Thermage is a popular non-invasive anti-aging treatment. It is widely recognized in the industry for its proven effectiveness and ease of operation.
However, to maximize its anti-aging benefits while minimizing adverse reactions, a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Thermage is essential.
Starting from this issue, I will introduce professional knowledge about Thermage in a Q&A format, using concise text to provide a thorough overview. My goal is to help aesthetic doctors gain a deeper mastery of this technology.
1. What is Thermage?
サーマクール です non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening technology that uses monopolar RF energy to stimulate collagen remodeling and regeneration, achieving firmer skin, wrinkle reduction, and contour lifting. Due to its remarkable anti-aging effects, Thermage has become a highly sought-after treatment in the aesthetic industry.
2。 How Thermage Works?
- 活用する 6.78 MHz monopolar RF technology to generate heat deep within the skin.
- The heat causes コラーゲン収縮, leading to an immediate tightening effect.
- It also stimulates new collagen production, resulting in continuous skin improvement, with effects lasting 1-2 years。
3. What Type of Aesthetic Device is Thermage?
Aesthetic devices are primarily classified into three categories:
- Light-based devices (e.g., lasers, IPL photofacials)
- Sound-based devices (e.g., ultrasound therapy, Hydrafacial)
- Electric energy devices (e.g., RF, microcurrent)
Thermage as a Radiofrequency Tightening Device
Thermage uses モノポーラRF技術, which differs from bipolar and multipolar RF. It penetrates up to 4.3mm deep, reaching both the dermis and SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) layer, providing deeper anti-aging effects.
4. Monopolar RF with Return Electrode vs. Monopolar RF Without Return Electrode
Radio frequency (RF) devices can be categorized into monopolar RF, bipolar RF, and multipolar RF. Among these, monopolar RF is the most commonly used, which includes monopolar RF with a return path (Monopolar RF) そして monopolar RF without a return path (Unipolar RF)。
Thermage falls under monopolar RF with a return path and is recognized as the world’s first RF device used in medical aesthetics, making it a pioneer in the application of RF technology in aesthetic treatments.
What is Monopolar RF?
Unlike bipolar and multipolar RF, monopolar RF transmits energy from the treatment head into the skin, returning through a grounding pad. This deeper energy penetration is ideal for skin tightening, anti-aging, and fat reduction。
Key Differences Between Monopolar RF Types
In monopolar RF with a return path, energy is transmitted in the form of an electric current between the skin-contact electrode and a grounding pad electrode. In contrast, in bipolar RF devices, the energy is distributed between two electrode points on the same handpiece.
- Monopolar RF with a Return Electrode (e.g., Thermage): More concentrated energy, deeper penetration, suitable for skin laxity and advanced aging concerns.
On the other hand, in monopolar RF without a return path, there is only one electrode, and no electrical current transmission occurs. Unipolar RF operates at a frequency of 40.68 MHz. At higher frequencies, electromagnetic oscillation causes rapid rotational movement of water molecules, leading to dielectric heating of the skin tissue。
- Monopolar RF Without a Return Electrode (e.g., standard RF devices): Energy is more dispersed, affecting mainly the epidermis with less intensive results.
In practice, except for unipolar RF, all other RF technologies used in medical aesthetics generate heat through electric currents within the skin tissue, producing thermal effects due to tissue resistance。
5. What is the Frequency of Thermage and Its Advantages?
Frequency = 6.78Mhz
Advantages of 6.78 MHz Frequency:
- Heating Mechanism
- At lower frequencies (<10 MHz), the primary heating mechanism is ionic current conduction。
- At higher frequencies (>10 MHz), the rotational movement of water molecules becomes the dominant heating mechanism.
- Since 6.78 MHz is below 10 MHz, Thermage generates heat through electrical current passing through tissue resistance, ensuring deep and effective thermal effects.
- Penetration Depth
- The higher the frequency, the shallower the penetration. Conversely, the lower the frequency, the deeper the penetration.
- 6.78 MHz can penetrate up to 6mm into the skin, allowing it to effectively target all relevant tissue layers for treatment.
- Optimized Energy Efficiency
- で 6.78 MHz, RF ions oscillate approximately 6.78 million times per second。
- More oscillations mean more energy is generated, leading to efficient and controlled heating.
- This frequency is considered optimal for balancing heat production and penetration depth, making it ideal for aesthetic treatments.
Due to these advantages, both Korean-made そして Chinese-made monopolar RF devices have also adopted 6.78MHz as their standard frequency. The latest water cooling thermage like 電圧計 also used the 6.78Mhz.
6. Power: 400W
Thermage operates with 400W high-energy RF, delivering rapid and efficient collagen contraction and regeneration.
7. Pulse Width of Thermage
Although Thermage is an RF (radio frequency) device, it operates in a “pulsed” emission mode and is applied using a stamp-like technique. This means that, like lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices, Thermage also has a pulse width。
Pulse Width and Energy Distribution
- Thermage delivers high energy, which increases the risk of pain and burns due to elevated temperatures.
- To control this, the total pulse width of the Thermage facial treatment tip is 1 second, divided into five sub-pulses, each with a pulse width of 200ms。
- During the pulse intervals, a cooling agent is released to cool the skin, protect the epidermis, and improve comfort。
Cooling and Pulse Intervals
- Since there are sub-pulses, there are also pulse intervals during which cooling is applied.
- For the 4th-generation Thermage CPT, available data shows:
- Pre-cooling time: 0.01s
- Post-cooling time: 0.8s
Pulse Width for Eye Treatments
- の eye treatment tip has a shorter total pulse width of 0.7 seconds instead of 1 second, due to the thinner skin around the eyes。
- This is an important distinction compared to facial treatments.
8。 Comparison of 4th and 5th Generation Thermage and Volnewmer
However, the cooling process before, during, and after the pulse varies slightly between these generations, optimizing patient comfort and safety.
の pulse width of the 4th and 5th generations is the same。
Volnewmer : Water Cooling System バツ RF Thermal
Continuous Output Comfort + Performance UP!
Continuous output of RF heat
Thermage provides continuous RF heat output, unlike other RF technologies that deliver energy in a non-sustained or intermittent manner. This allows for a more sustained transmission of energy, ensuring consistent and effective heating of the deeper skin layers. The combination of low stimulation with high energy minimizes discomfort while maximizing therapeutic effects. As a result, Thermage delivers immediate skin-tightening benefits while also stimulating long-term collagen production for lasting rejuvenation.
9。 とは何ですか “Capacitive Coupling” in Thermage?
Thermage uses 高周波（RF）エネルギー, which is a type of electrical current, to treat the skin. There are two main methods of coupling RF energy into tissue:
- Conductive Coupling (Traditional RF):
- In this method, energy is concentrated at the tip of the electrode, leading to uneven heating of the tissue.
- This increases the risk of burns or electrical shock。
- Capacitive Coupling (Used by Thermage):
- Thermage utilizes capacitive coupling, where RF energy is evenly distributed across the surface of the treatment head, creating volumetric heating in the tissue.
- This coupling is achieved through a conductive membrane on the treatment head. The RF energy passes through this membrane, ensuring that the energy is uniformly spread, leading to safe and consistent heating.
Important Note:
Before performing the treatment, clinicians must inspect the treatment head for any damage to the membrane. If the membrane is damaged, it should be replaced, as a broken membrane will not allow for capacitive coupling and could result in unsafe, sharp-tip discharge。
What is Volumetric 3D Heating in Thermage?
Thermage uses pulsed RF energy そして capacitive coupling to produce a cylindrical, 3D heating effect within the skin. Here’s how it works:
- Each RF pulse penetrates the skin evenly from the epidermis down to the fascia layer, heating all layers of the tissue.
- This process stimulates コラーゲン再生 in all targeted layers, resulting in smoother and firmer skin.
他の治療との比較:
- ウルトラセラピー: Provides point-based heating。
- サーマクール: Uses volumetric, 3D heating for complete coverage of the skin, ensuring no area is missed during treatment.
- サーマクール also has no forbidden zones, meaning it is safe and effective across the entire skin.
This unique method of heating makes Thermage a comprehensive treatment option for skin rejuvenation.
10. Advanced Intelligent Sensors of Thermage Treatment Heads
Thermage treatment heads feature four intelligent sensors for precision and safety.
Four Key Sensors in Thermage Handpieces
- Temperature Sensor: Continuously monitors skin temperature to prevent burns.
- Impedance Sensor: Adjusts energy output based on skin conductivity.
- Contact Sensor: Ensures proper contact for safe and effective treatment.
- Pressure Sensor: Detects pressure to maintain consistent energy delivery.
11. Thermage vs. Other Skin Tightening Devices
Thermage vs. Ultherapy
| 特徴 | サーマクール | ウルトラセラピー |
|---|---|---|
| エネルギーの種類 | RFエネルギー | 高密度焦点式超音波 (HIFU) |
| Penetration Depth | 4.3mm (Dermis + SMAS) | 4.5mm (SMAS) |
| 理想的な候補者 | Mild to moderate skin laxity | Severe sagging, deep wrinkles |
| ダウンタイム | ダウンタイムなし | Potential mild swelling |
Thermage vs. Thermolift
| 特徴 | サーマクール | Thermolift |
| テクノロジー | Monopolar RF | Bipolar RF |
| Penetration Depth | 4.3mm | 3mm |
| 理想的な候補者 | Mild to moderate laxity | Early-stage skin laxity |
12。 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Thermage
Is Thermage Safe?
Thermage is FDA承認済み and clinically proven worldwide. It features a 冷却システム to protect the skin and prevent burns.
Does Thermage Hurt?
Most patients report a warm sensation that is tolerable. The latest Thermage models use cooling spray technology to minimize discomfort.
When Will I See Results from Thermage?
- Immediate effects: Collagen contraction leads to instant firmness.
- Progressive improvement: Over 3-6 months, new collagen formation enhances skin elasticity.
- 長期にわたる結果: Effects typically last 1-2 years。
Who is Thermage Best Suited For?
✅ Individuals with skin laxity, nasolabial folds, or sagging jawlines.
✅ Those seeking non-surgical anti-aging solutions.
✅ Patients looking for long-lasting skin tightening with minimal downtime.
As one of the most advanced monopolar RF skin tightening devices, Thermage stands out for its ability to firm, lift, and smooth the skin effectively. If you’re looking for a powerful anti-aging solution, Thermage is definitely worth considering!
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