POSTED UNDER Thermage Reviews
Thermage CPT: research it before doing it on your face
UPDATED FROM wantmyskinback
4 years post
5 yr update
$1,800
Hello to anyone who checks in on this thread. I've moved on, but I spend $6500 a year on fillers to make up for the damage Thermage has done. I still regret having been suckered into that procedure and will need a facelift next year because of the damaged collagen. Such is life after radio frequency! Living my life.
wantmyskinback's provider
UPDATED FROM wantmyskinback
2 years post
1/6/18
I've moved on, but a few people have in-boxed me asking to see a current photo. This is what I was left with 3 yrs after Thermage...skin looking 15 years older.
Replies (3)
January 7, 2018
IN Greece we have reputable doctors whose fees are very low maybe you can come and combine your holidays with treatments which can improve your face..have you considered fat grafting?
January 9, 2018
So sorry for your pain. I viewed all your photos and certainly understand your being profoundly disturbed by the changes in your face. It is very generous of you to share your experiences to caution the rest of us. Thank-you!
UPDATED FROM wantmyskinback
1 year post
My skin on 2/26/17
Ive learned to live with it. The morphing never stops. Please be warned to only do RF with an experienced doc. No estheticians unless you have seen their work on someone you know.
Replies (5)
January 28, 2017
I'm so sorry you've been through this, I can't imagine what it's done to your psyche. Thanks for the warning.
January 28, 2017
Your skin texture looks a lot better now.
January 28, 2017
Actually, its so weird....it totally depends on the lighting. I have strange shapes that appear out of nowhere. Now red and white raised geometric shapes.
February 5, 2017
Hello,
I am tlc58 and have been following ur journey. I have profractional damage that is severe. My skin has severe pinhole damage besides oil gland destruction and fat loss also. I am so very sorry you are dealing with this nightmare also! In your last pic your skin texture looks very smooth a and beautiful I was wondering if you would be so kind as to giving the names of the pore reducer and foundation you are using? I wish I had some helpful tip for you. Please know that you are still very beautiful!
I am tlc58 and have been following ur journey. I have profractional damage that is severe. My skin has severe pinhole damage besides oil gland destruction and fat loss also. I am so very sorry you are dealing with this nightmare also! In your last pic your skin texture looks very smooth a and beautiful I was wondering if you would be so kind as to giving the names of the pore reducer and foundation you are using? I wish I had some helpful tip for you. Please know that you are still very beautiful!
February 6, 2017
Thanks for the kind words, Im sorry you are going through this too, its dreadful and expensive.
In that picture I have no products on. I posted it to show the contrast of the shiny pale scar tissue next to the raised red bumpy scar tissue.
When I used to go anywhere I used Benefit Pore Professional and Clinique Superbalanced foundation which seems to smooth things out a litte. Recently I cant wear the pore smoother as it irritates my ultra sensitive skin and causes it to have a red bumpy rash.
Ive had decent results using Olay regenerist during day time, Epionce at night, using a humidifier and eating leafy greens, fruit, more water and supplents. Like with anything, it depends on lighting and how ive been taking care of my self. Good luck to you!
In that picture I have no products on. I posted it to show the contrast of the shiny pale scar tissue next to the raised red bumpy scar tissue.
When I used to go anywhere I used Benefit Pore Professional and Clinique Superbalanced foundation which seems to smooth things out a litte. Recently I cant wear the pore smoother as it irritates my ultra sensitive skin and causes it to have a red bumpy rash.
Ive had decent results using Olay regenerist during day time, Epionce at night, using a humidifier and eating leafy greens, fruit, more water and supplents. Like with anything, it depends on lighting and how ive been taking care of my self. Good luck to you!
February 7, 2017
Thank you for your reply and good luck to you as well! You sound like a strong woman!
February 7, 2017
We've had similar issues with the roadmap of different scarring since laser. It's like becoming an adolescent again, just trying to figure out what the different issues are, from a layman point of view. One inch of the skin on my face differs drastically from the inch of skin next to it, because the dermatologist who performed laser used differing pressure and angles around my face. So, just when I think a product might be the answer, another part of my face reacts violently so that I'm back to square one. Then I start all over again. It's frustrating, painful and expensive. Then, I have to stop myself from wondering what is still to come.
February 7, 2017
Hi Again
Did you use a vitamin C serum with hyaluronate acid . Im looking into it at the moment , it could help us
Did you use a vitamin C serum with hyaluronate acid . Im looking into it at the moment , it could help us
February 9, 2017
Ive tried vit C and hyaluronic acid, collagen gels and they are all very drying and sting my face too. If I use tham and put lotion over it, not as bad.
February 10, 2017
For me, no significant change with vitamin C and Collagen gels applied topically. Ive read that the molecule size is too large to penetrate the skin'cells anyway , so its better to take supplements to support those structures internally. My skin looks so much better when im fully hydrated and well rested, even when using cheap Olay Regenerist moisturizer. Fillers have helped significantly for restoring my face shape a bit. The jury is still out on PRP w/ microneedling for repairing texture bc ive only done it one time.
February 10, 2017
Thanks again , really is good to get advice off someone with similar problems to me who's been there and done it . Did you get the filler injected deep into the skin layers ?
February 10, 2017
Iv been following your story and lv just got back from mumbai had alot of surgery on my face at very low cost. If you want to inbox me privately please do. As my surgeon can help fix your problem to some degree. I feel for you and l would like to help you. Example l had hairline lowering, brow lift,orbital shave , blepharoplasty, buccal fat removed. Then a week later v_line jaw shaving with a lower faclift. For $8000 American dollars.
February 11, 2017
Yes so far its been only 2 weeks and lm healing well. And lm happy so far. Still have alot of swelling. Dr said it will take up to 2 to 3 months for my face to settle back to normal. But its already looking much better.
March 26, 2017
Sorry about that. I have not, but I heard that using dmso in conjunction with other natural products helps them to penetrate the product deeper so that it actually works. I'm doing dmk treatments at the moment and am really loving them. Call or text me, I won't be commenting much on here anymore because it's just too slow on my phone to text for some reason. 6613715593:)
March 26, 2017
You're playing a very dangerous game with DMSO. Use of this solvent allows other chemicals to penetrate the body, past the blood brain barrier in an uncontrollable fashion. Otherwise benign elements are absorbed at an accelerated rate never intended. I've seen DMSO listed on this panel and held my tongue. But, please don't play fast and loose with your health. This is very dangerous stuff. In a laboratory setting we wouldn't handle it in beakers, without latex gloves.
March 26, 2017
I agree with Badlaser , DSMO and the GHK peptides youve also mentioned can do as much damage as laser can , Read the horror stories online about them .
March 27, 2017
What's GEL peptides? I've never heard of that. As for dmso it's only dangerous if you don't know how to use it. Of course it needs to be diluted, ect, before applying it and you don't want the massage it in. Your skin needs to be extra clean and don't put any chemicals on top of it. Whoever wants to try dmso needs to fo their research. I already have done plenty, so I'm not afraid of it. But I'm doing something different at the moment that I'm happy with so far so I'm not looking to include dmso anytime soon:)
May 8, 2017
I just sent you a PM I'm in michigan too and I'm looking for a doctor to fix my damage ! I had fraxel done.
January 28, 2017
Hi Honey. I've just been reading your story so far. You poor thing.
What a journey you've had.
Because your most recent post is only a few days old, I wanted to share some things with you that just MIGHT help....
I'm so sorry for all you've been through. Facial skin is so tightly bound up with our self-esteem and state of mind, isn't it - especially in the Western world. I have 25 years of acne behind me, so I feel I can somewhat empathise. I had flawless olive skin before it got going with me at the ripe old age of 10. I now have some deep pitting, and am still as oily as I was at 14 at 41!
I must say that you appear to still have basically really good, strong skin with a what looks like a good oil balance.
As I'm sure you now understand fully what's occurred with this procedure, i.e. the gradual tethering of subdermal scar tissue from the burns your skin received, it makes me wonder if you've looked in to many ongoing options to gradually soften and break up that scarred tissue, such as DIY facial massage with a good natural plant oil and a blunt roller, or even done manually with your fingertips?
I'm NOT a dermatologist or an expert, but I am very interested in the science behind self-help through facial massage in efforts to eliminate (or even soften) my old acne scars, as oppose to paying hundreds more pounds out to clinics for results that seem to be anything but guaranteed, and I'm very impressed by what I've read about it.
Perhaps this item might interest you. I realise it pertains to acne scars i.e. epidermis, but those scars also affect the dermis and can go very deep indeed. Maybe have a read. Here's the link: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/329154-daily-30-minute-massages-on-face-eradicates-scars/
Also, I'm reading good things about Helichrysum Essential Oil (Immortelle flower oil, as it's known in France), added in to your regular products or used alone for the massage and elimination of scar tissue and improvement of skin texture. L'Occitane use it in their 'Immortelle' creams, as you may be aware. I've just ordered some of the pure oil from an Ebay supplier, and am going to give it good go with my recently purchased Body Shop facial massager. Link: https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/face/accessories/facial-massager/p/p000716
I've been rolling for around 15 mins daily with a nice facial oil for a few weeks now, and I think my skin texture is improving. In this part of the world, massage is turning in to 'the new botox', in the wake of a chain of clinics called The Face Gym. Worth researching, and possibly relevant for you. I only wish i could afford it, as it looks truly incredible.
Both these at-home battle plans are comparatively inexpensive when you consider what these wonderful 'procedures' set us back. I had Clearlift non-ablative laser last year, and the results haven't lasted at all. I'm about £1,000 lighter though!
What helped me more than anything after that was a course of red infrared light 'Dermalux Triwave' lamp treatments, and it was about £150 for 6 sessions lasting 20 mins each.
It's a very pleasant treatment. You just lie there and drift away under the gentle warmth! It basically wakes up the naturally switched-off collagen in the skin (in my case mostly in the scar tissue), and it's entirely non-invasive, which would be a definite bonus for you, as you must feel anxious at the thought of letting anyone loose on your face again. I saw excellent results after 6.
I am in the UK, so don't know if Dermalux exists across the pond, but I'm certain there are equivalents to it where you are if you Google it.
I'm also looking in to microneedling. I'm sure you've considered this option already. Might also help with skin tone and texture. Works for people with severe scarring from conventional burns, after all...
I'm glad you have reached acceptance, but never think that it's all over for your skin. You still basically have the excellent skin that you were born with, and it's incredible what can be achieved with a mixture of both the aesthetic procedures you mention and naturally and gently over time, by you and your own body working in harmony. Self-help can sometimes be the best kind i think, too, as it's very empowering.
If it's any consolation at all, I honestly think the damage looks way worse to you than to us - objectively. Plus you have a lovely face. I hope some of the above has given you food for thought, and wish you all the very best. x
What a journey you've had.
Because your most recent post is only a few days old, I wanted to share some things with you that just MIGHT help....
I'm so sorry for all you've been through. Facial skin is so tightly bound up with our self-esteem and state of mind, isn't it - especially in the Western world. I have 25 years of acne behind me, so I feel I can somewhat empathise. I had flawless olive skin before it got going with me at the ripe old age of 10. I now have some deep pitting, and am still as oily as I was at 14 at 41!
I must say that you appear to still have basically really good, strong skin with a what looks like a good oil balance.
As I'm sure you now understand fully what's occurred with this procedure, i.e. the gradual tethering of subdermal scar tissue from the burns your skin received, it makes me wonder if you've looked in to many ongoing options to gradually soften and break up that scarred tissue, such as DIY facial massage with a good natural plant oil and a blunt roller, or even done manually with your fingertips?
I'm NOT a dermatologist or an expert, but I am very interested in the science behind self-help through facial massage in efforts to eliminate (or even soften) my old acne scars, as oppose to paying hundreds more pounds out to clinics for results that seem to be anything but guaranteed, and I'm very impressed by what I've read about it.
Perhaps this item might interest you. I realise it pertains to acne scars i.e. epidermis, but those scars also affect the dermis and can go very deep indeed. Maybe have a read. Here's the link: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/329154-daily-30-minute-massages-on-face-eradicates-scars/
Also, I'm reading good things about Helichrysum Essential Oil (Immortelle flower oil, as it's known in France), added in to your regular products or used alone for the massage and elimination of scar tissue and improvement of skin texture. L'Occitane use it in their 'Immortelle' creams, as you may be aware. I've just ordered some of the pure oil from an Ebay supplier, and am going to give it good go with my recently purchased Body Shop facial massager. Link: https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/face/accessories/facial-massager/p/p000716
I've been rolling for around 15 mins daily with a nice facial oil for a few weeks now, and I think my skin texture is improving. In this part of the world, massage is turning in to 'the new botox', in the wake of a chain of clinics called The Face Gym. Worth researching, and possibly relevant for you. I only wish i could afford it, as it looks truly incredible.
Both these at-home battle plans are comparatively inexpensive when you consider what these wonderful 'procedures' set us back. I had Clearlift non-ablative laser last year, and the results haven't lasted at all. I'm about £1,000 lighter though!
What helped me more than anything after that was a course of red infrared light 'Dermalux Triwave' lamp treatments, and it was about £150 for 6 sessions lasting 20 mins each.
It's a very pleasant treatment. You just lie there and drift away under the gentle warmth! It basically wakes up the naturally switched-off collagen in the skin (in my case mostly in the scar tissue), and it's entirely non-invasive, which would be a definite bonus for you, as you must feel anxious at the thought of letting anyone loose on your face again. I saw excellent results after 6.
I am in the UK, so don't know if Dermalux exists across the pond, but I'm certain there are equivalents to it where you are if you Google it.
I'm also looking in to microneedling. I'm sure you've considered this option already. Might also help with skin tone and texture. Works for people with severe scarring from conventional burns, after all...
I'm glad you have reached acceptance, but never think that it's all over for your skin. You still basically have the excellent skin that you were born with, and it's incredible what can be achieved with a mixture of both the aesthetic procedures you mention and naturally and gently over time, by you and your own body working in harmony. Self-help can sometimes be the best kind i think, too, as it's very empowering.
If it's any consolation at all, I honestly think the damage looks way worse to you than to us - objectively. Plus you have a lovely face. I hope some of the above has given you food for thought, and wish you all the very best. x
January 28, 2017
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful post. I agree with your point of view and have the derma roller, I have not given it a long enough try. I might look for the oils you mentioned. Thank you for your kind words.
January 29, 2017
I found this interesting, along with the link about facial massage. I want to try the massage technique in the link, but the way it's described has me puzzled. I'm probably overthinking it, but can you help with this?
February 2, 2017
Hello again!
Just checked-in and seen your message. Thank you for your reply. You're welcome. If any of it helps, then that's all to the good.
How many sessions of the dermaroller have you had so far, if you don't mind my asking? Is it going well, or still too early to tell? i guess they'd need to roll at a fairly good depth to reach all the layers of skin affected.
If I can pluck up the courage to have it done, I reckon i will probably go for the 'Innopen'/dermastamp version. I'm a bit scared of it because it's invasive, but have seen great results on the internet.
I realise you're probably more than somewhat phobic around anything that emits light or heat, so forgive me for pushing this particular suggestion again, but I really think you (and other Thermage and Ultherapy burn victims) might be a really good candidate for infrared 'red' light therapy, so I'm going to include the link to the Dermalux site. Dermalux is the brand of machine I used at a clinic here in the UK last May, but the magic ingredient regardless of brand is the infrared light (one of the 3 light frequencies used in the Dermalux lamp i went under), and it really helped refine my not insignificant old and more recent acne scarring and skin texture. In fact, I could see subtle results after the first 1. It's not permanent, and you do have to top it up every so often, but isn't expensive by comparison to other options, and might complement your other therapies.
In medicine over here and in aesthetic clinical settings, they use infrared light to accelerate wound healing (including burn victims), and post invasive treatments such as dermaroller, which leave the skin sore or temporarily traumatised, to speed up recovery time/'downtime'. It helps also if (like me) you have foolishly overdone it in the sun rooms!
I wouldn't recommend anything that posed a risk to you, but was so impressed by the results, I can't help but feel that you'd benefit from a course of maybe 6-8 sessions. So here is the link. Take it or leave it! http://www.dermaluxled.com/index.php
By the way, in case you were interested, I got my helichrysum oil (bought from Ebay) in the post the other day, and it's an interesting oil. A bit like frankincense, and has a very light 'dry' texture. A little goes a long way, and you can use it neat or add it to lotions and potions. I'll see how I get on...
By the way, don't feel you have to write back. You've got a lot going on by the sound of it.
As others here have said, I think it's both brave and admirable that after all you've been through you want to help raise awareness about this Russian roulette-like procedure, and help protect others from making mistakes in this poorly regulated industry, where accountability seems to be an alien concept.
Bye for now. x
Just checked-in and seen your message. Thank you for your reply. You're welcome. If any of it helps, then that's all to the good.
How many sessions of the dermaroller have you had so far, if you don't mind my asking? Is it going well, or still too early to tell? i guess they'd need to roll at a fairly good depth to reach all the layers of skin affected.
If I can pluck up the courage to have it done, I reckon i will probably go for the 'Innopen'/dermastamp version. I'm a bit scared of it because it's invasive, but have seen great results on the internet.
I realise you're probably more than somewhat phobic around anything that emits light or heat, so forgive me for pushing this particular suggestion again, but I really think you (and other Thermage and Ultherapy burn victims) might be a really good candidate for infrared 'red' light therapy, so I'm going to include the link to the Dermalux site. Dermalux is the brand of machine I used at a clinic here in the UK last May, but the magic ingredient regardless of brand is the infrared light (one of the 3 light frequencies used in the Dermalux lamp i went under), and it really helped refine my not insignificant old and more recent acne scarring and skin texture. In fact, I could see subtle results after the first 1. It's not permanent, and you do have to top it up every so often, but isn't expensive by comparison to other options, and might complement your other therapies.
In medicine over here and in aesthetic clinical settings, they use infrared light to accelerate wound healing (including burn victims), and post invasive treatments such as dermaroller, which leave the skin sore or temporarily traumatised, to speed up recovery time/'downtime'. It helps also if (like me) you have foolishly overdone it in the sun rooms!
I wouldn't recommend anything that posed a risk to you, but was so impressed by the results, I can't help but feel that you'd benefit from a course of maybe 6-8 sessions. So here is the link. Take it or leave it! http://www.dermaluxled.com/index.php
By the way, in case you were interested, I got my helichrysum oil (bought from Ebay) in the post the other day, and it's an interesting oil. A bit like frankincense, and has a very light 'dry' texture. A little goes a long way, and you can use it neat or add it to lotions and potions. I'll see how I get on...
By the way, don't feel you have to write back. You've got a lot going on by the sound of it.
As others here have said, I think it's both brave and admirable that after all you've been through you want to help raise awareness about this Russian roulette-like procedure, and help protect others from making mistakes in this poorly regulated industry, where accountability seems to be an alien concept.
Bye for now. x
February 1, 2017
Yes thank you for sharing your story. You have probably saved a lot of women who just read it and didnt respond. God Bless You!
February 2, 2017
I am so sorry what you when through, really sorry. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am 34 and just doing superficial cleaning once in a year. Dermatologist who does it recommended thermal tightening as a preventive measure for early ageing singes, because I have very thin, white and sensitive skin. I almost decided to do it and then just googled and saw your post. I had no idea that this kind of risks were involved. Never EVER!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you
Replies (5)