Thermi Smooth or Forma for the Face?

Question

What RF device is better to tighten skin and decrease facial sagging around the jawline and mouth? How are they different? Are they equally safe and effective? Thank you

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend a combination of procedures for optimal results.  Thermismooth is noninvasive and is good for resurfacing fine lines, but ThermiTight can actually lift and tighten your neck and lower face.
  
ThermiTight utilizes a small electrode inserted under the skin to heat tissue to a selected therapeutic temperature.  Literature has shown that elevating skin to a therapeutic temperature level can contract collagen molecules and stimulate collagen production, which may give the appearance of lifting or tightening.   Fat reduction is rare, unless set to high temperatures and kept at high temperatures for a significant amount of time .
  
To best answer your question,  it  depends on how much skin laxity you have.   ThermiTight can work well in the thigh area to tighten skin that is mild to moderately laxity.  Surgery may be a better option, if you have excessive laxity.   Results with ThermiTight vary from patient to patient.  You should experience some overall improvement.  In our center, I offer a procedure that we call ThermiSculpture. This combines some liposuction fat removal with ThermiTight. The radiofrequency probe is inserted into the same incisions that are used for the liposculpture. This combination removes fat, stimulates collagen, and tightens and lifts the skin. Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon who knows how to effectively combine ThermiTight with liposuction will give you the most dramatic and long-lasting results
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.
  
Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

In each and every one of these lasers; the result is collagen building. Same result, just using different modalities to achieve. I like Thermismooth because their is little discomfort, and NO downtime! You'll need 4-6 treatments spaced 1-3 weeks apart. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to treat each time. Best of luck!#skinlaxity  #wrinkles  #nodowntime

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fractora, intensif, viva all work well for resurfacing and some skin tightening.  We combine with thermage or ultherapy to get even better outcomes.  Sculptra should be injected before.  you should maintain with venus legacy or exilis ultra. Best, Dr. Emer.

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

I have both devices, and there are different indications for each. I find Forma to be very effective for collagen rebuilding, especially when soft tissue laxity is prominent. ThermiSmooth has a small tip that is good for treatment around the eye region. Neither device actually melts fat; I've done biopsies with scanning electron microscopy histology to look at this. The collagen building is strong, though. For ease of use, I prefer the Forma, as there is no grounding pad and it is bipolar, so the energy is more diffuse.

Thermi Smooth or Forma for the Face?

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