I'm not exaggerating. I went to a VERY reputable PS, too. They used the newest state-of-the-art machine and the revised protocol. The only good thing I can say is that at least now I won't wonder constantly "what if". I know. Thermage doesn't help. I feel like the fool who bought the Brooklyn Bridge.
I would much rather have spent my money on other treatments. I hope this post saves someone from the same disappointment I and others here had. Please research other methods and spend the money on an alternative to Thermage.
6/5/07
I don't know that there are thousands of happy patients and if you know anything about the FDA and laser rejuvenation, they doesn't regulate it very well. Nonetheless, all that has nothing to do with the fact that the odds are *incredibly small* that 3 real customers of the same place in Whats-it-called, Wisconsin would show up to post glowing reviews in response to one dissatisfied customer. You'd have better odds at picking the daily numbers lottery game in one try than for those 3 posts to be real.
6/5/07
Ok, I miscounted...it's 4 'glowing' posts, not 3. Whoa. Maybe the example should have been Powerball!
6/9/07
To all those that have posted their recent, actual results, I thank you. Although many have gone through a painful, expensive, and sometimes damaging experience, I hope that you take comfort in the fact that you may have saved this woman from what appears to be an unproven and controversial procedure.
I have been researching Thermage for weeks now and I have been unable to find enough positive experiences to have the procedure done. For me, it's not an issue of the cost (eyes for $1350), but the concern that it's extremely painful, many have seen no results, and enough people have reported further problems. It's not just on this website, those negative reviews are everywhere. I initially thought that the bad press was based upon treatments that were done when this technology first came out, but it's very scary to see that in 2007, there are still many negative posts.
I find it alarming that the only positive feedback I can find is on the Thermage website, websites for various spas, and the "guest" here who downplays and belittles anyone who reports negative results. If the results are so great and this is the best thing since sliced bread, where are all of the positive stories? Where there's smoke, there's fire.
6/14/07
With all the negative comments on THERMAGE< you'd think that places would stop offering it. Has not one taken action with photos to really stop the procedure? I read horror stories on many sights about THERMAGE that sound...well...a little extreme. WIth such extreme negative results, you'd think one could sue them. WHy hasn't that happened? Or is there someone out there who is a THERMAGE competitor trying to give THERMAGE a bad name? I don't want to waste my money on a potentially dangerous procedure either. But I am having trouble believing everything on the Internet. Do any of these people post before and afters to prove that THERMAGE made it worse???
6/14/07
Hello, i read your blog, and i would like to let you know that i had the same problem after aving my child, i was left with loose skin on my belly, and considered having thermage done....but all the bad comments, i wasnt so sure. So i heard about Beautytek....its a machine called beautytek that disolves fat. I live in canada and got it done, i had 3 session at 200$ each, and had amzing results, They even gave me pictures a the end of each session to prove the results. check it out
6/18/07
I had Thermage to the face and eyes three weeks ago. I wasn't expecting a dramatic difference because they told me it would take up to six months to see a major difference. I had a bit of sagging in the jowel area which believe it or not tightened up right after the treatment. That was the area that was bothering me so I'm very pleased. The pain is excrutiating during the treatment. My treatment lasted approximately 1.5 hours. My doctor does not provide valium or pain meds. He thinks you have to feel the pain to know if its working. I think that bull and asked him if he ever tried it. He said he did it on his forehead. I told him he should hand out valium at the door because that's a very painful procedure. Borrow a friends meds if you can't get the doctor to give you meds - you'll need it!!
6/27/07
If your going to pay that much money you would be better off getting a mini-face lift. I had the thermage for the wrinkles and jowels. I am not totally unhappy because it helped with the wrinkles but it worsened my jowels. I finally bit the bullet and went for a min-face lift to get rid of the jowels and the neck area. It is AWESOME and I did spend alot of money about $8,000.00 dollars on my mini-face lift but it turned out beautifully and should last me about 15 years.
6/27/07
I paid $2,000.00 dollars for the lower face and she actually did an all face treatment for this price? It helped with the wrinkles but made my jowls worse and more noticeable. I did have a mini face lift in 02/07 and I am now very happy. Although, I did get some results from Thermage I would not pay that kind of money again.
6/27/07
I was in the same situation as you were. I think the worst of my face was the jowels which made me look 20 pounds heavier than I really was. So, I decided to have the Thermage treatment and it did take away the small wrinkles it made the jowels much worse to the point that I couldn't get it off my mind! I am a petite woman 5 foot and 110 pounds but my face looked like I weighed 40 pounds overweight because the jowels were hanging from my face. I noticed it got worse after the Thermage treatment. I had to bite the bullet and see a plastic surgeon and have a mini face lift and now I am very satisfied. Don't spend the extra money on Thermage just get a real face lift.
6/27/07
I go regularly to a plastic surgeon for Botox and Restylane injections. Both Terrific, and I can't live without them. Everytime I go for an injection, I hear about thermage. Unfortunately the only place I hear great things about thermage is at the office where they sell it.
My decision, if it were that great you would hear about it EVERYWHERE, just as you hear great things about restylane and botox, the problem is YOU DO NOT.
6/30/07
I just found out that in California, Long Beach. They charge 350 per session. And even if she has not seen me, she would like me to do 10 sessions. She said minimun 7.
She is crazy!! My tummy is flat, is the loose skin I want to ged rid of . How were you when you had the Beautytek done?
I notice that the rates in Canada an ENgland are us 200. I will find out in different states and let everyone know.
7/5/07
I have already booked to have thermage done but im now starting to doubt that it works, I am only 28 but have used sun-beds for years and recently my skin has started to sag and i also have alot of lines and wrinkles, It is making me so depressed and im desperate to have something done about it, Do you think i am too young to have a mini face lift?
7/8/07
I had Thermage done on my face 2 and 1/2 months ago in Orange County, California, at Dr. Sikorski's office. They use the approved Thermage method of asking when the pain feels 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being unbearable. They give you a Vicodin (strong narcotic pain pill) and an Ativan (tranquilizer) 1/2 hour before beginning. You say the level of pain that is comfortable for you to bear. They listen! I did not have my neck nor eyes done, just the rest of my face. They spent time under the chin though and on the eyebrows. This results in a chin tuck and eye lift! In only one month I could see my chin was higher. I also was beginning to get saggy jowls and those have tightened up. I could wish for a tiny bit more tightening, but the doctor said I would have to wait until 6 months to really see the full result. I'm as pleased as I could be. My sister had a mini facelift--a real surgical one where they cut behind the ear and in the eye slits. Her improvement was the same as mine, but I have no scars!
BUT HERE IS SOMETHING IMPORTANT: Three weeks ago, I went to another dermatologist in Orange County for Body Thermage on my upper arms ($4,000). This was $500 cheaper than the above doctor, so I figured it was all the same. NOT! This doctor set the mechanism very high for a 3cm tip on my thin skin. Setting was 357. This might be good for thicker skin, but it seared grid marks into mine. I complained about the pain and said it was too hot and they didn't listen. I still have scabs over the grid marks and my arms look like I was hit with a tennis racket. I believe that my skin is actually saggier on my arms. I think the problems with Thermage occur when the setting is too high for the skin type. I think this dissolves the good cells and damages the tissue. I'm going back to the original doctor above for Thermage thigh treatment.
7/14/07
I have had 2 sessions of Radio Frequecy on my stomach done by 2 differnt techs. The first tech actually massaged and rolled the wand over my stomach with pressure. I had a b/f and after phot, and I clearly saw the results immediately afterm the application.
The second tech, however, did not perform the technique anything like the first. She mostly put the tips of the wand onto varios parts of my stomach. During the process with the 2nd tech, I kept geting shocked/burning sensation. I was pretty uncomfortable. I got up this morning, and my stomach looks worse than it ever did! I have no idea what she did, but I am really displeased with the second session. I was wondering if there is anyone out there than can give me ANY information on why this happened and what I should do about it? (Besides not using that tech again!:0[
7/15/07
I live in Austin, Texas and will be bringing the BeautyTek to Austin as a new business. I went out to Long Beach and had two treatments to see if the BeautyTek actually worked. It is AMAZING but I'm too busy right now to write a lengthy post. I will tell you that you HAVE to have 12 treatments to get the changes to last. They are sold in a series. Each treatment deepens the results, cellularly speaking, and is what makes it last. The protocol calls for a "top off" treatment once per quarter to maintain the results and those are charged 1/12 of the series price. The treatments are not to be sold individually. All owners are obligated to charge the same minimum price, at least in the US that's the case. At $3000 per series that makes the top-off treatment $250. I will tell you that it receded my eyelids in ONE treatment. The second treatment made it a little tighter and my saggy neck improved and a week after I came home I noticed that the micro-wrinkles on my 50-year-old chest were completely gone. This is the most amazing technology and is hands down better than anything on the market.
I've learned a lot about my non-competition by reading these posts. Thanks for making this available.
Keep watching and researching the BeautyTek. It's using micro-currents, not radio frequency. AMAZING...JUST AMAZING!
7/21/07
This is somewhat my story. As I have aged my oval face has begun to be round. Thermage reminded my muscles to keep their job up. All over the thermage has been excellant for me. I have had one teatment about a year ago.
Something that helps is to eat properly. For go white foods. Salmon, fishes with omega three and lots of veggies and fruit seem to assist with skin that will respond. Like it or not exercise at least a little, and I have begun to "take" one tsp. of extra virgin olive oil first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening.
Skin responds to care, sleep and we always cannot give it what it needs.
Thermage is good, but expensive.
I am looking for a place near Cancun, Mexico or near there. Does any one now of a place to receive thermage in Mexico.
7/21/07
Well, Thermage is doing something right. The Thermage stock trading on NASDAQ gives the company a $200M market cap. It must be growing rapidly to get this kind of valuation. the company says over 400,000 consumers have undergone thermage.
Just saw too that they added Thermage lip treatment. So they're moving to lots of other applications then sagging skin
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=178331&p=irol-newsArticle_print&ID=1019485&highlight=
7/25/07
I just booked an appoitment for an elos treatmentwith a plastic surgeon. I originally asked for fraxel but they told my elos was better & newer.
Questions: What is elos? How does it work? Does it work? How much should it cost? Thanks!
7/25/07
Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories. This has been very helpful.
I have noticed that there is a "guest" who seems particularly defensive and rude to the other posters. (Once referring to another's comment as "ridiculous") Is there a moderator that could please instruct this person to be polite? I'd really appreciate it.
P.S. I suspect it is a doctor who has invested in Thermage equiptment.
7/25/07
Cheryl - thank you for pointing this out. We'll soon be offering a feature that allows our site members to alert our team to offensive remarks. Until then, we'll rely on folks like you to flag this.
Can you tell me which guest you're referring to (Date/time of their post)
7/28/07
Wow. I had no idea about thermage + and -'s. Is anyone happy with their thermage results?
8/6/07
Try IPL first. You are way too young for anything else and it really helps with sun damage.
8/20/07
Well i read something on the web about a group lawsuit against Thermage.....so that may be in the works. I think they have a powerful lobby though, so they have been able to stick around. I considered it but realized after my research that it is not a laser treatment, but more like micro-waving your skin. That can't be good for you-right?
8/29/07
Look at the pattern of responses that say that it was worth it and that it was a good experience. You will see some phrases being repeated like "It is also possible that not all skin types react to thermage similarly" and "I think thermage varies from skin to skin and it kind of agreed with my skin type." and "The true results begin to show only a month or two after the treatment, though mild tightening and freshness was visible immidiately after the treatment. It takes very little time and just one sitting unlike other treatments where you have to go in again and again. There is no surgery involved which is good. It is like getting a facelift without the knife."
Does that sound like an advertisement to you? A lot of those positive reviews sound like they were taken right out of the glossy brochures that advertise the procedure! So who is writing them?
Makes you wonder...
{EDITOR NOTE: This comment is referring to Thermage Reviews by RealSelf members}
8/30/07
So true, so true... I recently had Thermage and before I signed the 'informed consent' form I asked my clinician for testimonials and any clinic 'before & after' photo's (The doctor, operating within my chosen clinic in Newcastle UK, claimed to have performed Thermage on over 200 patients in two years) The clinicians' response was "no we don't have any but that's a good idea ... maybe you could write our first!!)
Let me tell you that I WILL write a testimonial after 6 months and I WILL let everyone know whether I am impressed or not because I feel I owe it to others who were torn by desperation, the hype and lack of real-life testimonials. I wonder, though, whether it will be displayed at the clinic if my reports prove detrimental to their practice. We'll see. Who's to say there were not others who had offered their testimonials that were not made available to me!!! Funny they had not asked at least a handful of their 'satisfied patients' to offer their support of Thermage - or are there none?
The clinician (the doctors wife) told me she was desperate to have Thermage done herself but that she never seems to have the time (in over two years??) - maybe she simply has more imporatant things to do than receive a 2-hour Thermage treatment (that will make minimal difference) Important things like perform Thermage on someone else and earn her and her husband another £3k!!!!!!
I'll keep you informed...
8/30/07
Saw this press release on Thermage...the "gold standard"
Thermage, Inc. (NASDAQ:THRM), announced that it has been honored with the "2006 Laser & Light Technology Choice Award" in the Best Device for Skin Laxity category for its ThermaCool(R) system. The award, which was presented by Aesthetic Trends & Technologies magazine, recognizes notable technological innovations in cosmetic laser and light technology.
"We are honored by this recognition and proud to represent the aesthetics industry as an innovator in non-invasive procedures for skin laxity," said Stephen J. Fanning, president and chief executive officer of Thermage. "The award further validates Thermage's leadership position and approach in developing advanced technology that will enhance physicians' practices and provide alternative cosmetic options for consumers."
The award was created to both recognize excellence in the industry, as well as to educate the industry on what aesthetic devices are available and recommended by peers in each category. Recipients were chosen based on product efficacy, cost, reliability, ease-of-use, patient comfort level, and product training.
"A growing number of consumers continue to seek anti-aging solutions and one of the most noticeable signs of aging is lax skin," said Sherree Lucas, Vice President of Marketing of Thermage. "Thermage is considered the gold standard in skin tightening with no surgery, injections or downtime."
9/11/07
I would just like to inform some of the folks on here that Thermage employs a PR firm to go to these websites to post positive messages and attack negative messages. They are a public company so it is relativly easy to find these things out. I think that a lot of the messages left on here by "guest" fall into this category. Just something to keep in mind when doing your due diligence on this procedure.
I now expect to hear from "guest" in 3...2...1...
9/24/07
i had the titan series. i did not see any improvement tho they took before and after pictures, at different angles. what i have noticed 2 years later is that my skin has aged remarkably fast.
i feel like it damages the skin to build collagen, but ....that it really does damage the skin. have they done any long term monitoring to know if it does?
all the results i have read on it the women say they lost the fullness to their face, which later makes it look older. whether it damages muscle tissue of depletes fat i don't know, but i do not recommend it.
9/30/07
Thermage two years ago.... when I was 58.... I'm now 60 and look about 50.... I love it and will definately do it again... It IS painful, but not unbearable. Take the medications they give you and it's not ba at all... I looked several years younger immediately... and probably about 10 years younger within 6 months thereafter. I'm currently checking prices but may just go for the same doctor after reading reviews... Dr. Wortham in Lynnwood, Wa is awsome... His girls do the proceedure and they now have a larger wand which means a quicker, less painful treatment. I'll probably wait another year or two though, as I don't really need it yet... No scars... No down time.... FABULOUS! PS: I'm a dark haired, blue eyed Scandinavian with fairly light skin.
10/4/07
I HAVE A CLINIC WHIT A DERMATOLOGIST IN CANCUN AND WLL BE HAVING VERY GOOD RESULTS WHIT THWRMAGE , NO MIRACLES BUT PEOPLE ARE VERY HAPPY ,IT WAS DONE IN ME AND AFTER 2 WEEKS PEOPLE START ASKING WHAT I DONE IN MY FACE AND TOLD ME THEY WANT TO DO THE SAME.
I HOPE I BEEN HELPFULL
1/18/08
my cosmetic doctor said today that the reason thermage is so badly rated here on real self is that its patients from the earlier thermage technology not the new thermage techanology. Is this really true, there's a new thermage that's better than old? thankyou!!!
1/26/08
And how can you judge anothers experience, it sound as if these comments are hitting you in your pocket and not touhing your heart. Like everyone I want to look my best, but many of the new techniques are simply not worth the risk, I'm learning to love the skin I'm in; God given and not altered by man. Although I do hope that one day the medical community does develop a minimally invasive treatment that works and has a 70% success rate and lasts at least 5-10 years.
1/31/08
I am a laser Tech who also performs Thermage and I will tell you that these remarks are incorrect. First of all Thermage uses Radio Frequency Monopolar energy which is completely indifferent to skin type (color/race). Light(Titan) is obsorbed into melanin but RF is not. Thermage does respond better if you have more collagen present (ie healthier, less exposed to the sun, smoking etc) because it heats the fibrous septea and causes the body to produce new denser collagen. Thermage wouldnt claim "facelift without a knife". Thermage is intended to be a sutle improvement..some do see dramatic results but in my practice we never want to set this expectation. We are rebuildign the foundation of the skin. Only surgery can garantee results. Thermage is intended for people who do not want to go under the knife. About a third of the patients in our office opt to have a thermage procedure done. We are now offering the Body shaping procedure and it is common for patients to have 1-4 inches of improvement around the waist immediately after. These message boards are honestly full of inaccurate information..either that or these women just went to doctors who were mistreating or not well train. My patient satisaction is very high. If you'd like to contact me please feel free.
1/31/08
Yes Thermage has made extreme improvement in the machines and tips but most importantly regulate how the procedure is being performed much more than in the early days.
2/1/08
hi - I was looking on the website when i saw your note - I hope i am not too late. Thermage does not work on everybody and it is very expensive.
I had it done and it certainly did not work. I have been told by cosmetic surgeons that the sand blasting is better.He also said using alot of scrubs because it stimulates the collagen. Thermage is painful as well. I have since had a mini face lift and work done on my eyes - I am much happier and now that I have done it I realise that that I should have done that in the first place.
You are young so maybe go for the sand blasting procedure first. If you have already had the thermage done then I hope you are one of the few it seems to work for
good luck
Meg
2/2/08
The Titan device produces light in the 1200-1800nm range and has minimal melanin absorption. With the exception of hair bulbs melanin resides primarily in the epidermis, and this long wavelength of light bypasses it.