How Does Thermage Compare to FRAXEL in Durability and Downtime?

Thermage is extremely safe and effective.  It tightens the skin on the face, neck, and jowls.  There is no down time at all.  Fraxel complements Thermage.  Both lasers are made by the same company.  Fraxel works primarily on pigmentation, wrinkles, and scars.  Most patients tend to get both treatments if they are treating the face for anti-aging purposes.

Thermage uses radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and tighten loose skin.  It can be used on the face, neck, chest, and body.  Generally, there is no downtime.  Best results are usually seen by 6 months, as it takes time for collagen tightening to occur.  Fraxel is a fractionated laser used to improve photodamage, wrinkling, and scarring.  There is some downtime, which varies based on the type of laser and settings used. 

   Thermage affects the colagen beneath the skin causing its contracture which tightens the skin. It does nothing for the texture changes of the skin or sun damage which Fraxcel helps with. The latter does not usually tighten the skin.