Thermage Face Lift, ThermaCool Facial, Aluma for Skin Rejuvenation

Thermage Face Lift

As we get older, our skin changes. Among the things it develops are wrinkles and fine lines. We also produce less collagen, which plumps up our skin and makes it look youthful. There are many treatments for these skin conditions. One treatment that is growing in popularity is radiofrequency or heat energy. Examples include Thermage face lift (or Thermacool) and Aluma facials. Although these are not surgical face lifts, proponents often use this name for them.

The number of men and women who undergo cosmetic skin rejuvenation procedures is increasing. One of the newer ones uses radiofrequency. In a Thermage face lift, a hand-held device delivers heat energy to the skin. This procedure is being done by dermatologists, as well as plastic surgeons. Proponents say that by heating up the collagen, you stimulate the skin. The procedure is said to improve skin texture and generate new collagen. Cost for treatment with a Thermage face lift (or Thermacool facial) or Aluma varies depending on how large an area is being treated. A single procedure can range from $1000 to $5000 in cost.

This can be helpful for aging skin, older skin or mature skin because it can firm up the wrinkles and lines caused by sun damage, and the wrinkles due to age and the facial expressions we make day in and day out.

In addition to improving the appearance of the top layers of skin, proponents of the Thermage face lift say it can also lead to more collagen production. Collagen is a key fibrous protein in the skin's connective tissue, which helps give the skin its texture. Natural aging and such factors as sun damage and smoking help break down the collagen layer so that the skin's once smooth surface develops wrinkles. When you increase collagen production you get younger looking skin because the skin looks fuller and better. There are also cosmetic fillers that can help as well.

But a Thermage face lift is limited in what it can do. It cannot rejuvenate skin on large areas of the body nor can it lift or remove sagging jowls or smooth out crepe-like or sagging skin. These conditions only respond to traditional cut-and-stitch cosmetic surgical methods such as a face lift.

What to expect? Well, after a Thermage treatment procedure or an Aluma treatment, there will be discomfort. Remember, you are delivering a controlled amount of heat deep within the skin. You may need pain medication during and after the procedure, which can last from a few minutes to an hour. In some cases, side effects can include swelling, redness and even blistering.

It's important to remember that after any kind of skin rejuvenation, patients must avoid sunbathing which will accelerate the aging process and increase your risk of skin cancer. Anyone who's had a cosmetic procedure on their skin should make sure they use sun protection.

It is also essential that anyone considering a Thermage face lift or other procedure see a doctor who is qualified to do the procedure, since any cosmetic procedure that goes too deep can result in bad scarring.

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Updated June 2009

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