AMARILLO, TX – Cosmetic surgery, or at least the cosmetic results, appeals to many people who are experiencing sagging skin around the eyes, and ever-growing and loose jowls on the neck as they age, and even extra loose and sagging skin around the belly following childbirth in younger women. But to many the thought of an invasive procedure, discomfort and considerable downtime for healing disrupting the busy lives dissuades them from moving forward.

We hear it all the time here at SkinTreatment.com and the Cosmetic Dermatology Center headed by Elaine Cook, M.D., a board certified dermatologist with nearly 30 years of experience, 18 of them directly in cosmetic dermatology. “Isn’t there something a little less invasive and with minimal downtime?,” they ask.

How about non-invasive and no downtime at all – and with great results? The answer just may be a revolutionary procedure called Thermage. Want to reduce the sagging and the wrinkles and return to work and life that very same day? Then Thermage skin tightening is the answer.

Thermage is a non-surgical, FDA approved office procedure for tightening skin, with no incisions, surgery or recovery time. Thermage is a proven, unique radiofrequency treatment that can help improve the appearance of sagging or loose skin, giving you a smoother, sleeker and younger look and feel.

As the name suggests, Thermage uses heat through radiofrequency that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. This is coupled with cooling effects in the technology focused on the outer layer of the skin that helps to protect the skin and deliver better patient comfort. Thermage is performed in our office and may take up to an hour, depending on the size and condition of the treatment area. Using a unique treatment tip, Thermage delivers radiofrequency energy to heat collagen, a structural protein located in the deep layers of the skin. This helps build and contract collagen, which in turn tightens the skin's appearance.

Each energy pulse with the Thermage tip takes two to seven seconds. Treatment times are typically about an hour, depending on the target areas involved; as an example, the entire face may require 400 to 900 pulses.

The key target areas and results for the Thermage procedure are:

• Face and Neck Results— smoother and tighter skin, contouring of jawline and upper neck, and lifted eyebrows and cheeks.
• Eyelid Tightening Procedure Results—tighter, smoother skin, reduced crepiness and hooding, more upper eyelid revealed and reduced under-eye bags.
• Body Tightening Procedure Results—tightening and lifting with flatter and smoother skin, smoothed dimples and improved skin texture.

The very good news about Thermage is that, unlike some of the injectable fillers, the results can be permanent after only one treatment. Some patients see results immediately; however, results are usually gradually seen over 2 - 6 months, with improvements continuing for at least 6 months. If a second treatment is needed, it is usually done 6 months after the first, however most people don’t require a second treatment.

As to what to expect, with each touch of the Thermage tip there is a brief intense heat sensation, and we prescribe oral pain and anxiety medications. Your skin may feel flushed much like mild sunburn, and rarely patients develop swelling of the face and neck after treatment, occasionally lasting up to a week. Some patients may experience thickening of the tissue deep in the skin, numbness or mild discomfort when pressure is placed over bony areas (such as jaw line). This may last several weeks, rarely longer, and is normal. Most patients return to their normal activities right away and report no discomfort.

Modern cosmetic dermatology offers a wealth of resources for people looking to look younger and feel more confident in their appearance, and the Cosmetic Dermatology Center at Advanced Skin Treatment Center with Dr. Elaine Cook is on the leading edge of professional developments in this area.

In addition to cosmetic procedures for anti-aging and for beauty, Dr. Cook has also pioneered the development of Dr. Elaine’s® Advanced Skin Treatment line skin care products which combine high tech skin care solutions with proven botanical and natural actives. Available to anyone nationwide with immediate shipping through our website, here you’ll find skin care treatments and moisturizers far superior than what you’d find at the drug store. The line includes products to aid in in everything from acne, anti-aging and facial care, to sensitive skin and rosacea care, and products made exclusively for men and teens and young adults. Dr. Elaine’s® Advanced Skin Treatment skin care products also include such cosmetics as antioxidant mineral powder and mineral glow that deliver a radiant, healthy appearance with concentrated pigment covers distracting acne blemishes, brown spots or redness without caking or accentuating wrinkles.

Visit the website links included in this article for more information or call 800-417-SKIN(7546) for details or to schedule an appointment.