Fast facts

Thermage


What it is: Thermage is a non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat each layer of the skin, intending to renew collagen on the skin surface (the epidermis) and below (in the dermis), where many collagen fibers reside.  There are various Thermage treatment areas recommended by the company, including the eyes, body and face.


What it addresses:  Broken-down skin and collagen, from aging or sun damage:

- Sagging
- Roughness
- Wrinkles
- Crows feet


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Question

Does Thermage work for cellulite?

Does Thermage work for cellulite?  I know the older skin tightening Thermage device didn't exactly get rave reviews, so I don't want to get ripped off but I'm thinking about trying Thermage for cellulite.  What do you think about it?


Asked by: Julia C. from Richmond, VA

Answers (5)

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1
November 11, 2008

Buyer beware!

David Lawrence Kaufman, MD
David Lawrence Kaufman, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

In my opinion, there is no good treatment for cellulite. Many people speak of Thermage, Titan, or Fraction lasers for the treatment of this condition, but it doesn't appear that they are effective.  To date there is no peer reviewed, blinded, controlled (that's the gold standard for research) report in the entire English literature that demonstrates a measurable difference.

 Endermologie improves the appearnce, but needs to be done on an ongoing basis.

Ask your provider for a reasonable guarantee - or at least the ability to use your fees toward something else in the office if it doesn't work!

2
October 28, 2008

Thermage does IMPROVE appearance of cellulite

Sam Naficy, MD
Sam Naficy, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Sam Naficy, MD

No treatment today, whether surgical or non-surgical, can claim to get rid of cellulite permanently.

Cellulite is graded into 4 categories:

Grade 1 - Mild and visible dimpling only when pinched.

Grade 2 - Cellulite is visible when standing but disappears when lying down. There is more swelling of the fat and spider veins may be present.

Grade 3 - Protruding lobules of fat visible when standing as well as when lying down.

Grade 4 - Cellulite is nodular (lumpy) and can be hard and painful.

Thermage can help improve the appearance of early (Grade 1 & 2) cellulite but the results will likely be temporary and may be subtle.

If you are expecting miracles you will be disappointed. However if you would be happy with some improvement and like the idea of a non-invasive and recovery-free, then Thermage may be right for you.

For more information see http://www.thermageforcellulite.com

3
October 25, 2008

Buyer beware!

Richard P. Rand, MD
Richard P. Rand, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Make sure you see multiple photos from your doctor of their own patients (not those provided by the company) and ask to speak to some patients beofre jumping into this.  You don't want to waste your $$.

4
July 28, 2008

Thermage NXT Cellulite Therapy Does Work!

The older versions of Thermage did not penetrate deep enough to treat cellulite.

However, Thermage NXT has a new treatment tip designed exclusively to treat cellulite.  We have been using it on several patients and have had good results.

Nothing will "cure" cellulite.  However, it did do enough that NBC came to our facility to tape a segment on the new Thermage Cellulite treatment.

Many providers with other devices (or none) will claim that it doesn't work.  I agree that the "old" Thermage didn't but the new device is the BEST option currently available.

It is a SINGLE procedure, NOT a series of several treatments.  I always wonder how great a procedure must be if it has to be continually repeated. . .  I'll let you decide.

Endermologie is far from the best treatment available.  It was the ONLY treatment around a few years ago. . .but that's been awhile.

5
July 25, 2008

Not a good treatment for cellulite

Edmond A. Zingaro, MD
Edmond A. Zingaro, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Thermage does not work for cellulite. It is supposed to tighten lax skin but the Titan laser truly excels in this area. The best treatment for cellulite, even though not permanent, is endermologie.

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