Thermage Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Dr. Cook is the only trained eye and facial plastic surgeon in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area performing this procedure. He has completed two fellowships: one in ophthalmology and the other in facial plastic surgery.

2.    Dr. Cook is the only Thermage practitioner in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area to be trained by Thermage. He has undergone extensive training as has his staff.

3.    Dr. Cook is the only Thermage practitioner in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area to use the new “fast” tip which significantly reduces the time need for the procedure and any discomfort.

What is Thermage?

The Thermage unit is a computer controlled radio-frequency device that can tighten the skin without injuring the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin; therefore, no visible wound is created. There are no incisions on the skin surface. The Thermage unit is not a laser, and the radiofrequencies that it uses have been used for many years.

How does Thermage work?
Each pulse of the Thermage unit precisely heats the tissue underneath the surface of the skin, creating contraction and remodeling of collagen and tightening of excessively loose skin. 

Where on the face or body can Thermage be used?
The Thermage unit can be used on the forehead to lift the eyebrows, in the mid- and lower face to improve cheek folds or "jowls", and to lift and tighten skin on the neck. The Thermage unit was developed for use on the face, but can be used anywhere where skin is loose or sagging. Currently, it is FDA-approved for use around the eyes and forehead, with approval for other areas pending

Are there any treatments for loose skin besides the Thermage unit?
Loose skin traditionally has been treated with surgical "lift" procedures such as forehead lift, browlifts, facelifts, or with deep peels and laser resurfacing. All of these procedures are invasive and involve a certain amount of risk and downtime. Certain non-invasive laser treatments used for wrinkles, such Botox and Restylane, may help decrease fine lines and wrinkles.

Will the Thermage treatment work for me?
Thermage treatments seem to work best on patients in their 30's through early 60's with thinner skin, although patients of all ages and skin types have responded well. Improved results may be seen with higher treatment energies, multiple passes over the treated areas, and multiple treatments.

Do I need any special preparation?
You may continue the use of your usual skin care products or medications before and after the procedure, unless otherwise directed by your physician.

Is the Thermage treatment painful?
Each time the machine is fired, there is a sensation of cold, then heat, then cold again in the treatment area. The entire cycle takes about 2 seconds, and it's important that the probe not be moved during that time. Oral medication before the procedure will make this tolerable. In some instances anesthetic injections may be used. There is no pain after the treatments, although mild tenderness, especially along the cheekbone or jawline, may be present for a day or so. Dr. Cook is the only Thermage practitioner in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area to use the new “fast” tip which reduces the amount of time to fire each pulse and lessens any discomfort.

How long does the procedure last?
The procedure itself may take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes depending upon the size of the area treated.

Who performs the procedure? Dr. Cook? A Nurse?
Dr. Cook performs all procedures.

How soon can I return to my normal activities?
There may be some redness and swelling in the treated areas, which usually disappears in a few hours. When the face and neck are treated, mild swelling in these areas may last a few days. If anesthetic injections are used, there may be some bruising in the injected areas. Very rarely, there may be crusting or blistering in some areas. If you have been given oral medication for pain or sedation, you are not to drive until the next morning. No special aftercare is needed in the treated areas, and you may resume your normal skin care regimen immediately.

When will I see the results?
Although many patients will see some tightening immediately after the procedure, collagen remodeling in the deep layers of the skin over the several months after treatment causes the actual lifting and tightening. There may be gradual improvement for up to a year following a single treatment.

How many treatments will I need?
Most patients will have noticeable results after a single treatment. The treatments may be repeated as soon as 3 months for further improvement, as needed.

Are Thermage treatments permanent?
The changes in dermal collagen induced by Thermage treatment are permanent; nevertheless, time and gravity will continue to take its toll. Like surgical procedures, Thermage "turns back the clock", but doesn't keep the clock from ticking.