Thermi RF: Skin Tightening

 

What is Thermi RF Technology?

ThermiRF® is a process where radiofrequency energy is converted to heat with the resulting effect remodeling of the tissues. ThermiTight is a minimally invasive process, performed under local anesthesia, and indicates controlled subdermal tissue heating. It can be used on the tissues of the neck, arms, abdomen and legs. It has been shown to approve the appearance of cellulite. ThermiSmooth is the same technology but performed through the skin without the need for anesthesia or any incisions. This can be used to tighten the tissues of the neck, face, arms, abdomen and legs.


How long will surgery be?

The duration of the procedure is related to how many areas are treated and how large those areas are. A neck from start to finish can take about an hour. Arms and legs take longer. ThermiTight is generally a single procedure, ThermiSmooth is offered as a series of 4 treatments spaced every 3-4 weeks.


What kind of anesthesia will I have?

Local anesthesia is used for most ThermiTight procedures, with or without Valium. Some patients wish to combine these treatments with facial or body contouring in the operating room. ThermiSmooth does not require any anesthesia.


What is recovery like?

Patients are in a compression garment over the treated area, the duration depending on the treated site. A neck garment is worn for a full week then every night for another 6 weeks. Body compression is worn full time for 6 weeks. The small incisions used for ThermiTight do not require sutures and close spontaneously within a matter of days. There is very little bruising or pain with any of the ThermiRF® procedures and activity can be resumed normally within a matter of days.

 
Thermi RF Neck Garment. Click image for link to purchase.

Thermi RF Neck Garment.
Click image for link to purchase.

 

What are the risks?

Potential injury to adjacent structures, burning of the skin and failure to aggressively contour the desired area are the most common concerns.


How do I prepare for surgery?

A preoperative appointment is scheduled approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery. At this time, all consents and recommendations, instructions for before and after surgery are reviewed. A long list of medications to avoid is reviewed and prescriptions are given for postoperative management.  The day before surgery, all patients are called to review final questions, confirm nothing has occurred since the patient was seen at preop that might require rescheduling of the procedure and to finalize arrival time at the facility. All patients are given ample information at the preoperative appointment regarding a time line of what to expect in the recovery process and when.