Thermage at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center

Needless to say, everyone would like a cosmetic treatment to tighten up the skin of the face and neck without surgery. Thermage at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center is a safe and effective way to do just that. The “baby boomer” generation is feeling the results of sun damaged skin simply because the science to connect wrinkles to sunbathing was not there when we were growing up. Baby boomers ran around on the beach soaking up the sun as kids, then continued to tan mostly using baby oil (remember that?) on into their 30s. Today you can see young people slathering on the sunscreen to preserve their skin and parents protecting kids from the sun. Not only that, but wrinkles had not even been scientifically proved to be related to smoking before the 70s. In fact, doctors were shown smoking on television in the late 50s and early 60s! So of course loss of elasticity of the cheek and neck skin, as well as other photo-damage is one of the chief complaints of patients aging.

Now, in the 21st century there is a completely non invasive procedure that can help repair the wrinkles caused by sun damage. It’s called Thermage. Unlike a laser, which uses light energy to generate heat, Thermage uses radiofrequency waves that generate a small electrical current through the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Radiofrequency had been used for many years for other types of skin surgery so it’s inception and popularity are not surprising. The beauty of Thermage is that it affects the deeper tissues, heating them while at the same time protecting the epidermis or outer layer of the skin. This “tightens” your existing collagen and stimulates new collagen growth.

Thermage was FDA approved for the treatment of wrinkles and fine lines in 2001. In one study done back in 2004, immediate improvement of nasolabial (that crease from the nose to the upper lip) and mesolabial folds (the so called “marionette lines” from the mouth down to the chin). Also, tightening of the of the submandibular (right under the jaw) and upper neck skin laxity was observed. However, the researchers found that one must wait up to 6 months to see the full effects of Thermage. Not only that, but the patients tested were satisfied with the results. Another study in 2009 also reported that ” These systems [radiofrequency] have become very popular because of their minimal morbidity and low risk for postoperative complications.”

So if you are not ready for the Smartlift facelift offered at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, give us a call and schedule the non invasive alternative!

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up a consultation 501-227-0707