Did Thermitight ruin my neck? What happened? (Photo)

Question

I was told by my PS I was a good candidate for Thermitight on my neck and I didn't need it on chin/ jowl area. I was swollen for over 2 weeks. I followed all the rules post op. At 1 month my neck is worse. My skin texture has totally changed to crepey/loose in one area, there are "track marks" under my chin into my neck, my jowls seem worse and I have numbness from from jaw to mid neck. There is a raised lump on left side. I know results come over time, but this doesn't seem right. Opinions?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The issue is not the procedure, it is the results of it.  I see this frequently when patients get liposuction without addressing the muscle (platysma) underneath.  You appear that you need a platysmaplasty at this point given the muscular bands are more visible now.  I suggest you see a plastic surgeon who specializes in neck contouring, as a neck lift with platysma treatment is essential.  However, if you are unwilling to do surgery, you can try Botox to the platysmal bands and thermage or ultherapy for neck tightening.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mark D. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

ThermiTight delivers radiofrequency energy to heat up the tissues of the neck, or wherever you want ot use it. It is a powerful tool, but the more energy you deliver, the more tissue injury, at least initially, and the greater risk of some of the problems you described. That said, I do deliver more energy than perhaps some novice users but the extra energy does help get a better result. That said, it is possible that you have some normal sequela of the procedure, but just need more time for the tissues to recover. I have not seen ThermiTight make anyone look worse, only better. Some external ultrasound, massage therapy and tincture of time all help return your tissues back as they once were, or even better.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Every patient seems to heal differently.  Some respond with less swelling, while others bruise more. Some have more hard lumps temporarily than others.  If it's a month post operatively, you deserve a good treatment plan.  Massage or warm compresses can help resolve lumps. Sometimes doctors need to inject mild doses of corticosteroids into hard lumps, but the risks and advantages for each patient needs to be explained by the doctors to each patient. Some patients have received the greatest benefit when they have seen significant short term post operative side effects.Unfortunately, we don't have all the answers, and some patients will not respond to particular treatments the way the majority of patients do. This includes facelifts, necklifts, liposuction, Ultherapy, ThermiTight, etc.

Mira Mahajan, MD · Answer

Hi dear

First of all was Thermitight combined with liposuction? Liposuction causes more
debulking of tissue & you may see some lose area.

The final results of thermitight can take up to 6 months, so you still have time to heal &
see final results.

If the problem persists the touch up by thermitight can be done or neck lift is another
option

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Dr. Edward Dickerson dicusses a ThermiTight procedure including what to expect during recovery such as normal bruising and swelling.

Did Thermitight ruin my neck? What happened? (Photo)

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Answer: ThermiTight Expectations

Answer: ThermiTight Expectations

Answer: ThermiTight post operative results

Answer: ThermiTight post operative results

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Did Thermitight ruin my neck? What happened? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: ThermiTight Expectations

Answer: ThermiTight Expectations

Answer: ThermiTight post operative results

Answer: ThermiTight post operative results

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ThermiTight

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.