Collagen loss is a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. As we get older, a reduction in collagen production leads to signs of aging, such as loose, sagging skin and wrinkles. Thermage FLX is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that helps to encourage new collagen growth, leading to youthful-looking skin that’s smoother and firmer. Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva and her expert staff are proud to offer Thermage FLX at LEA Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach. Read on to learn more about how the treatment works, then contact LEA Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today.
What is Thermage FLX?
Thermage FLX is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure for tightening aging skin. The treatment uses radiofrequency energy and bulk heating to encourage new collagen and reduce signs of aging, including sagging skin and crepey texture.
Thermage FLX is an update on the popular Thermage system. The new treatment is faster and has fewer risks, side effects, and complications when compared to its predecessor. Additionally, a cooling feature built into the Thermage FLX system helps to make the treatment more comfortable than ever before.
During treatment with Thermage, the radiofrequency energy reaches into the dermal layer of the skin. It heats up the dermis, which causes the remaining collagen fibers to contract. The heat from the radiofrequency energy also encourages the growth of new collagen. Collagen provides support to the skin, keeping it firm and smooth.
Thermage FLX is approved to tighten sagging skin in a variety of areas, including:
- Eye area
- Legs
- Abdomen
- Jawline
- Under the chin
- Around the mouth
- Forehead
Who is a Candidate for Thermage FLX?
People in Orange County with loose or sagging facial skin or loose, crepey skin on the body might be good candidates for Thermage FLX. Ideal candidates will be in good overall health and will have realistic expectations for the treatment.
Depending on the degree of skin laxity you have, surgical skin tightening might be a more appropriate option for you. Dr. Ho Taghva will discuss any options with you during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision.
Some people are not good Thermage candidates. The treatment isn’t recommended for people who are pregnant. Because it uses radiofrequency technology, Thermage FLX is also not safe for people with pacemakers, defibrillators or other electronic implanted devices.
Please let Dr. Ho Taghva know if you have any electronic devices in your body or if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant soon.
Your Thermage Consultation in Newport Beach
Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva at LEA Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach is the first step toward firmer, smoother skin. During your consultation, Dr. Ho Taghva will get to know you and will ask you about your goals and motivations for considering Thermage.
She’ll ask you about your past and current medical history, describe the Thermage treatment in detail and help you decide what to do next. Your treatment plan might include Thermage FLX on its own, Thermage with other non-surgical treatments, or another option entirely, such as facial plastic surgery or a tummy tuck.
You’re welcome and encouraged to ask Dr. Ho Taghva questions during the consultation. The aim of the appointment is to provide you with all the information you need to make a decision about whether or not Thermage is right for you.
Why Work with Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva?
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva is a board-certified plastic surgeon at LEA Plastic Surgery in Orange County. She completed her medical training at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and went on to serve in a plastic surgery residency at the University of Southern California.
Her aim as a plastic surgeon is to help patients look as youthful as they feel and to enhance their natural beauty. She’s experienced in performing a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures and has the expertise needed to help her patients choose the treatments that will work best for them. Dr. Ho Taghva employs a talented team of expert medical professionals to help her deliver top-notch care.
How to Prepare for Thermage
Preparations for Thermage are usually very minimal. If you already eat a healthy diet, avoid unprotected sun exposure, and drink alcohol only in moderation, you won’t need to make many changes to your habits. Dr. Ho Taghva might give you a list of things to avoid right before treatment, such as alcohol and certain medicines.
For your own comfort, you should wear loose-fitting, casual clothing on the day of your treatment. That way, you can feel relaxed and at ease during the procedure.
The Thermage FLX Procedure
The Thermage FLX procedure is performed in a treatment room at LEA Plastic Surgery. Dr. Ho Taghva or a member of her team, such as Kristen Scheibel, RN, Naomi Pesyna, NP or Jenny Sohn, RN might perform the treatment itself.
The exact treatment time depends on the number and size of the treated areas. Treatments usually take between 30 and 90 minutes.
During treatment, Dr. Ho Taghva or a nurse will apply the applicator to the skin. The size of the applicator tip depends on the treatment area. The body tip is considerably larger than the tip designed for the eye area, for instance. The appropriate size applicator tip will allow for precise deep heating in the target area.
What Happens After Thermage FLX
Since Thermage treatments don’t require the use of needles, anesthesia or incisions, little to no downtime is involved. You’ll be able to go back to your usual activities right after treatment. You won’t have to request time off from work or find someone to look after your kids for you.
Some people notice visible results very soon after treatment, but it’s more likely that results will emerge between two and six months after treatment. As the skin continues to produce more collagen, results will continue to improve for up to one year after Thermage FLX.
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Risks and Side Effects of Thermage FLX
The risk of side effects and complications after Thermage FLX is minimal. Some people have redness or some swelling right after the procedure, but these side effects usually fade within a day or two. You might notice that the skin in the treatment area is dry after the procedure. You can soothe the skin by applying a light moisturizer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thermage FLX
Thermage FLX treats sagging and crepey skin associated with the signs of aging. It can help to reduce the look of a turkey neck, loose jowls, and droopy eyelids. It can also smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
How long the results last will vary from person to person, based on the individual aging process and each patient’s skin maintenance habits. Usually, the results last for a year or two. You can maintain results by repeating Thermage on a schedule recommended by Dr. Ho Taghva.
Thermage FLX gently warms the skin as it works on heating the dermis below. Many people find the radiofrequency technology to be comfortable during treatment. Two features built into the Thermage FLX system, cooling and vibration, are also designed to make the treatment more comfortable.
The cost of Thermage varies based on the treatment area and the number of areas you want to treat. Dr. Ho Taghva will give you a more accurate estimate of the cost during your consultation.
Thermage is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production. Other non-surgical skin tightening treatments use ultrasound energy, which also stimulates collagen production. However, Thermage tends to provide longer-lasting results and to be more comfortable when compared to other options.
For the right candidate, Thermage offers several benefits over surgery to lift and tighten skin. There’s no downtime and little preparation is needed for the procedure. Depending on the specific concern, Thermage can be the more effective and appropriate option. More significant sagging will usually require surgery, however.
Most people see the results they want after a single treatment with Thermage. To maintain results, many people decide to return after a year or so for follow-up treatment. Dr. Ho Taghva will let you know the number of sessions you might need and can make a plan with you for maintenance treatments.
Since Thermage doesn’t require downtime, you won’t need to make changes to your routine following treatment. If you haven’t already been following a skincare routine for your face and neck, then getting fresher, younger-looking skin might be the perfect excuse to begin one.
Minimizing sun exposure is a smart move, both before and after Thermage. Get in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day to reduce the amount of damage caused by the sun’s rays.
If you live near Newport Beach, CA, LEA Plastic Surgery offers Thermage FLX among its services, and is conveniently located at 20360 SW Birch Street Suite 180 Newport Beach, CA 92660
Schedule Your Thermage Consultation at LEA Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach Today
Thermage FLX can reduce signs of aging on the face and neck and around the body in just a few minutes. If you’re interested in learning more about how skin tightening treatment with the Thermage system could help you, please contact Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva at LEA Plastic Surgery in Orange County today.
