Keen to give skin a dose of radiance? Radio frequency is a great way to kick-start the dermis – and it’s particularly good on hooded eyes. We talk to Katherine Millar Shannon, cosmetic nurse practitioner and owner of Duquessa in Melbourne, about new-and-improved Thermage.
Sagging eyes are a common ageing issue. What’s going on?
As we age, our skin’s collagen and elastin simply break down faster than our bodies can rebuild them, causing our skin to lose elasticity. This often leads to wrinkles, and pockets of loose, sagging skin. The effects of ageing are typically more noticeable around the eyes, where skin is delicate and thin. Over time, our eyes appear to lose elasticity, begin to droop, wrinkle, and even create a heavy appearance known as “hoods” or “hooding” that make you look more tired and much older.
What is a good way to tackle the issue?
Thermage works on the silhouette of facial contours; it tightens and smooths the jawline, neck and under eyes through non-invasive radio frequency. The Thermage eye tip-treatment, designed to ease sagging hoods around the eyes, involves new and unique technology that, when combined with anti-wrinkle injections, results in a truly inspired overall aesthetic to the face.
What is Thermage exactly?
Thermage is based on Radio Frequency (RF) energy that kick-starts the body’s natural cell renewal process. A defibrillator for the dermis, of sorts, it combines heat energy to treat deep tissue and a cooling effect to protect the skin surface and optimal patient comfort.
Can it treat the body too?
Thermage is the most effective non-invasive way to smooth and tighten loose skin on our bodies. This amazing skin tightening treatment is suitable for non-surgical facelifts, tummy tucks, arms, hands, thighs, knees and buttocks skin tightening. It can also smooth uneven, dimpled skin on the body and temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite.
How long do results last?
Visible results may be immediate, and they may appear over time in the course of your body’s natural collagen rebuilding process. For most patients, measurable results appear gradually in the two to six months following a single treatment session. Results can last years, depending on your skin condition and aging process.
What do you like about the Radio Frequency treatment around the eyes?
I have been satisfied with Thermage for minimal skin laxity. That is why client selection is highly critical; if you have a small quantity of extra skin, either above or below the eyes, it will tighten it from one to two millimetres or more to give you a brighter more open look around the eye area.
Is there downtime?
There is no real down time, it works on your body’s own collagen production, then offers gradual natural results that speak for themselves. It is also a great adjunct treatment to anti-wrinkle or dermal filler treatments, especially when treating the eye area or face.
What parts of the body do you use this technology on most?
I offer Thermage for the face and jaw, which is very popular, but I really drive it with the Thermage eye rejuvenation as I love the results it offers.
To be able to offer a treatment for this that is non-surgical is fantastic and it really gives so many men and women a huge boost to their confidence.
Thermage used to be more painful than it is now, what has changed?
Like all treatments, technology has advanced and the treatment has adapted over time. While there is some pain associated with the treatment, it does offer great results.
Each time the treatment device touches your skin, you’ll feel a brief cooling sensation, followed by a deep but brief heating sensation, followed by another cooling sensation. The heating sensation is a sign that the deep layers of your skin are reaching effective temperatures for collagen remodelling.
With the latest Thermage CPT technology you’ll also feel a gentle vibration sensation for added patient comfort. Throughout the procedure, I ask for feedback on the level of heat sensation to help balance your comfort with maximum results.
What has been the feedback from your Thermage patients?
The feedback has been excellent. My clients love the natural look of Thermage, especially when supported with adjunct therapies. It is quickly becoming one of my most favoured treatments amongst our customers.