What is the difference between Thermitight and a laser lift? (photos)

Question

I have seen videos of both Thermitight and laser lift being done. The procedures appear to be very similar. Is there a difference in effectiveness? How about pain or downtime? I would very much like to avoid an actual surgical procedure, because of difficulties I experienced with general anesthesia several months back. I am 49 years old and my skin itself is not in bad shape, but the sagging chin and neck seem to be hereditary. Would you recommend lipo first, then one of the above treatments?

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend a combination of procedures for optimal results.
  
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.
  
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

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Every patient who sees me in my NYC practice is evaluated for their unique anatomy, sundamage, laxity, skin crepiness and genetic framework. Many times, there is not one treatment or device that can deliver all which the patient wishes to accomplish. Skin crepiness may need external laser resurfacing for improvement or radiofrequency energy, such as Fraxel laser or Sublime radiofrequency. Muscle banding may be helped by Botox injections, Ultherapy ultrasound, ThermiTight injectable radiofrequency, and there is investigational work being done with ThermiTight on the neck done similar to ThermiRaze for frown lines.Fat pads can be treated with liposuction, ThermiTight, and possibly a bile salt derivative injection in the near future once FDA approved.It is possible, that significant skin tightening, fat reduction and muscle band reduction could be accomplished by using ThermiTight with different parameters for each tissue group being treated.These are general guidelines and not intended to address specifically, nor provide medical opinions, for the care of the person asking this question.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

ThermiTight delivers radio frequency energy
subcutaneously to tighten the skin in the desired area. This is different than
laser energy. ThermiRF offers you a superior choice when you’re looking to
tighten any areas of your skin. It also offers the following benefits:

FDA-approved

Minimally-invasive

Minimal downtime

Improves skin’s
appearance

Increases collagen
production

Works quickly and can
slow and reverse aging signs in just a few short weeks

I recommend consulting
with a qualified physician for a full consultation

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Dr. Edward Dickerson reviews the differences between ThermiTight radio frequency that treats below the skin, and laser treatments that treat the surface of the skin.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

ThermiTight
sounds like a wonderful option for you. It is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia, with very
little downtime. Some slight redness and
swelling is expected but lasts only a day or two.It is always nice to have a day or two off
after a procedure like this. Most
patients are able to return to normal activities after 24 hours.In our office ThermTight is regularly
combined with Laser resurfacing and/or Liposuction with great results.

Karen Stolman, MD · Answer

The Yag or Fractionated 1550nm or Fractionated 1540nm lasers, can be used to tighten lax neck skin, but usually requires repeat treatments, probably 2 or 3 treatments to approach the efficacy of the Thermitight (subcutaneous RF).  The nice thing about the Yag laser treatment is it does not usually require anesthesia, and there is no significant downtime.  The fractionated 1550nm and 1540nm have a bite to them, so require at least topical anesthesia and sometimes oral light conscious sedation with pills may be advised.  I like to combine treatment with the fractionated laser with the Yag in the same day for skin tightening.  When I perform Thermitight in my practice, I do tumescent local anesthesia with oral light conscious sedation (Valium, Percocet).  So there is no concern about the risks of general anesthesia.  Thermitight is usually one treatment session lasting about an hour, but involved small skin puncture wounds (usually three) that heal without sutures.  In addition, we recommend our patients wear a neck ace wrap for five days after treatment.  There is a small risk of infection, and greater risk of mild bruising and swelling with this treatment.  Good Luck with your choice!

What is the difference between Thermitight and a laser lift? (photos)

Answers (6)

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