Thermage A New Skin Tightening Treatment! Thermacool is a new device for non-surgical tightening of the skin on the face and neck. Gradual loosening and drooping of the skin causes droopy eyebrows, jowling and folds on the neck, all of which can be improved with our Thermacool device. Treatment with the Thermacool device (the treatment is called Thermage), is an exciting option for all those of us who want to diminish the looseness of the skin that starts to appear in our forties, and are not quite ready for a facelift. It is also a great option at any age for patients who desire improvement but would not consider a facelift. Improvement is achieved at a reasonable cost, without risks of surgery or anesthesia, and no recovery time. Thermacool is an FDA approved radio-frequency device which delivers radio-frequency energy to the skin. It is the only device that generates heat in the deeper portion of the skin to cause shrinkage of collagen which results in tightening of the skin. New collagen formed in the treated area, over several weeks after the treatment, results in continued gradual improvement over 2 to 6 months. As heating occurs deeper in the skin, the special treatment tip simultaneously keeps the surface of the skin cooled and protected during the treatment. This makes it a safe treatment for all light and dark complexions. The treatment is performed in our office. It takes an hour-and-a-half for the whole face and 30 minutes for the forehead alone. Within the range of energy used for treatment higher energy levels achieve better results. For many patients this is best accomplished with the help of oral medication such as Tylenol with Codeine and local anesthetic (numbing) injection. Afterward, patients can return to their normal activities immediately. One treatment is sufficient for many patients, but a second treatment may be needed for optimal improvement to occur. The gradual and subtle improvement is a real plus, making it a less obvious change to colleagues, friends and neighbors. For maximum improvement is it best to avoid sun-exposure and smoking, which harm the skin. BOTOX ®, Collagen, Restylane or radiesse treatments do not interfere with Thermage treatments, and can be used along with Thermange for greater enhancement.