Thermage hype or reality?
I was talking to my doctor and he said that thermage is a bunch of bunk. I was hoping someone(s) could give more about their experience and guide me on whether I'm getting good information from my doctor.
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2 posts
15 Dec 2006
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.
unregistered guest
22 Dec 2006
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
unregistered guest
22 Jan 2007
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.
unregistered guest
28 Jan 2007
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!
9 posts
1 Feb 2007
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
1 post
29 Nov 2006
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.
unregistered guest
9 Feb 2007
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.
unregistered guest
19 Feb 2007
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.
unregistered guest
24 Feb 2007
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!
unregistered guest
24 Feb 2007
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!