If Thermage is So Great, How Come People Say They Don't See Results? Doctor Answers, Tips
Thermage: Q&A
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If Thermage is So Great, How Come People Say They Don't See Results?

My doctor recommended Thermage for the loose skin on my neck, jowls and eyelids, but I don't know anyone who has done it and I don't really think it will work.  If Thermage is so great how come a lot of people say they don't see results?

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19 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon
+14

Yes, Thermage does work

There is absolute scientific data that shows Thermage works for approximately 94% of properly selected candidates. This has been published in peer reviewed journals and is accepted by the majority of skilled Thermage physicians. The key then becomes who is a properly selected candidate? In my experience (as a disclosure, I was chairman of the Thermage Scientific Advisory Board for 8 years and continue to consult for the company) the best candidates are those with medium sized faces and... more
+11

Thermage seems to be a gimmick

I have yet to meet a patient pleased with Thermage, and I have seen a lot. Most patients would experience excellent results from surgical treatment that doesn't hurt (at least not much). Patients complain that Thermage is extremely painful. There is no way to shrink skin--period. Excess skin requires surgical excision. What is also very disturbing is using Thermage as a trap for patients. There are a number of facial plastic surgeons in my community who sell a fairly useless Thermage... more
+10

Thermage = Low Satisfaction Rate

The patient satisfaction rate for Thermage is around 40% - Compare that to a Tummy Tuck with around 80%. You would think that for a "no down-time", less expensive, less painful treatment you would have greater satisfaction. The reality is that the treatment does not work very well despite all the cheerleading. Unfortunately, there are lots of companies that really "market" these products to doctors who sick and tired of dealing with insurance companies and the hassles... more

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+7

Thermage

Thermage if done effectively can be a cost effective treatment. However, thermage frequently disappoints patients since practitioners overpromise its benefits and do not choose appropriate candidates. Thermage can be somewhat effective for some patients although it fails for a large number of patients. For those that it works on, Thermage provides significant correction (generally 1 - 2 mm). The procedure may need to be repeated every year to 18 months. Therefore, we would... more
+5

Because Thermage isn't so great!

If you have loose skin on the neck you need surgery to get a nice correction.  Thermage has been associated with so many unhappy patients that you should skip this treatment.
+5

Thermage Results

Thermage is a great treatment. The results depend upon two things. The patient as a candidate for successful treatment The skills of the person performing the treatment. It really depends upon these two factors. The physician who consults you should be able to give you a realistic expectation of the results that you may see. Also, when you are doing your research to find the best place to perform your treatment, make sure you ask them: Who performs the procedure? How much training do... more
+4

Thermage absolutely works

Thermage works. It won't give you the results that surgery will, but for those wanting a NO DOWNTIME 1 hour procedure, there is nothing better. You will see upper neck and jowl tightening, improvement of the crepiness of the skin around the eyes, cheeks, knees, and abdomen. The prior negative physician's comments are all Plastic Surgeon which prefer the knife to other technologies. I'm a surgeon, but there are people who want something less invasive, with a very natural appearance. Don't... more
+3

Themage Not Ideal for loose skin

Thermage has noticeable but very limited results.Like other skin resurfacing procedures it tends to tighten the skin to an extent to smooth some of the fine lines, improve pigment problems and diminish pore size. What they do NOT do well is to minimize jowls and other signs of facial soft tissue laxity. Only a mini facelift or facelift will take care of this problem in a significant fashion. This is why satisfaction after Thermage treatments are rated so low.
+3

Thermage

This device has changed many times over the years to try to get results that are reliable and reproducible for patients. I first used it in 2005. It certainly began overpromising and underdelivering and is why you may have read many unsatisfied results at high prices and much pain. There have been efforts to change the parameters, handpieces or tips and number of passes and protocols etc to try to get better results with this approach. Be certain that none of these tightening devices come... more
+2

Thermage - Works or Not?

The reputation of Thermage took a pretty heavy hit early on when the pain levels were high enough that doctors reduced the number of pulses to save the patients from pain and potential injury. Obviously undertreating left a number of people unhappy. Newer Thermage technology eliminated most of the associated pain so results got better as the technology improved and doctors began using many more pulses but at lighter energies. But... It's good to understand how... more
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