100 Pertanyaan Tentang Thermage (3)

Thermage, internationally recognized as the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening, has proven its effectiveness over more than 20 years on the market. The term “gold standard” refers to the best and most preferred treatment. Thermage has earned this title primarily due to its comprehensive improvement of the dermal layer, fat layer, Dan SMAS fascia layer.

22. Thermage Combats Aging Across Three Skin Layers!

1. Dermal Layer:
   Thanks to Thermage’s volumetric, cylindrical heating, it stimulates the entire dermal layer to regenerate a significant amount of fresh collagen. Other anti-aging treatments, whether different devices or ultrasound-based methods, cannot achieve full dermal collagen regeneration.
2. Fat Layer:
   Thermage has a clear compressive effect on the fat layer, which helps to slim the face, improve nasolabial folds, and shape the facial contour. It achieves this without causing fat dissolution.
3. SMAS Fascia Layer:
   While the brand previously did not emphasize Thermage’s impact on the fascia layer, it is worth noting that Thermage can penetrate to the fascia layer (4.3mm depth). The energy reaching this depth is relatively weak, and its impact is limited. However, facial skin varies in thickness, especially in the fat layer. In areas with thicker fat layers, the energy reaching the fascia layer is minimal, resulting in weaker effects. Conversely, in areas with thinner fat layers, more energy can reach the fascia layer, especially in targeted areas like the zygomatic ligament Dan upper cheek areas with lower skin mobility. Strengthening treatment in these areas can tighten the fascia layer, offering better lifting and shaping effects.

Additionally, the fifth-generation terapi panas Flx has a larger treatment head, which theoretically allows deeper penetration, delivering more energy to the fascia layer, particularly in areas with thinner fat. Therefore, Thermage can indeed work on the fascia layer, particularly in these thinner fat areas.

23. Why Does Thermage Provide Long-Lasting Results for One Year?

Thermage offers long-lasting results, typically maintaining its effects for up to one year after a single treatment, while most other anti-aging treatments require repeat sessions every 3-6 months. The reasons for Thermage’s effectiveness include:

1. Collagen Regeneration Across the Entire Dermis:
   Thermage stimulates collagen production across the entire dermal layer. With its high power (400W), it generates the most collagen regeneration compared to other treatments.
2. Reverse Thermal Gradient:
   Thermage utilizes epidermal cooling to create a reverse thermal gradient, directing more radiofrequency energy into the deeper dermis and fat layers, particularly into the fibrous gaps. This allows the deeper dermal layers to receive more energy, resulting in more heat and stimulation for collagen regeneration.
3. Collagen Types and Skin Strength:
   In the dermal layers, Type III collagen predominates in the Dermis superfisial (papillary layer), while Type I collagen is more abundant in the deeper dermis. Type I collagen plays a key role in the skin’s strength and support, while Type III collagen helps maintain skin softness. Thanks to Thermage’s reverse thermal gradient, Type I collagen is regenerated in large amounts in the deeper dermis, improving skin texture and ensuring better support and resistance, a process known as “rigidity strength” in histology. The Type I collagen regeneration is what allows the results to last for a year, maintaining the skin’s support and resistance.

24. Ideal Age for Thermage Treatment:

Menurut 2020 Thermage International Expert Consensus, the recommended age range for Thermage treatment is 30-65 years. However, the brand’s training materials suggest an age range of 25-60 years. The consensus highlights that Usia kulit (how aged the skin is) is more important than chronological age. Therefore, even individuals around 25 years old but with a higher skin age (which is common) can begin Thermage treatment. Although skin aging is not significant at 25, the key benefit of Thermage is delaying skin aging—essentially, achieving a “frozen” skin age.

Starting Thermage treatment in the mid-20s and continuing annually can keep the skin looking youthful, preventing it from aging faster. For example, after 10 years of continuous Thermage treatments, someone who starts in their mid-20s could look as young as 26-27 years old by the time they reach 35.

For individuals under 30 (with skin age as the determining factor), annual treatment is not required. Every 1.5-2 years of Thermage treatment can still significantly help in delaying skin aging. According to the Thermage expert consensus, individuals receiving Thermage flx treatment every 1-2 years can experience long-lasting skin tightening, helping to prevent sagging as they age.

Dalam ringkasan, terapi panas is suitable for a broad age range (25-65 years), making it an excellent choice for both younger individuals aiming for long-term skin preservation and older individuals (above 60 years) with younger skin ages who can still benefit from this treatment.

25. Thermage Treatment Interval Recommendations

According to Sota, the Thermage brand’s U.S. recommendations, the ideal treatment interval is once a year. However, as discussed earlier, skin aging varies with age, and the activity of fibroblasts (cells responsible for collagen production) differs among individuals. This results in varying levels of collagen generation in response to the same Thermage treatment. Therefore, treatment intervals should be adjusted based on Usia kulit dan age-related functionality of organs.

Treatment Intervals Based on Age:

• Under 30 years old:
  • Since fibroblast activity is optimal, these individuals can produce sufficient collagen in response to Thermage treatment.
  • Recommended treatment interval: 1-2 years.
  • For individuals closer to 25 years old, the treatment interval can be 2 tahun, while for those near 30 years old, it should be shortened to 1 tahun.
• 30-40 years old:
  • As age increases, fibroblast activity starts to decrease. However, individuals in this age range still have active fibroblasts capable of generating collagen.
  • Recommended treatment interval: Once a year for individuals aged 30-40.
• 40-50 years old:
  • As people approach 50, organ functions decline, and fibroblast activity decreases further, meaning less collagen is produced.
  • Recommended treatment interval: Every 10 months for individuals nearing 50.
• 50-60 years old:
  • With further aging, collagen production decreases more significantly, and the skin’s ability to rejuvenate slows.
  • Recommended treatment interval: Every 8-10 months.
• Over 60 years old:
  • Even if a person’s skin age is younger due to regular skincare, the fibroblast function declines significantly by this age.
  • Recommended treatment interval: Every 6 months, as this is the shortest interval for Thermage treatments.
  • Catatan: Thermage should not be repeated in intervals shorter than 6 bulan, regardless of age.

By adjusting treatment intervals based on skin age and fibroblast activity, Thermage can offer optimal results tailored to individual skin needs.

26. Why Should the Skin Be Kept Dry Before Thermage Treatment?

Menurut 2020 Thermage International Expert Consensus, it is recommended to keep the skin dry before the procedure. Many people might wonder why this is necessary, as it might seem intuitive that higher skin moisture would help conduct the RF (radiofrequency) energy deeper into the skin. However, there is a specific reason behind this advice.

The Science Behind Keeping the Skin Dry:

1. Radiofrequency Energy and Electrical Conductivity: Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy, which is a form of electrical current. For safety reasons, it is crucial to ensure that the skin does not suffer from “electrical burns” atau “electric shock” due to improper handling or potential errors by the practitioner.
2. Wet Skin Increases Conductivity: Wet skin has a higher conductivity than dry skin. This increased conductivity can cause electrical current to travel unpredictably or concentrate on the surface, leading to electric shock risks. In contrast, dry skin has a lower conductivity, making it safer for the treatment because the RF energy can be more controlled and directed where it’s needed.
3. Distinction Between Surface Moisture and Skin Hydration: It is important to note that surface moisture (like sweat or water on the skin) is different from the skin’s internal moisture level (hydration). Even when the skin appears dry on the surface, it can still maintain an adequate level of hydration within the epidermis. Therefore, ensuring that the skin is dry on the surface is crucial for both safety Dan effective energy delivery.

This explains why dry skin is essential before starting Thermage or any other RF-based treatments to avoid any risk of electrical injury while ensuring the treatment proceeds safely and effectively.

27. Does Topical Numbing Cream Really Help with Thermage Pain?

Earlier, I reviewed a study from a Japanese doctor that suggested that topical numbing creams do not effectively reduce pain during Thermage treatments. However, after further research, I have gained a new perspective on the matter. I came across several clinical studies from abroad that did apply numbing creams before Thermage treatment, and this practice appears more common with other more painful treatments like Majerean Dan Ulthera (HIFU). So, let’s break down the effectiveness and safety of topical numbing creams for Thermage, considering new insights.

How Topical Numbing Creams May Work:

Topical numbing creams can help with pain relief through three main mechanisms:

1. Increase in Skin Hydration & Daya konduksi:
   • When applying numbing cream, a common practice is to wrap the area in plastic wrap. This technique is derived from the “occlusion principle” commonly used in dermatology, which aims to enhance drug absorption.
   • A secondary effect of this occlusion is that it increases the water content of the stratum corneum (skin’s outer layer). Higher water content increases the conductivity of the skin, lowering its resistance and allowing more RF energy to penetrate deeper tissues.
   • This lower resistance combined with skin cooling during the procedure helps to reduce the heat generated by the RF energy, thus mitigating pain. For this method to be effective, it’s crucial to apply a thick layer of numbing cream and cover it with plastic wrap for at least 60 minutes before the treatment.
2. Placebo Effect:
   • Itu placebo effect is also at play when numbing cream is used. If a client is particularly anxious or fearful of pain, the psychological comfort provided by the numbing cream can significantly reduce their perceived pain. A sense of control or reassurance can help them relax, making them less sensitive to the actual discomfort.
3. Numbing Action:
   • Of course, topical numbing creams theoretically work by directly blocking pain receptors in the skin. However, the numbing effect of 5% lidocaine creams (which are commonly used) is often mild. This is because the concentration is relatively low compared to what would be used in more invasive procedures, so its effect on pain reduction might not be as significant for Thermage.

Potential Risks and Safety Concerns with Topical Numbing Creams:

While numbing creams can be beneficial, they also come with some potential risks:

1. Allergic Reactions and Skin Irritation:
   • Numbing creams, especially those containing lidocaine or other anesthetic agents, can cause allergic reactions atau skin irritation (contact dermatitis). With an increasing number of sensitive skin types, using numbing cream on these clients might lead to discomfort or even adverse reactions. This is a particularly important concern, given the prevalence of sensitive skin in the general population. New formulations with lower allergic risks are expected to enter the market, but currently, sensitivity remains a concern.
2. Vasoconstriction Effects:
   • Numbing creams often cause vasoconstriction, meaning they shrink blood vessels. This can cause the skin to appear whiter, which can interfere with the practitioner’s ability to gauge the skin’s response to heat during the procedure. For clients with conditions like rosacea, whose skin is more prone to redness and irritation, this effect can cause complications.
   • If vasoconstriction is not properly accounted for, the practitioner may mistakenly misinterpret the skin’s reaction to RF energy, potentially leading to overheating atau burns, especially in sensitive areas.

Kesimpulan:

While topical numbing creams do have a mild analgesic effect, they are not a panacea for pain during Thermage. They can provide comfort for clients and help reduce psychological discomfort, but their ability to reduce the actual pain of the procedure is limited. Additionally, they may cause some efek samping like skin irritation and affect the practitioner’s ability to accurately gauge treatment endpoints.

For most clients, numbing cream can help ease the discomfort, but it should be considered as complementary rather than primary pain management. It’s also important to manage expectations and adjust the treatment protocol accordingly, especially when treating sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea.

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