Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina specializes in dermatology and cosmetic procedures, including Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Evolence, Dysport, Sculptra, Latisse eyelash treatment, liposuction, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, laser skin rejuvenation and wrinkle resurfacing and vein treatment (laser and sclerotherapy).
Skin Tightening | Frequently Asked Questions About ThermageŽ
1. What is the Thermage Procedure?
The Thermage procedure was developed to help the signs of aging skin. It works by tightening tissue. It is currently used for treating periorbital (around the eye) wrinkles, full face, neck, arms, abds, buttocks, thighs, and now eyelids. The Thermage procedure is also known as ThermaLift, Thermal Lifting, Therma Plasty, and Thermoplastic contouring. The Thermage technology is being studied for other aesthetic uses including treatment of cellulite.
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2. How does it work?
The radiofrequency (RF) energy uniformly heats the dermis while cooling and protecting the epidermis. It is designed to cause immediate collagen contraction followed by new collagen production which occurs over a period of time. The Thermage procedure is the only FDA approved non-invasive method to tighten loose skin.
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3. What does a Thermage Procedure feel like?
Each time treatment is delivered there is an immediate cool sensation, followed by a brief hot sensation, followed by a cool sensation. Dr. Anne L. White will offer measures to increase your comfort.
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4. How long will the Thermage Procedure take?
Depending on the size of the area treated, the procedure itself may take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours depending on the number of areas that you choose to have treated. Dr. Anne L. White may require that you arrive an hour before your procedure for administration of medications. This patient had her forehead skin treated in about 25 minutes. Note the change in the appearance of her eyes.
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5. When can I return to my normal activities?
There is minimal downtime associated with the Thermage procedure. In fact you may return to your normal activities the very next day. Minimal redness is seen in some patients but it usually disappears shortly after treatment. Some patients experience minor swelling the day after the procedure. There is no special care needed after treatment. As a part of good skin care, Dr. White will be happy to consult with you and develop a skin care regimen custom-tailored to your individual needs. Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center offers a wide variety of skin care products selected by Dr. Anne L. White personally from only the best available prescription quality lines.
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6. When will I see results?
In most patients, results appear gradually over 2-6 months, although some patients see an earlier response.
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7. How many treatments will I need?
A single treatment has produced good results in a significant number of patients. However, your doctor will assess the number and frequency of treatments required to achieve optimal results for your skin.
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8. How long will the effects of the Thermage procedure last?
Recently published studies show that improvements continue for at least six months after a single treatment session. Other studies show that thermal collagen changes can last several years, depending on the rate of the aging process. From Dr. White's personal experience with the hundreds cases she has performed, and since she has been performing the procedure for 3 years; we know that the procedure lasts at least for that period of time, Three years.
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9. How safe is it?
The Thermage procedure is very safe. Although it is possible that skin damage can occur, this advanced treatment has been studied carefully in hundreds of patients with minimal reports of lasting adverse effects. Over time treatment recommendations have changed to include lower energies, more passes, and specific vectors (directions in which the Thermage tip is applied).
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10. How does the Thermage Procedure change your skin?
This magnified picture of skin (before image) depicts diminished collagen density and a thinning epidermis (top layer of skin) which is typical of aging skin. Four months after the Thermage Procedure there is new and denser collagen and an appreciable increase in the thickness of the epidermis (after image) |
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| Before |
After |
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11. How much does it cost?
| Entire face/neck $3200 | Mid/lower face $2800 |
| Brow or lower face $1800 | Abdomen $2400 and up |
| Arms $2700 for both | Thighs/knees $2800 first area; $1800 second area; $1000 counts as two areas |
| Additional lower neck $500 | Eyes $1000 as add on to other facial area; $1800 as stand alone procedure |
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Dr Anne L. White, Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has trained internationally in the latest techniques of cosmetic procedures, including Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Evolence, Dysport, Sculptra, Latisse, liposuction, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, laser skin rejuvenation and wrinkle resurfacing and vein treatment (laser and sclerotherapy).
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