Several comments mention that the amount of heat used in this procedure is very high – what are the chances of things going wrong? I am actively looking to shortlist a doctor for early jowling and lower neck, any tips/ shortlisting criteria would be great.
Answer: Reduce your risks during your ThermiTight procedure Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. The ThermiTight device uses radiofrequency energy to heat the underlying dermal layers and connective tissue, which constricts the tissue and leads to an increase in collagen production. Because the probes used to deliver the energy are inserted beneath the skin, there is little risk of nerve damage to the facial nerve because it is deeper in the tissue. There is a nerve, the marginal mandibular nerve, located in the jowl a bit more superficially. Care must be taken to avoid treating the area where this nerve is most exposed. This risk, however small, underscores the critical importance of working with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist with expertise in using this device and knowledge of the anatomy to ensure the procedure is both safe and effective.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Reduce your risks during your ThermiTight procedure Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. The ThermiTight device uses radiofrequency energy to heat the underlying dermal layers and connective tissue, which constricts the tissue and leads to an increase in collagen production. Because the probes used to deliver the energy are inserted beneath the skin, there is little risk of nerve damage to the facial nerve because it is deeper in the tissue. There is a nerve, the marginal mandibular nerve, located in the jowl a bit more superficially. Care must be taken to avoid treating the area where this nerve is most exposed. This risk, however small, underscores the critical importance of working with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist with expertise in using this device and knowledge of the anatomy to ensure the procedure is both safe and effective.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 14, 2017
Answer: Nerve damage should be avoided during thermitight ThermiTIGHT is performed under the skin in the neck and lower face area where the marginal mandibular nerve is. I normally map it out before the procedure starts and then avoid it during the procedure. I'm a board certified Plastic Surgeon so I've seen this nerve and dealt with it directly many times in my career. So its definitely something to be very careful with. That being said, if you do get some weakness afterwards, it is usually limited to a few days or so if the proper precautions were taken before hand. If it happens to you just stay in close contact with your surgeon to make sure that it improves.
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June 14, 2017
Answer: Nerve damage should be avoided during thermitight ThermiTIGHT is performed under the skin in the neck and lower face area where the marginal mandibular nerve is. I normally map it out before the procedure starts and then avoid it during the procedure. I'm a board certified Plastic Surgeon so I've seen this nerve and dealt with it directly many times in my career. So its definitely something to be very careful with. That being said, if you do get some weakness afterwards, it is usually limited to a few days or so if the proper precautions were taken before hand. If it happens to you just stay in close contact with your surgeon to make sure that it improves.
Helpful
November 19, 2015
Answer: Multiple Levels of Protection Against Facial Nerve Damage with ThermiTight Several Layers of protection prevent permanent facial nerve damage. 1. The heat at the tip if the probe is at a safe level. Most treatments are at 55-70 degrees. We have learned from the ThermiRase treatments that it takes 85 degrees at several spots along the nerve to intentionally disrupt the nerve.2. The thermal camera gives your surgeon a second level of temperature monitoring to keep the treatment at a safe level. 3. Having a well trained, experienced plastic surgeon who knows facial anatomy adds a layer of safety to keep the probe out of danger zones. If any weakness of a nerve does show up, it is usually a very temporary nuisance.
Helpful
November 19, 2015
Answer: Multiple Levels of Protection Against Facial Nerve Damage with ThermiTight Several Layers of protection prevent permanent facial nerve damage. 1. The heat at the tip if the probe is at a safe level. Most treatments are at 55-70 degrees. We have learned from the ThermiRase treatments that it takes 85 degrees at several spots along the nerve to intentionally disrupt the nerve.2. The thermal camera gives your surgeon a second level of temperature monitoring to keep the treatment at a safe level. 3. Having a well trained, experienced plastic surgeon who knows facial anatomy adds a layer of safety to keep the probe out of danger zones. If any weakness of a nerve does show up, it is usually a very temporary nuisance.
Helpful
October 22, 2015
Answer: Facial nerve and ThermiTight Thank you for the important question. The facial nerve, specifically the marginal branch that controls the corner of the mouth, is in the area that is heated with ThermiTight when the jawline and jowls are treated. Careful attention to the anatomy, placement of the heat evenly and slowly, and observation of the patient's face and sensation are the best way to monitor this nerve. No sharp instruments are used and nothing is cut. Risk is very low.
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October 22, 2015
Answer: Facial nerve and ThermiTight Thank you for the important question. The facial nerve, specifically the marginal branch that controls the corner of the mouth, is in the area that is heated with ThermiTight when the jawline and jowls are treated. Careful attention to the anatomy, placement of the heat evenly and slowly, and observation of the patient's face and sensation are the best way to monitor this nerve. No sharp instruments are used and nothing is cut. Risk is very low.
Helpful
August 14, 2017
Answer: ThermiTight Protecting the facial nerve is an important consideration during the ThermiTight procedure. There are several ways to minimize the risk of nerve injury. The most commonly employed method involves having knowledge of the anatomy and location of the nerve so that the treatment avoids these areas. This means staying approximately 1cm away from the marionette smile lines at all times during the procedure, treating parallel to the nerve itself, and ensuring that the target temperature is not excessive. If there have been previous surgical procedures performed in the area that may have rearranged or altered the natural anatomy, then a nerve stimulator can be used to determine the exact location of the nerve. However, despite all appropriate precautions, the nerve can potentially still be damaged. This damage is temporary and 100% function is typically restored in about 6-8 weeks with no lasting side effects.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
August 14, 2017
Answer: ThermiTight Protecting the facial nerve is an important consideration during the ThermiTight procedure. There are several ways to minimize the risk of nerve injury. The most commonly employed method involves having knowledge of the anatomy and location of the nerve so that the treatment avoids these areas. This means staying approximately 1cm away from the marionette smile lines at all times during the procedure, treating parallel to the nerve itself, and ensuring that the target temperature is not excessive. If there have been previous surgical procedures performed in the area that may have rearranged or altered the natural anatomy, then a nerve stimulator can be used to determine the exact location of the nerve. However, despite all appropriate precautions, the nerve can potentially still be damaged. This damage is temporary and 100% function is typically restored in about 6-8 weeks with no lasting side effects.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful