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Thermage tightens and contours the skin, improves skin texture and minimises pore size. The Thermage procedure offers dermatologists and patients a non-invasive facelift and body contouring option without the downtime and recovery period associated with invasive cosmetic procedures such as conventional face-lift surgery and liposuction.

All the Thermage procedures use a

unique radio-frequency technology for controlled heating of tissue that is backed by years of clinical research. The device was cleared by the FDA in 2002.

Thermage's deep-heating, produced by radio waves, contracts patients' existing collagen and stimulates new collagen growth. The end result is tighter and firmer skin. Patients benefit from a single treatment and results can be subtle to dramatic depending on the individual patient.

Unlike lasers, Thermage works on all skin types and tones. Its immediate results are visible and continue to improve for up to six months.

What sort of treatments work best for slimming?

There are a number of non-invasive treatments for slimming, many of which can bring very dramatic results over time without the need to go under the knife. Examples are SmartLipo Laser; Mesotherapy - a popular injectable treatment; and Thermage, which uses radio waves to tighten and sculpt skin tissue, making it a recommended treatment for both body shaping and skin smoothening.

Last but not least is Vaser, otherwise known as LipoSelection, which uses ultrasonic vibrations to break down fat deposits.

Combining Vaser technology with Thermage allows removal of more fat and tightens the skin efficiently in very little time.

Both Vaser and Thermage are typically performed in a single session.

However, every individual patient represents a unique set of issues, and every physician has his or her own opinions and methods for helping patients reach their goals.

There is no fixed recipe, it might take a single treatment or a combination of different approaches to get the job done well enough to satisfy the patient.

Thanisorn Thamlikitkul, MD, is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery and qualified in laser surgery. Her column appears twice-monthly on the Fashion and Beauty page. Send your question to info@romrawin.com.

By thanisorn thamlikitkul, md

The Nation