Fancy a facelift, but don’t want the downtime? The non-invasive Thermage FLX™ procedure, which uses heated radiofrequency to tighten the skin, might well be the answer.
Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have a few things in common. They are all successful, talented, beautiful women that look years younger than their age suggests. They have also all had Thermage FLX.
And having tried the treatment for myself, it’s easy to understand why it’s now one of the most requested cosmetic treatments – with thousands of patients flocking to clinics across the UK to book in.
The Thermage FLX procedure is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines, sagging and wrinkle. Thermage has been the go-to choice for many patients concerned with signs of ageing on their face, neck, arms and even buttocks and knees. And the company has had enough practice – with over two million Thermage treatments performed worldwide.
A non-invasive, high powered radiofrequency treatment that targets the tissue under the skin, Thermage FLX promises to tighten the skin in one simple treatment.
Dr Angelica Kavouni is a Key Opinion Leader for Thermage FLX and offers the treatment at her clinic Ion Kavouni London on Harley Street. She explained how the treatment does what it says it will. “Thermage uses patented radiofrequency that delivers a uniform heating effect that penetrates deep into the collagen-rich layers of the skin,” she says. “In turn, this gentle heating causes existing collagen tissue to tighten, stimulates the production of new collagen, and helps to define contours”.
The treatment involves laying on the doctor’s couch with the area being treated exposed. A Thermage Return Pad is attached to your back in order to neutralise the electrical current, and then the doctor applies some gel onto the area and the transfer of a grid, which she uses as a map to target specific areas.
Using the hand-held device, the doctor targets these specific areas, and as she does so you feel a succession of warm bursts onto the skin. This heat can be turned up or down according to your pain threshold, but it’s worth grinning and bearing it as the hotter it is, the more effective it works.
“Thermage FLX is a great solution because it helps your skin to regain some of the tightness that it’s lost,” says cosmetic surgeon Dr Angelica Kavouni. “It can be applied to any skin types including Asian and black and apart from some minor redness, swelling or sensitivity for 24-48 hours afterwards there are no negative side-effects. Patients may notice a difference to the skin immediately afterwards, but over the course of weeks, there will also be a gradual improvement. The treatment lasts for approximately 1-2 years.”
Immediately afterwards the skin is slightly pink and a bit sensitive, so it’s advised not to do vigorous exercise or come into contact with extreme heat for 48 hours. Afterwards, the skin feels noticeably tighter and smoother.
It’s a one-off treatment that takes just 30-90 minutes (depending on the treatment area needed). What makes this treatment different to the many other radio frequency devices on the market is that the output is high so that you only need one treatment to see results and the results continue to improve over time.
After the treatment, there is a noticeable tightening and improvement with the contour of the skin. It is a simple treatment and removes any anxiety surrounding more invasive treatments. Another big benefit is the lack of downtime. You’ll notice your skin condition improving for the next six months and the results are expected to last for up to a year. What’s not to love?
Expect to pay approximately £1600 depending on the size of the area that you need treating.
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