Thermage works by heating the deeper layers of your skin. Most of the preparation below is about making that heat safe and comfortable, and about not blunting the response afterward.
Tell Us Now If You Have an Implanted Device
- A pacemaker, an implanted defibrillator, a nerve stimulator, a cochlear implant, an insulin pump — any implanted electronic device rules Thermage out entirely.
- Radiofrequency energy can interfere with them.
- Tell us before your appointment, not on the day, and tell us even if you are unsure what you have.
Three Months Before
- Tell us if you have taken isotretinoin for acne in the past three months. This rules treatment out.
Two Weeks Before
- Avoid sunburn and significant sun exposure in the area.
- No new peels, laser, or resurfacing treatment in the area — the skin should be calm and unirritated when you arrive.
Seventy-Two Hours Before
- Stop anti-inflammatory pain relievers and oral steroids. Thermage works by creating a controlled inflammatory response that builds collagen. Anti-inflammatory medication blunts exactly that response, so taking it can weaken your result. Plain acetaminophen is fine.
- If it is medically safe for you to do so, stop anything that thins the blood — with your physician’s agreement. Bring your full list to your visit, or call ahead, and we will go through it with you. Never stop a prescribed blood thinner on your own.
The Day of Your Treatment
- Arrive with the area clean and free of makeup. Apply no creams or products to it that morning.
- Wear loose clothing with open access to your neck. No turtlenecks and no scarves — we need to reach the jawline and neck.
- Eat something and drink water beforehand.
- Remove all jewelry from the head and neck before treatment.
- Bring a current list of your medications and supplements.
- Allow 60 to 90 minutes for the treatment itself, longer if Sculptra is included.
What the Treatment Feels Like
- Each pulse delivers a brief wave of heat while the surface of your skin is cooled at the same time.
- Most patients describe it as around three out of ten.
- Tell your physician during the treatment if any pulse feels too hot — the energy is adjusted to your comfort, and that feedback is part of how the treatment is kept safe.
Tell Us Before We Begin If Any of These Apply
- You have any implanted electronic device, or any metal implant in or near the area.
- You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- You have an infection, open area, or skin condition flaring in the area to be treated.
- You have a history of keloid or raised scarring, or your skin darkens after inflammation.
- You have an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, or poorly controlled diabetes.
- You have had filler, a neuromodulator, laser, or a peel in the area recently.
- You are unwell today. If you are ill, call us and we will move your appointment. There is no charge for that.