POSTED UNDER Thermage REVIEWS
Thermage
ORIGINAL POST
Thermage Nightmare
$2,000
I had Thermage done about 3 months ago on my neck and jaw line. (Just before lockdown.)
I waited to write so I could give a more accurate review as Thermage can take 2-6 months for results. I was supposed to get my eyes and forehead done the same day but it was too painful to do both at once. (I’m so glad I didn’t get my eyes done too, so grateful.) The experience was painful and now I have a weird fat/skin lump on one side of my jawline, like a jowl but more deformed and not as natural looking. (Never was there before.) Just on the one side. Also, my neck is now very sensitive and sore when I put cream on. I thought it was a temporary problem that would clear up but it’s been over 3 months. Another thing, the skin on the sides of my neck feels and looks thinner. I was sensitive about the skin right under my chin and in that particular spot, it’s not worse, maybe even a tiny bit better. Definitely not worth the all the negative stuff. I’ll post pictures at 6 months. I hope to not be in tears at that point. (Just a sad acceptance.) I wish I had known about this site beforehand. Thermage has such a low rating. I was sold the treatment as “the best thing since the invention of the wheel.” One last thing: Another thing I’ve read from some Dr.’s on this site is that: “oh you just didn’t notice that before, it was there." Really? Speaking for myself, I look at my face in detail every night and every morning, studying what’s appearing, what’s still good, what I’d like help with. When these Dr.’s say this, it’s insulting. Like they know after seeing my face twice but I don’t know looking at my face day in day out. Ladies, do you hear me on this one? Or is it just me???
I waited to write so I could give a more accurate review as Thermage can take 2-6 months for results. I was supposed to get my eyes and forehead done the same day but it was too painful to do both at once. (I’m so glad I didn’t get my eyes done too, so grateful.) The experience was painful and now I have a weird fat/skin lump on one side of my jawline, like a jowl but more deformed and not as natural looking. (Never was there before.) Just on the one side. Also, my neck is now very sensitive and sore when I put cream on. I thought it was a temporary problem that would clear up but it’s been over 3 months. Another thing, the skin on the sides of my neck feels and looks thinner. I was sensitive about the skin right under my chin and in that particular spot, it’s not worse, maybe even a tiny bit better. Definitely not worth the all the negative stuff. I’ll post pictures at 6 months. I hope to not be in tears at that point. (Just a sad acceptance.) I wish I had known about this site beforehand. Thermage has such a low rating. I was sold the treatment as “the best thing since the invention of the wheel.” One last thing: Another thing I’ve read from some Dr.’s on this site is that: “oh you just didn’t notice that before, it was there." Really? Speaking for myself, I look at my face in detail every night and every morning, studying what’s appearing, what’s still good, what I’d like help with. When these Dr.’s say this, it’s insulting. Like they know after seeing my face twice but I don’t know looking at my face day in day out. Ladies, do you hear me on this one? Or is it just me???
UPDATED FROM Alissa765
4 months post
Update
Still undecided. When I’m honest with myself, I admit it looks better in some places, a little worse in others. (Weird lump/fat melt gone wrong.) I’d love to have been one of the lucky ones it went well for.
Also, the strange soreness down one side of my neck is a little less but unfortunately still there.
My big concern going forward: many women have written about damaged skin. I worry I’ve done some long term harm?? I didn’t know enough when I started this process.
One more thing: it really hurt! I’ve seen reviews that say: “the warmth was relaxing...”
And I wonder what procedure where you having???
Also, the strange soreness down one side of my neck is a little less but unfortunately still there.
My big concern going forward: many women have written about damaged skin. I worry I’ve done some long term harm?? I didn’t know enough when I started this process.
One more thing: it really hurt! I’ve seen reviews that say: “the warmth was relaxing...”
And I wonder what procedure where you having???
Replies (4)
December 12, 2020
I agree it hurt like hell!! I had my face, neck and stomach done 6 weeks ago. I didn’t read reviews before I had it done. I have not seen any results at 6 weeks but I’ll wait to post before and after pics until the 4 month mark. After reading the reviews, I feel like such a dick head for wasting my money on this. I wanted to look younger after my divorce. I’m 46 and look good for my age so they said I was a perfect candidate for thermage. So if I don’t see results then What? It’s my fault for being defective??

December 13, 2020
Which part hurt the most? (I've considered getting my stomach done but worry about the pain. And results.) For me, at 6 weeks, I felt like I had wasted my money. Thankfully, I started to see results at 3.5-4 months. I'm really glad I took pics the morning of because being able to look back and see the difference was invaluable. Although, I did have to get a tiny bit of filler to put in the dent on my jawline that was left from some unintended fat melting, I'm glad it helped my neck.

December 13, 2020
Did they do your forehead and eyes too? How was that? And I hear you on worries about lack of results, paying good money and then wondering what?? When?? Hang in there, I hope you see results soon. Please keep me posted?? I'd love to hear more!!

December 13, 2020
Check out PSBOO, she had thermage done on her stomach too. On my 3rd update (I think) you can press on her link and see her stomach results. She got them faster than most.
UPDATED FROM Alissa765
6 months post
Thermage
As I’ve said, if I had read about Thermage on this site beforehand, I would not have done it. TBH, it did help me in some spots. (For now, anyway?)
PRP here I come.
I also have some minor side-effects. Ongoing minor nerve pain on one side, a good size dent that was most definitely not there before. (I’ve been told to get filler there now.) Sure, I’ve aged 6 months but my skin still feels thinner on the sides. :/
I did find out the esthetician who did my thermage was let go. (Covid related? Idk?)
I need to name my provider but I’m nervous how they will react. Maybe I’d still like to get a chemical peel there. Or PRP?
To all those who have had a much worse experience, I apologize for writing “nightmare “ on my first review. If RS would let me edit it, I would. I was luckier than many.
PRP here I come.
I also have some minor side-effects. Ongoing minor nerve pain on one side, a good size dent that was most definitely not there before. (I’ve been told to get filler there now.) Sure, I’ve aged 6 months but my skin still feels thinner on the sides. :/
I did find out the esthetician who did my thermage was let go. (Covid related? Idk?)
I need to name my provider but I’m nervous how they will react. Maybe I’d still like to get a chemical peel there. Or PRP?
To all those who have had a much worse experience, I apologize for writing “nightmare “ on my first review. If RS would let me edit it, I would. I was luckier than many.
Replies (20)

September 9, 2020
I need to take a picture of the dent. I've had it looked at by another place/Dr. He agreed (after seeing my photos that there was a difference.)
However, he did say it could be aging. [HM?] He couldn't say for sure as he didn't do the treatment. However, filler was highly recommended.
September 18, 2020
I think your jawline looks tighter and neck skin is smoother. I can’t see the lump, but I think you’re right in that you know what your skin was like before. I hate when they gaslight to cover mistakes. I was planning on having this area done but wanted to do my abdomen first bc it’s a less risky area. I had it done last week and didn’t have any pain at all - and she did it at the highest setting level (2.5-3.0). I’m wondering if you’re just more sensitive than average, they used a setting too high for that area, or they had old equipment? Either way, you should not have been in that much pain IMO.

September 20, 2020
Wow, no pain? Lucky you! :). You're right, it's better. I think I panicked because I read too many horror stories right afterwards. I feel like I got lucky. All and all I'm 90% sure I'd do it over again. However, I don't know if I'd go a second round on my face. And, I'm disappointed in the dent.

September 20, 2020
How's your stomach looking? I'd love to get my stomach done, that I would risk. Please share? Thanks!! :)
September 20, 2020
No results yet, but it’s only been a week. I plan to post after a month just to give it a little time :) Glad you are generally enjoying the results!

September 21, 2020
It can take months to see the full results. I look forward to seeing your review. :) If you don't mind: how much did it cost? My cousin had her stomach done in FL. and it cost her 5k. I called about my stomach out west and they said $2k. ★Remember to take pictures as you go along. For me, having the older ones to look back on were worth their weight in gold.
After reading about facial laser fat loss from others, I feel really lucky. I do have that dent and I'm looking into filler. I've not tried fillers yet...I'm a little nervous. Luckily, RS. :)
September 21, 2020
It cost me $2,600 with a buy one get one free promotion in NYC, so I’m going to get two sessions done on my stomach. I went to LaserAway, which is a big, reliable, chain, so I felt a little more confident that they would have all the up to date equipment and better quality control. My nurse was really great and I honestly had no pain at all! There were a couple of moments it got a bit too hot and she turned the power down (esp when she’d been over one area several times), but I would say I did almost all of the pulses in the 2.5-3.0 range. I had 1200 pulses in total, so it took a while. I will absolutely post pics when I see results. Btw they estimated I would need two treatments on my stomach, but if for some reason only one does the trick, I can use the other one on a different body part, like my thighs or butt.

September 21, 2020
That's very reasonable (especially for NYC). In your shoes, I would be reassured too. I hope I'm lucky enough to not have as much pain when/if (IF?) I get it done on my body.

September 21, 2020
I still have a tiny bit of nerve pain but it has consistently felt better with time. I also have the dent, which has unfortunately stayed the same. Towards the end, she seemed very rushed and went at my face hard. It hurt much more in those spots. I'm convinced there's a connection. I have seen a couple of different NP's about it and they agree. Filler has been recommended. I'm nervous as I've not yet tried any fillers but I have an appointment this Thursday for PRP/PRP injections. And maybe filler. I hope I can get away with the PRP for now.
September 21, 2020
I LOVE filler! I’m lucky in that I don’t really have many fine lines, but I always have dark circles under my eyes and they’ve gotten deeper since I hit my mid-40’s and sleep much less (single mom, two kids, finished grad school), but undereye filler makes me look. So much better rested! There are certain areas that hurt more than others, but I think the neck shouldn’t be as bad because there aren’t a ton of nerve endings there. The lips hurt like @$#& - something I will never repeat - but the eyes honestly barely hurt, especially with the numbing cream. Filler looks good almost instantly and you see results after about 3-7 days, so it’s a pretty instantaneous result.
September 21, 2020
You also might want to ask about microneedling for the area? I’ve heard thats really good for something like that, and though it may take longer to get results, it’s probably a more permanent solution.

September 22, 2020
Filler underneath your eyes, really? I get dark circles too. I'm tempted but still a little nervous. I think the right provider is key. I don't know if I've found "that one" yet. But I'm excited for my PRP & I'm getting the micro-needling w/PRP + injections on Thursday. My first time; I'm slow to start. Do you swell with filler? If so, how long? Thanks! (Good for you, being a single mom & getting it done. Sleep is a precious commodity.)
Btw: I saw your lip filler review, you don't need them. You have a perfect shape already. If thermage didn't hurt but lip filler did. #*%# indeed.

September 22, 2020
I’ve only done it once but you get a nice glow. I think it’s for skin texture and fine lines. It doesn’t hurt unless you use a deep settling.
September 22, 2020
I should post my under eyes on here. I’ve had it done three times, and if there was only one procedure I could get (along w Botox on my 11’s), it would be under eye filler. Swelling depends on the filler. You don’t swell with under eyes, but obv your lips swell. I had laugh lines done once (I got talked into it, wouldn’t do it again) and you could see the filler until it absorbed a day or two later, but no swelling. I swell easily, so I’m going to guess you only swell in sensitive places with lots of blood flow, like lips. For now, I just stick to my 11’s, my eye filler, an the occasional laser treatment. I like to look natural and not too frozen.

September 22, 2020
I won't let them use a deep setting he first time around. Thanks for the tip!!
Replies (4)