Refirme or Thermage for Skin Tightening?

Question

I am considering Refirme. I am 42 yo and want to start taking care of the little changes that are starting.  Does Refirme works to help tighten skin?  How long does the results generally last?  How do the results compare to Thermage?
My area of interest in lower face and under chin--I use Botox in frown lines and crow's feet areas.

Rian A. Maercks, MD · Answer

Skin Tightening Lasers- Do Not Get Caught Up In Brand Names

	 

	First of all you should ask -"Do they really work?" I would urge you to find a responsible and knowledgable plastic surgeon and not focus on brand names as this is the least important part of your decision.  As far as longevity- the six week results of your intervention are as permanent as anything in your body can be.  you will continue to age depending on your genetics and environmental factors.

	The problem with noninvasive skin tightening is that everyone wants it and everyone wants to believe it works.  The result is practitioners of all sorts capitalizing on this demand.  The truth about skin tightening interventions is that almost all of them work AND NONE OF THEM WORK.  What I mean by this is that there are many ways to convert energy into heat inside or below the skin causing contraction.  The problem is that to deliver clinically effective results the tissue needs to reach at a minimum 43 C which is uncomfortable and can be scary for the patient and the practitioner.  This often results in ineffective treatment and wasted time and money.  I have developed extensive experience with noninvasive technologies mot because I'm a fan but because my patients demand it.  After using several "best in class" technologies to deliver definitive results, my patients were relatively pleased but I was underwhelmed.  THis is why I started using  a treatment that we call Maerckks Multimodal Therapy(MMT) in my practice.  All this is is an intelligently designed multitechnology treatment customized for the individual patient.  I use multiple diffferent frequencies and administration systems for radiofrequency delivery, three different ultrasound frequencies, infrared pulsed light, two different laser systems in concert to deliver immediate significant results that are hard to argue with and continue improving for weeks.  I think the only way to get real results is to combine technologies under the direction of a plastic surgeon that understands the capabilities and limitations of noninvasive skin tightening.  No one technology really delivers anything significant.  Also realiize that even my MMT results that I am very proud of do not remotely compare to what I can achieve with surgery and the cost can approach or exceed that of surgery depending on location and individual patient findings

Eugene Mandrea, MD (retired) · Answer

You are a good candidate for either Thermage or Refirme at your age. 
They both use Radiofrequency energy to heat the deep dermis while sparing the surface of the skin. Thermage monopolar, Refirme bipolar.
Thermage treatment takes 90-120 minutes and the pain factor is moderate.The improvement is gradual(4-6 monthsor longer), although some patients see  more rapid improvement. Some patients need a second treatment after 6 months.
Refirme treatments  take about 30 minutes but you will need 4-6 repeat treatments, 2-4 weeks apart. The pain factor here is also moderate.
Please make sure that you choose a qualified, Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to have either of these treatments done.

Refirme or Thermage for Skin Tightening?

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Refirme or Thermage for Skin Tightening?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

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