Is It Ok to Have Thermage Done if You Have a Pacemaker?

From the Thermage Procedure consent form (provided by the company itself to our practice) states :

 

"Thermage cannot be performed on patients who have an implantable pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) or any other electronic implantable device."

 

 

It is definitely a contraindication to do Thermage if you have a pacemaker.  It clearly says that on the consent form itself. 

thermage or any radiofrequency machine may disturb pacemaker rhythm and may cause cardiac arrhythmia

I have successfully treated pacemaker patients with Thermage for the face after consulting with Medtronics, a company that makes pacemakers.  The return pad should be placed on the opposite side of the pacemaker, as far away as possible on the lower back. 

You should obtain permission from your pacemaker clinic before you go ahead with Thermage and have your treatment with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Even for a patient without a pacemaker, one really needs to ask if Thermage is going to meet or exceed their expectations.  The results at best are limited and there are now reports coming out at major plastic surgery meetings of early facial aging several years after Thermage from atrophy of facial fat.  Please be careful and note the 39% "worth it" rating on this website..