Thermage Tissue Tightening

By delivering radiofrequency energy through the skin, the Thermage procedure results in the heating of deeper skin layers, while the surface of the skin is actually cooled. Collagen, once heated, contracts resulting in an overall tightening of loose or lax overlying skin. The results of collagen shrinkage and remodeling become increasingly apparent three to six months following the procedure. The lasting effects of Thermage are being studied and are ongoing, but results have now been documented to last over two and a half years.This is all done without the need for a surgical incision, so now, finally, there is an effective alternative to a surgical facelift, eyelift, or forehead lift. Although Thermage may not deliver the more immediate and dramatic results that a surgical procedure can provide, the procedure is ideally intended for those individuals who want to tighten and maintain their youthful appearance as long as possible. This may prevent the need for a more aggressive surgical procedure in the future. It is also helpful several years after a facelift as tissues once again start to stretch or sag. Since the results of Thermage develop gradually, you never experience the shocking look as if you "have had something done".

The Thermage procedure takes place in the office, and generally lasts under two hours. Any discomfort can easily be controlled by pain medications administered in the office. The Thermage procedure has evolved over recent years, so now lower energy levels are commonly used resulting in much less discomfort than in earlier years.Thermage can be performed on men or women, and skin of any color. It is even being used to tighten sagging skin seen on the upper arms, or lower abdomen following childbirth. Following the procedure there may be mild swelling or transient redness, but most people are able to return to work the next day without any disfigurement.

For more information we welcome you to make an appointment for a consultation or call the office. All Thermage procedures are performed by Dr. Reed.

Recent Media Attention for Thermage and Dr. Reed

She's found her fountain of youth

At 47 I'm no spring chicken. Gravity is catching up. Since I was a teenager, I've known that long before I started to look like a Shar-Pei I would do something about it.

I am not ready for complete facial renovations, that's why Thermage was appealing. The facial-smoothing procedure uses radio frequency to damage collagen deep in the skin, causing it to rejuvenate and tighten. Results don't fully show up for two to six months. Many women I spoke to who have had the procedure done were happy with the result. It sounded relatively simple, painless and no down time. How could I resist?

I made an appointment with Dr. Kenneth Reed at his Quincy office. I was excited and anxious. But, I found myself in good hands. Reed, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, was reassuring, relaxing and more than competent.

This could really work.

After examining my skin and the contours of my jaw line he decided I'd be a good candidate for the procedure. So it was scheduled.

I read quite a bit about the new technique so I wasn't nervous. After all, I told myself, it was featured on Oprah.

So the day came and there I was in the waiting room with invisible thought bubbles floating above my head, all of which I looked fabulous in.

Reed gave me a pill to relax, then a shot of Demerol. In pretty short order I found myself in a most agreeable mood. What? You're going to shave my head? No problem, really.

I took a look at the ThermaCool machine, which is the trademarked device used to perform the Thermage procedure, and it looked pretty harmless. The good doctor snapped the very expensive, highly sophisticated "tip" onto the hand-held fountain of youth tool and began.

At first it was pretty much pain free but as he explained before we began, certain areas would be more sensitive, and they were. It was a kind of pinchy burn but it only lasted a few seconds in each spot, and once the pain medication kicked in, it was quite tolerable. Halfway through the procedure I sat up and took a look at my face. No red marks, no swelling and was I seeing things or was there already a slight difference in the contours on the left side of my jaw?

Reed finished the procedure, which took about an hour. He "zapped" my face 440 times. There was no mess, no blood, no lasting pain or discomfort and knowing my face better than anyone, I could definitely see a slight difference. By the time I turn 48 in February I should start to see real results.

Like many women, I watch a lot of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures on television. While some produce tremendous, almost immediate results, I'm just not disgusted enough with my appearance to jump in the deep end of the pool yet. Thermage is intended to last a couple of years or so, depending on the patient. But it's new, and who knows, maybe this will be all I need.

About a week after having the procedure I started noticing a difference in my "drooping" jowls. I wondered if it was my imagination but then my son, so honest he once told me that my fanny was the size of Texas, said he too could see a difference.

I imagine in time I won't hide my sagging neck behind my hair. Maybe I'll be able to wear a pony tail without looking like a marsupial.

These procedures may not be for everyone but I intend to fight the aging process every step of the way.

Instant gratification