from the Fall 2006 issue
Thermage®, our most popular skin-tightening treatment, can now be used to tighten and smooth skin around the eyes. This new use of Thermage technology called Eyes by Thermage™ is FDA-approved and is made possible by a new treatment tip that delivers the heat to a shallower depth in the skin. With this new tip, we can even treat the eyelid, which is very thin skin. The benefits include more lifted eyes with tighter, smoother skin all around. Above the eye, there is less hooding giving the eyes a brighter, more refreshed look. Under-eye bags are also reduced and less crepiness allows makeup to be applied more easily.
Wrinkle lasers are limited in their use around the eyes because the eye must be protected by metal goggles so the laser light will not damage the eye. Rather than using laser energy to heat the skin, Thermage uses radiofrequency energy. To protect the eye from the heat, a plastic shield is placed in the eye under the eyelid. For comfort, anesthetic eye drops are placed in the eyes prior to placement of the protective shields.
Radiofrequency energy causes some immediate tightening of lax skin so some results are seen right after the treatment. Improvement continues for months after the procedure because the heat from the Thermage stimulates collagen-producing skin cells to make more collagen, which plumps out wrinkles and smoothes the skin. Results can be enhanced by a home skin-care regimen that contains collagen-building active ingredients, such as growth factors, antioxidants and vitamin-A derivatives. GentleWaves® Skin Fitness light treatments post procedure can also improve results.
In a multi-center study, patients were treated with Eyes by Thermage, and their results were followed for six months. Over the six-month trial, 86 percent of participants reported improved upper eyelid hooding, 88 percent reported improved eyelid tightening, and 83 percent reported improved lower eyelid tightening. The study also showed the procedure to be safe, and side effects to be minimal.
Eyes by Thermage can be done in a single treatment, but a second treatment can be performed if desired. There is no downtime. However, some patients opt for pain medication, anti-anxiety medication or both. If you do take an oral prescription drug, you will need to make arrangement for someone to drive you home after your procedure. Some patients experience dryness of the eyes post procedure. Over the counter artificial tears may be used to soothe the eyes after the treatment.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation for Eyes by Thermage, please call our office at 713.850.0240.
For more information, see:
Body by Thermage
Summer 2006
Tighter Skin Without Surgery
Holiday 2006
Introducing Body Shape by Thermage
Spring 2008
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