There are many non-surgical techniques available to tighten the skin without surgery. While many companies and physicians claim to get the results as good as surgical face lift, these false claims are simply misleading. Surgical face lift gives the most dramatic results whereas the non-surgical techniques are less effective - but you do not have to go through surgery. The most popular is the Radiofrequency technique in which a machine like Thermage or Radiage by Ellman, U.S.A., is used to treat the loose skin. In truth, all that radiofrequency does, is to heat the dermis layer (deeper layer) of the skin in a very controlled way. This layer of the skin contains special proteins called collagen (the structure that keeps the skin tight). With advancing age the collagen is depleted and the Radiofrequency heating can stimulate the skin to make more of this collagen giving you the tighter skin. This process of making the new collagen by your skin takes time a few months to sometimes a few years. So why do we see the immediate improvement with Radiofrequency? The answer is the mild swelling caused by the procedure can give you the glow and mild tightness immediately that resolves within the next few weeks. But the longer lasting results will take time to appear as the new collagen will continue to form. While not nearly as effective as a surgical face lift, the Radiofrequency can improve the tone of the skin to certain extent without having to go through surgery. We use the state-of-the-art radiofrequency instrument Radiage made by Ellman U.S.A. Radiage is one of the latest non-ablative procedures for maintaining a youthful appearance. It is not a laser. It is a patented radio frequency system. The advanced Cool-Gel incorporates a cryo-gel to cool the skins outer surface while the Radiofrequency energy slightly heats and modifies the soft tissues beneath the skin. The procedure is rapid and bloodless.
Both are radiofrequency devices made by two different companies.
Benefits of Radiage Over Surgery
It is non-invasive, so no surgery is involved.
The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes to perform in the clinic.
No anesthesia is required and absolutely no pain occurs during or after the procedure.
Since no surgery is involved, there is no bleeding or bruising.
Radiage procedure can be combined with other rejuvenation non-surgical modalities, like Botox and skin fillers like Restylane, to give you the youthful look that you always wanted without having to go through surgery.
Basically, there is no recovery. You may resume all normal activities immediately after the procedure. Slight redness may be seen for less than an hour and in rare cases up to a few hours. The full effect of your treatment develops over a few months following the procedure and can be expected to last for one to three years. This varies from patient to patient. As with any cosmetic procedure, the results can be expected to fade gradually over time, at which time the procedure can be repeated if desired.