What Are the Pros and Cons of Thermage?

Thermage is known for skin tightening, reducing fat and stimulating collagen production. There are some immediate results after the procedure, but for the ultimate improvement may take up to 6 months. Thermage results usually last for about 18 months and maintenance treatments are necessary, as we age. Side effects are rare but there is a chance of blistering or scabbing, when too much energy is delivered to the skin. Thermage is the best option for people who are not ready for surgery, but the results vary by individuals and cannot be predicted.

Thermage results are subtle, so any expectation of it being a facelift replacement will be left unfulfilled.BUT, when a candidate is carefully selected, it can be an option for mild skin firming.  Cons:Not a facelift alternativeCan be dissatisfying for patients with more than moderate skin laxityCan be uncomfortable Pros:Offers the only FDA approved procedure for tightening eyelid skin (again, patient selection is key - it won't replace an eyelift when one is needed)Non invasive, meaning no needles, no recoveryOffers improvements on body skin that is slightly laxSeems to work better in tandem with other collagen-boosting procedures 

I don't think Thermage works.  I have many patients trying to avoid operations that delete surplus skin enlisting Thermage as a cure.  It just doesn't work.  If Thermage shrinks skin, it doesn't do it very much.