THERMITIGHT

Pros

• It’s a nonsurgical way to tighten loose skin.
• Most patients need just one ThermiTight treatment session to see results.
• It comes with less downtime than plastic surgery options, like a facelift or neck lift.
• The treatment can be paired with liposuction, to boost your body contouring results and prevent post-fat-removal skin laxity.
• Of the RealSelf reviewers who say this treatment is “Worth It,” most report that the treatment area looked smoother and tighter after about three months post-treatment.

Cons

• Results are not permanent, so you’ll need maintenance treatments every few years to keep them up.
• The effects of ThermiTight are less dramatic (and long-lasting) than those from surgical procedures.
• Unlike some noninvasive skin-tightening procedures, like Ultherapy or Thermage, there is some downtime afterward.
• Some reviewers who say it’s “Not Worth It” report that their results weren’t noticeable, and that swelling in the treated area was more significant than they expected.

• Average Cost:
• $3,913

• Range:
• $2,400 - $6,000

Your cost will depend on the size and number of treatment areas, the experience level of your provider, and their practice location.

See our complete guide to ThermiTight costs

The ThermiTight photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

The treatment itself can take up to three hours, depending on the size and number of targeted areas. 

Here’s what you’re likely to experience during your ThermiTight procedure.

• First, the treatment area will be cleansed and numbed with local anesthesia.
• Once the local anesthetic takes effect, your doctor will make a small incision and slide a very thin probe underneath your skin. 
• ThermiTight works by delivering precisely targeted radiofrequency energy via this probe, to heat the subdermal tissue.
• While this small probe is underneath the skin, your provider will use thermal imaging for guidance and to continuously monitor your tissue temperature.
• Since the incisions are small, you won’t require any sutures once the probe is removed. 

Before you leave, your doctor will provide you with aftercare instructions.

RealSelf Tip: Prior to your skin-tightening treatment, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories. You should also increase your water intake for a few days prior to your appointment, since well-hydrated tissue is more receptive to ThermiTight.

Some people feel ready to return to normal activities right away, but most doctors on RealSelf recommend taking it easy for the first 2–3 days after a ThermiTight procedure. 

Swelling and bruising can be significant. The worst of the swelling should start to go down after day 3, but it can take 2–4 weeks to fully resolve. Gently icing the area can help reduce swelling. 

If you’re given a compression garment, be sure to wear it as directed, usually for 1–3 days (though some providers recommend wearing it for up to 10 days).

You should start to see some results within 30 days of your treatment. Most of your results will be visible within 3 months, and you may continue to see improvements for as long as a year.

While ThermiTight is not permanent, results can last for 3–5 years. 

After that, you’ll need maintenance treatments every few years to correct ongoing signs of aging.

ThermiTight has a 75% Worth It Rating on RealSelf, so a majority of people who’ve reviewed the procedure thought it was effective.

Studies have also determined that ThermiTight can significantly reduce skin laxity. In fact, one study found that people who reviewed images of patients at baseline and patients post-procedure were able to correctly identify which images showed post-procedure results 89% of the time, proving this treatment usually creates a visible difference.

Ultimately, only you and a board-certified provider who offers both nonsurgical skin tightening and surgical solutions can determine if ThermiTight will be the most effective option for you and your goals. Not everyone is a good candidate: people with severely sagging, loose skin may not be able to achieve the level of improvement they’re looking for with ThermiTight. But for those who have mild to moderate laxity, this may be a good option for avoiding surgery.

ThermiTight is considered to be safe, largely because your provider is able to monitor the temperature of the tissue throughout the procedure. However, it does heat the subdermal tissue to 60–65° Celsius, so burns are possible if your provider is inexperienced or inattentive.

The most common side effects are swelling and bruising, which can be mild or more severe, depending on the intensity and length of your treatment, along with how your body reacts. 

It’s also possible to have temporary numbness in the treatment area, while the nerves heal.