Understanding Thermage Skin Tightening
Thermage is a revolutionary non - invasive skin tightening treatment that has gained significant popularity in New York City. It relies on radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen production in the treatment area, improving the appearance of loose skin and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles without the need for invasive surgical procedures, incisions, scars, or anesthesia. As the natural aging process causes a decrease in collagen production, the skin loses its structure, resulting in sagging, crepey, and loose skin. Thermage addresses these issues by triggering the body's natural collagen - producing process, leading to smoother, tighter, and more youthful - looking skin.
Just one treatment session with thermage radiofrequency can create long - lasting results. With the most up - to - date comfort technology, the procedure ensures there is no discomfort during the treatment and no downtime afterward, allowing patients to immediately resume their normal activities. Let's take a closer look at the key aspects of Thermage:
- Mechanism of Action: When the thermage device is applied to the skin, it emits a beam of radiofrequency (RF) energy that heats the inner layer of the skin, the dermis, while keeping the surface of the skin cool for maximum patient comfort. The heating of the dermis triggers the body's natural healing process, promoting the production of new collagen over time. Additionally, the heating causes the water molecules in the fibrous collagen present in the treatment area to separate, leading to an immediate tightening of the skin.
- Treatment Areas: Thermage can be used nearly anywhere on the face or body, including the neck, chest, décolletage, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, providing a non - surgical “lift” effect that firms and tightens loose skin.
- Benefits: The primary benefits include creating firm, smooth, and youthful - looking skin, improving the overall texture of the skin, reducing the signs of aging such as crepey or loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, and addressing the appearance of cellulite.
Top Five Well - Known Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Thermage Skin Tightening in New York City
1. Michele S. Green, MD
Dr. Michele S. Green is an internationally renowned, board - certified dermatologist in New York City. She was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to utilize the thermage procedure in her private Manhattan dermatology office. With over 25 years of experience, she is known for her less - is - more philosophy and holistic approach to rejuvenation treatment, providing patients with a natural, youthful look that lasts.
Expertise and Services: Dr. Green offers thermage treatments in her upper - east - side dermatology office. Her office uses the latest thermage technology, including the thermage flx, which is the fourth generation of thermage lasers designed with maximum patient comfort in mind. The thermage flx has a 4 cm tip, allowing for faster treatment of larger body areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms. She also offers thermage cpt, which has a 3 cm tip and is suitable for more delicate areas like around the eyes.
Patient Experience: The treatment at Dr. Green's office takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the treatment area. The procedure is painless, and no numbing cream is needed. Patients immediately observe an initial plumping of the skin after the treatment, and there is no downtime. Results may appear immediately after treatment, with improvements continuing over two to four months, and the effects can last for up to two years.
Price: The cost of thermage treatment at Dr. Green's office depends on several factors, including the area of the body being treated and whether it is paired with other treatments. After an initial consultation, her office can provide a closer estimate of the cost.
2. Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York
The Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York offers thermage as one of the non - surgical skin - tightening options for its New York City patients. The board - certified physicians at the center have the experience and expertise to customize the treatment to each patient's precise needs and goals.
Procedure Details: Thermage at this center uses radiofrequency energy delivered via a handheld applicator to the treatment area. The treatment works by boosting collagen levels in the dermal structure. As collagen production starts to decline with age, thermage triggers the body to produce more collagen, making the skin smoother, firmer, and more youthful.
Patient Considerations: The pain level during the treatment is minimal. Each time the handpiece touches the skin, patients feel a brief cooling sensation, followed by a deep but brief heating sensation, and then another cooling sensation. No anesthesia is usually required, but if a patient feels pain, the doctor may give an oral medication to numb the discomfort. Most patients start to see some improvement in skin firmness soon after the treatment, and full results are evident in 2 - 6 months. There is minimal downtime, and some patients may experience mild skin redness or swelling for 24 - 48 hours, which does not impact their ability to resume normal activities.
Price: The price information for thermage at this center is typically available after a consultation, as it depends on the specific treatment areas and patient requirements.
3. William Lao, MD
Dr. William Lao is an esteemed New York plastic surgeon. At his brand - new state - of - the - art practice in NYC, thermage is a highly popular radio - frequency therapy procedure. He offers this treatment to both men and women to address signs of aging without surgery.
Target Patients: His thermage patients come from all over NYC and include men and women of all ages and ethnicities. Common candidates are those with wrinkled skin around the eyes, lax facial skin, turkey neck, or cellulite on the body. Thermage at Dr. Lao's office can treat the lower and upper eyelids, providing a more youthful and rested appearance, and can also tighten the skin on the face and neck.
Treatment Process: The treatment at Dr. Lao's office typically takes about one hour to perform and is painless. He uses the thermage handpiece in the treatment area, and the machine stimulates the body's natural rejuvenation process. Cooling technology is used to protect the skin's surface while the device uses powerful heat to treat the lower levels of the skin. The goal is to correct imperfections beneath the skin and smooth the surface.
Recovery and Results: Many patients can return to work or their normal activities on the same day as the treatment. Some patients may experience redness and tightness, but this typically fades after about 24 hours. The results continue to improve over time, and the cost of thermage treatments in New York City at his office typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 per session, depending on factors such as the specific area treated, the size of the treatment area, and the expertise of the provider.
4. Paul Frank, MD
Dr. Paul Frank's practice was among the first centers in the country to offer the thermage®/ThermaCool technology in 2002. The center is now proud to announce the latest generation in thermage® technology – the thermage® cpt device and the “body by thermage” procedure for skin tightening and contouring throughout the body.
Technology and Treatment Areas: The thermage® system utilizes radio - frequency energy. While cooling the top layer of the skin with a unique cryogen device, it tightens existing collagen and stimulates new growth over the following months. Dr. Frank and his team offer treatments for the cheek/jawline, neck, eyelids, cellulite, abdomen, arms, thighs, knees, and buttocks. It is also great for tightening skin after liposuction.
Treatment Session: The treatment session can range from 30 - 90 minutes depending on the sites treated. Often, patients are pre - medicated to comfort with mild non - intravenous sedation. The thermage® cpt delivers the radio - frequency energy through a small contact tip with three phases: cooling, energy delivery, and again cooling. The energy is unaffected by skin pigment, so patients with darker skin can be treated without an increased risk.
Results: Final results are achieved as early as one week, or on average, 3 to 4 months. Depending on the severity of the area treated, additional treatments may be necessary. Price details can be obtained through a consultation at the center.
5. Park Avenue Dermatology
Park Avenue Dermatology is at the cutting edge of non - invasive skin tightening treatments and offers thermage® in NYC. The center aims to provide clients with a path to rejuvenation that defies the common signs of aging.
Treatment Approach: The experts at Park Avenue Dermatology understand that each patient's skin is unique. During an in - depth consultation, they conduct a thorough analysis of the skin's condition, taking into account factors such as texture, elasticity, and degree of skin laxity. They also listen to the patient's aesthetic goals and then craft a customized thermage® treatment plan.
Thermage® Process: The thermage® system uses patented radiofrequency technology to safely heat the deeper layers of the skin while keeping the surface cool with a cryogen spray. The heat causes immediate collagen contraction, followed by new collagen production over time. The treatment typically takes about 1 hour to complete, and there is virtually no downtime.
Results and Maintenance: Results can last for years, depending on the individual's skin condition and the natural aging process. For lasting results, the center recommends adhering to a comprehensive skin care routine, including sun protection, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle. Some patients benefit from scheduling touch - up treatments. The cost of thermage® at Park Avenue Dermatology depends on the area being treated, and the doctor can provide a more precise cost estimate during the consultation.
Comparing the Five Plastic Surgery Hospitals
| Hospital | Expertise | Treatment Time | Downtime | Results Timeline | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michele S. Green, MD | Early adopter of thermage, uses latest technologies like thermage flx and cpt, holistic approach | 1 - 1.5 hours | None | Immediate initial results, full in 2 - 4 months, last up to 2 years | Depends on treatment area and combination with other treatments |
| Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York | Board - certified physicians, customize treatments | 45 minutes - 1.5 hours (varies) | Minimal, mild redness/swelling 24 - 48 hours | Some improvement soon after, full in 2 - 6 months | Available after consultation |
| William Lao, MD | Double - board plastic surgeon, experienced in treating multiple areas | About 1 hour | Minimal, redness/tightness fades in 24 hours | Results improve over time | $1,500 - $5,000 per session |
| Paul Frank, MD | Early provider of thermage technology, offers latest generation devices | 30 - 90 minutes (varies) | Some may be pre - medicated, mild side - effects | As early as 1 week, average 3 - 4 months | Available after consultation |
| Park Avenue Dermatology | Customized treatment plans based on skin analysis | About 1 hour | Virtually none | Long - lasting, varies based on individual | Depends on treatment area |
New Price List Considerations
The cost of thermage skin tightening treatments in New York City can vary widely based on multiple factors. As shown above, different clinics have different price ranges. Here are the key factors that influence the price:
- Treatment Area: Treating larger areas of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, will generally cost more than treating smaller areas like the eyes or around the mouth. For example, a full - face treatment may be more expensive than a treatment targeting only the jawline.
- Clinic Reputation and Expertise: Well - known clinics with highly experienced doctors and advanced technology may charge more. Doctors like Dr. Michele S. Green, with over 25 years of experience and a reputation for a holistic approach, may price their treatments based on their expertise and the quality of care they provide.
- Combination with Other Treatments: If thermage is paired with other cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers, Botox, or CoolSculpting, the overall cost will increase. These additional treatments can enhance the results of thermage but also add to the expense.
It's important for patients to have a detailed consultation with the clinic to get an accurate price estimate based on their specific needs and goals. Additionally, some clinics may offer promotional offers or package deals, so it's worth inquiring about these options.
Conclusion
Thermage skin tightening is a highly effective non - invasive treatment option for those looking to improve the appearance of loose skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and achieve a more youthful look in New York City. The top five well - known plastic surgery hospitals mentioned - Michele S. Green, MD; Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York; William Lao, MD; Paul Frank, MD; and Park Avenue Dermatology - each offer unique expertise, treatment approaches, and price ranges.
If you're considering thermage skin tightening, take the time to research each clinic, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the treatment process, expected results, and costs. By making an informed decision, you can embark on a journey to rejuvenate your skin and boost your confidence.
Ready to transform your skin? Schedule a consultation with one of these top - rated plastic surgery hospitals in New York City today and take the first step towards a more youthful you!
