Eye Thermage - Review
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free skin care · Fri Dec 01, 2006 11:44 am

I've waited a month to write my review of this procedure. For my birthday this year, I paid $750 for Eye Thermage. My lids were looking a bit saggy. I would do the upper lids again, but not right under my eye.
THE PROCEDURE
Numbing Cream is put around the eye area & left for 30 minutes. The doctor then incerted eye protection. The protection goes underneath the upper & lower eye lid. The procedure takes about 30 minutes , & I won't lie - IT IS VERY PAINFUL!
THE RESULTS
My upper lids are fantastic. They look like when I was 15. Over Thanksgiving, some one asked me if I was on my way back to college. Considering I'm 35, I was quite pleased. I would not do the bottom lids again. It did blister under the right eye. I also have more wrinkles under my eye than before.
MY ANALYSIS
Anyone who's battling saggy upper lids, this works. My experience tells me NOT to have them do under the eye. I would do the upper lids again, but not the bottom. If I did have the bottom done, I'd ask it to be on a lower setting.

free skin care · Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:07 pm

Hi c4ward - SO happy to hear you are pleased with your Thermage results. I am interested in having the same procedure done on my upper lids next year, but am nervous because I can't find any places offering eyelid Thermage that I feel confident in. Did you search around a lot before finalizing the plastic surgeons' office? Had they done a lot of these procedures before you (if so, how many)? Perhaps its the pain factor that scares many off and this is why it's not very popular yet where I live? When you say it hurts a lot, does this mean your eyelids felt like they were burning? I'd need a lot more than freezing cream to keep me calm in the chair if it's that uncomfortable! I'm also wondering how immediate the results were - same day, within a week, or month, etc? I've read that you can expect to see further improvements up to 6 months after the procedure. I'm also curious about the longevity of your results...any idea how many years you might get before the lids start to sag again?

Not to be too intrusive, but do you have any before and after pic's of your eyelids that you might want to share? I'd love to see them!!! Thanks! Smile

free skin care · Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:47 pm

Scotslass - Hi. I did research quite a bit before deciding to go to UCLA's Moy/Fincher Dermatology. I was one of the first to get it done ,and in hindsight ,would wait for more feedback. If you're in Toronto, I'm sure there are many very capable dermatologists. You can always call Thermage and get recommendations. I did have before pictures taken at the office & will see if I can get a copy.
Regarding the pain, I had Thermage done to my whole face last year & found the eye area much more sensitive. Even with numbing cream & a 1/2 valium, I had to take mini breaks. I mean, it really hurt ,& I have high pain tolerance. But like I said, the upper lids are amazing. Whereas they were starting to get saggy, they are very taught now. I'm hoping the under eye area will improve over the next few months. I would suggest you ask the doctor to use a lighter setting for the bottom lids because I did blister. There is a small remaining red mark under my right eye, but the doctor is quite sure it will fade in another month. I hope this helps.

free skin care · Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:13 pm

Thanks for your reply! I attended a Toronto anti-aging show in January and met with reps from several clinics to discuss Thermage, but none of them gave me the warm-and-fuzzy's. The technology still seems too new in some ways. It's only been about a year since clinicians started offering Thermage to tighten other area's of your body (the stomach and arms, for example). Even at that, there isn't one clinic that can boast a large number of Thermage procedures in my area. So I wonder how they become experienced using the equipment?

I REALLY admire your bravery in being one of the first to experience the eyelid procedure. I know for a fact I will have to wait to see more developments in this area before I will want to do it myself. I also hear you loud and clear about the potential risk of having it done to the lower lid area. I've already ruled that out as my biggest concern is my upper lids.

I really hope you are able to obtain the pic's from your derm's office. Again, I'd love to seem them - please also feel free to PM me if you'd like!

free skin care · Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:57 pm

Hello. I'm a new member and will eventually get around to introducing myself if I can ever quit reading all the new posts. I had eye and lower face thermage done almost six months ago. Now is the point at which optimal results should be visible but, if what I see in the mirrow are optimal results, I don't think I'd spend the money again.

I'm 54, with a bit of inherited upper lid droop and faint cross-hatching of the skin. The skin in my undereye area is somewhat lax and crepey, the result of the skin being stretched from years of morning puffiness; eventually the old elastic band gets too tired to snap back anymore. My jaw line was starting to morph from angular to (for lack of a better word) curvaceous. Guess I was just feeling generally pulpy and wanted an improvement but wasn't ready for plastic surgery.

I knew Thermage wouldn't help with the eyelid droop much but I hoped that it would tighten the skin enough to make eyeliner easier to apply and -- call me crazy -- even allow me to occasionally wear an eyeshadow that contained a tiny pinch of shimmer. I also wanted a reduction in the crepe factor in the undereye area, and a tightening along my jaw would not have been amiss.

The worst part of the whole procedure was the eyedrops and protective shields. Owweee! (Compare it to injectable freezing, which usually hurts way worse than anything done afterward.) The hot/cold sensation of the tip being applied to my skin was noticeable but not painful (okay -- I flinched a few times when my jaw was being worked on, but that's it). The rest of the appointment is just a blur of images because I was given an Ativan and Percoset beforehand to reduce discomfort. Believe me, with that combination they could have sawed my arm off and I wouldn't have felt any discomfort. I don't even remember getting home and it took a good 24 hours for the meds to wear off and to feel lucid. Obviously, the drugs were a tad too strong for my system.

There was no blistering whatsoever on any treated area. At about the three-month mark, I'd look in the mirror and think I looked slightly better: upper lids a little smoother, undereye area a little smoother. Tiny little lift around the eye area. Jawline still too tired to get out of bed. I decided to reserve judgment until a few more months had passed.

Well, here I am at almost six months post. While I am not unhappy with my appearance, it's obvious to me that the almost $3,500 price tag for eye and lower face Thermage could have been better spent, at least in my case and for my face, on plastic surgery. I don't mean to discourage anyone who is looking into the procedure, but you must be realistic and be prepared for potentially poor, as well as potentially great, results. It is very likely that a younger person, starting with better skin elasticity, would have results more satisfying than mine. The important thing is to keep trying until you find the right solution for you.

free skin care · Sat Dec 02, 2006 12:06 am

pinky1 wrote:

Hello. I'm a new member and will eventually get around to introducing myself if I can ever quit reading all the new posts. I had eye and lower face thermage done almost six months ago. Now is the point at which optimal results should be visible but, if what I see in the mirrow are optimal results, I don't think I'd spend the money again.

I'm 54, with a bit of inherited upper lid droop and faint cross-hatching of the skin. The skin in my undereye area is somewhat lax and crepey, the result of the skin being stretched from years of morning puffiness; eventually the old elastic band gets too tired to snap back anymore. My jaw line was starting to morph from angular to (for lack of a better word) curvaceous. Guess I was just feeling generally pulpy and wanted an improvement but wasn't ready for plastic surgery.

I knew Thermage wouldn't help with the eyelid droop much but I hoped that it would tighten the skin enough to make eyeliner easier to apply and -- call me crazy -- even allow me to occasionally wear an eyeshadow that contained a tiny pinch of shimmer. I also wanted a reduction in the crepe factor in the undereye area, and a tightening along my jaw would not have been amiss.

The worst part of the whole procedure was the eyedrops and protective shields. Owweee! (Compare it to injectable freezing, which usually hurts way worse than anything done afterward.) The hot/cold sensation of the tip being applied to my skin was noticeable but not painful (okay -- I flinched a few times when my jaw was being worked on, but that's it). The rest of the appointment is just a blur of images because I was given an Ativan and Percoset beforehand to reduce discomfort. Believe me, with that combination they could have sawed my arm off and I wouldn't have felt any discomfort. I don't even remember getting home and it took a good 24 hours for the meds to wear off and to feel lucid. Obviously, the drugs were a tad too strong for my system.

There was no blistering whatsoever on any treated area. At about the three-month mark, I'd look in the mirror and think I looked slightly better: upper lids a little smoother, undereye area a little smoother. Tiny little lift around the eye area. Jawline still too tired to get out of bed. I decided to reserve judgment until a few more months had passed.

Well, here I am at almost six months post. While I am not unhappy with my appearance, it's obvious to me that the almost $3,500 price tag for eye and lower face Thermage could have been better spent, at least in my case and for my face, on plastic surgery. I don't mean to discourage anyone who is looking into the procedure, but you must be realistic and be prepared for potentially poor, as well as potentially great, results. It is very likely that a younger person, starting with better skin elasticity, would have results more satisfying than mine. The important thing is to keep trying until you find the right solution for you.

Hi Pinky - Welcome to the forum! I am so glad you are sharing your Thermage experience here because I have not met a lot of people who have tried it (and would love to learn more from those with first-hand knowledge). To start with, I am so sorry that the results were not as successful as you were hoping for. I have read that Thermage works best on people between 35-55, so I would have thought you'd be a good candidate. Clearly age is not a certainty that your skin will respond to this type of procedure. I think you are right when you say the younger you are when you try Thermage, the better the odds are that your skin will regenerate and maintain the proper amount of elasticity to see satisfactory results. Does your clinician not offer a second Thermage treatment if the first one yielded such a poor outcome? I wonder if you just happen to be one of those people that needs a bit more in order to stimulate the extra collagen you need to increase the firming and lifting in your face?

My biggest concern is my upper eyelids or *hoodies* as I lovingly refer to them Wink

. As far back as my teens I have always had some form of excess skin and puffiness in this area. For me, the Scottish genetics are definitely at work as a lot of my relatives suffer from the exact affliction. In my case it is so much more pronounced because I have very large eyes. I guess all those years of the skin being stretched thanks to puffiness has done a number on them. I really notice the crepey skin when they are not taut with puffiness now. And this is seriously aging me before my time and starting to affect my self-confidence! If there was no significant down time to having a surgical eyelift, I'd run to my dr's office without hesitation and sign myself up! It's the healing and pain and discomfort of the knife that has me leery! This is again why Thermage appealed to me. It is non-invasive and you only have short-term (albeit painful) discomfort with virtually no down time. I have been quoted about the same amount ($3500) to have an eyelid lift and would hate to invest all that money into Thermage and it didn't give me the return I'm hoping for. At least with the surgery I am fairly confident I will get the results I want. It just means I will have to tolerate a lot of post-surgery discomfort and need at least 10-14+ days off to recuperate. Oh, the joys of aging!!!

free skin care · Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:53 am

Thanks for the welcome and kind reply, ScotsLass -- it's so much fun to be part of this warm-hearted and helpful group.

Before having the Thermage procedure, I also had looked into upper/lower eyelid lifts and confirm that two weeks is the appropriate downtime: the stitches in upper lid are usually removed one week post-op and the remaining bruising and any tenderness take a week to subside. Even though I'm squeamish about surgery of any kind, the hoodiness is progressive so surgery looks like the only viable option for my particular concern. (If any forum members have gone through either upper or lower eyelifts, I would greatly appreciate knowing about their experience.)

I can certainly relate to your concerns, ScotsLass, and would just say that you should go with what your intuition, life experience and common sense tell you. Usually (with a few exceptions), the more severe the problem, the more complicated or time-consuming the solution. Have any of your relatives had the surgery done? I'm sure you've already covered this point, but it might help to look at more before and after pictures of both surgery and Thermage so that you can again see the respective differences of each before you plunk down any cash.

Good luck, sweetie, and keep us posted on whatever you decide.

free skin care · Sun Dec 03, 2006 4:58 pm

From what I understand, people with thin skin seem to have better results than those with thicker skin. I know three people who've had the procedure and two were thrilled with. One was so so in their opinion. She was the one whose skin is oilier and thicker.

kimberly

free skin care · Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:51 pm

A good friend recently had upper and lower blepharoplasty. Two weeks sounds about right for recovery, but it could be a little less than that depending on the individual. She was able to easily conceal any bruising of her eye area with makeup, but it was suggested she avoid using it on or near the incision sites for a while. This, plus the fact that she felt her vision was temporarily effected by the stitches, made her decide to stay home as much as possible for the first ten days.

She looks great and is very pleased that she had the procedure! BTW, her plastic surgeon did Thermage for a while but gave it up. He said he didn't notice enough improvement to keep offering it. But afterall, he's a surgeon so he probably prefers cutting on people!

free skin care · Mon Dec 04, 2006 4:46 pm

Hi all.
Bluesheart, I do have fair skin which I think means thinner skin. Possibly, this is why I was happy with the upper lids.
Welcome Pinky1!
M.April, Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Thermage. I was hoping to get feedback like yours.
Scotslass, I wish you the best in figuring out what's best for you.

Like I said before, I'd do the upper lids again but not the lower. Every week, I'm even more happy with the upper. Very Happy

free skin care · Tue Dec 05, 2006 1:55 am

pinky1 wrote:

Thanks for the welcome and kind reply, ScotsLass -- it's so much fun to be part of this warm-hearted and helpful group.

So glad to have you here, Pinky! This forum is truly amazing and contains so many kind and talented members. Though I found this site over a year ago, I cannot believe how much I continue to learn from this sensational group. Be forewarned though - it truly is addictive here so don't be surprised to find yourself returning again and again!!

pinky1 wrote:

Before having the Thermage procedure, I also had looked into upper/lower eyelid lifts and confirm that two weeks is the appropriate downtime: the stitches in upper lid are usually removed one week post-op and the remaining bruising and any tenderness take a week to subside. Even though I'm squeamish about surgery of any kind, the hoodiness is progressive so surgery looks like the only viable option for my particular concern.

Realistically I know that eyelift surgery (aka, Blepharoplasty) is the most effective method of solving my problem. However, deep down I realise I am also squeamish about the knife and this is why I continue to seek out non-invasive methods. No one else in my family has had this surgery or will even consider it (they think I am simply vain Rolling Eyes

), so they tend to enforce any fears I may have about this procedure. Ultimately I believe I will proceed with the surgical route versus Thermage - it's just a matter of timing and incorporating a 2 week recovery period into my schedule.

In the meantime, I have my eye on *Cosmetic Accupuncture* as another method of stimulating collagen production and firmness in my face. Have you heard about this Asian facelift method?

free skin care · Tue Dec 05, 2006 2:20 am

m.april wrote:

A good friend recently had upper and lower blepharoplasty. Two weeks sounds about right for recovery, but it could be a little less than that depending on the individual. She was able to easily conceal any bruising of her eye area with makeup, but it was suggested she avoid using it on or near the incision sites for a while. This, plus the fact that she felt her vision was temporarily effected by the stitches, made her decide to stay home as much as possible for the first ten days.

She looks great and is very pleased that she had the procedure! BTW, her plastic surgeon did Thermage for a while but gave it up. He said he didn't notice enough improvement to keep offering it. But afterall, he's a surgeon so he probably prefers cutting on people!

Hi April - thanks very much for sharing this information. I'm so glad your friend is pleased with her results and that she didn't find the downtime too uncomfortable or long. It's always inspiring to learn others have had such success with these surgeries. My fingers are firmly crossed that I will be so lucky should I opt to do the same! Smile

Wed Dec 06, 2006 1:52 am

I had upper and lower blepharoplasty on Sept 2004 and I am really happy with the results. I was 43 when I had it done and I had droppy upper eyelids and puffy eyebags underneath. The puffy eyebags i inherited from my mom. The doctor said two weeks downtime, but for me it was a bit longer maybe because i have thicker skin, I am asian by the way. I went back to work a month after the operation and my eyes still appeared a bit puffy but it wa okey.

I am really happy with my decision. I feel that no amount of topical cream would have helped the eye bags nor the droppy eyelids and yes I look heaps younger again. Before the blepharoplasty, i was looking tired in the face and no amount of makeup in the eyes made it appear better.

I Dont use a lot of makeup in the eyes anymore. I can get away with just using my shuemera curl lash and my eyeliner and sometimes I would apply color on my eyelids.

The investment was worth it. Very Happy

free skin care · Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:53 pm

Hi Japok. Thanks for your review. The great thing about these boards is finding other people and real experiences.

Wed Dec 06, 2006 3:05 pm

Hi C4ward,

I am interested in finding out how long will the effects last from this treatment before one needs another Thermage procedure done. It seems that having thermage done on the face is less invasive which is really appealing.

free skin care · Fri Dec 08, 2006 3:16 pm

Hi Japok. I'm not really sure. Time will tell. The doctor said it should be permanent. Of course, we all still age, so I'd imagine it just scrolls back a few years.

free skin care · Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:24 am

Surgery is the only realy cure for hooded upper lids. I had the surgery,I was so glad, it will take YEARS off your appearance,www.makemeheal.com is where you will find all the info you need on any type of PS,there is a message board where you can pose questions and read old posts, it is an invaluable source of info. I read all the old posts on FL for 6 mos before I had surgery,a wealth of info.

free skin care · Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:44 am

I've had Thermage four times...stomach, triceps, and twice on the face.

Here are some things which *might* improve results!

1. Be SURE to pick a doctor who uses a HIGH setting and gives you LOTS of local anaesthetic! If they try to give you any song and dance like, "Oh, we carefully monitor the setting for your comfort" stand up, thank the nice people, and leave immediately! Proceed to your next consultation. Repeat until you find the doctor who proudly pats his Thermage machine and says, "This one goes to eleven!"

2. Lose as much weight as realistic BEFORE the procedure. Everything seems to indicate Thermage works better on thin faces than heavier ones. This probably isn't a huge factor in an area like the eyebrows (who has fat eyebrows?) but might help if you're having jowls or body area done.

3. Afterwards, feed that collagen! If it's true that results can continue for up to six months, make sure to take all the nutritional supplements all you healthy girls probably know about: vitamin c, msm, biosil, etc.

free skin care · Mon Dec 11, 2006 7:00 am

I didn't realise they did thermage on the body as well as the face - how did it work for you on the triceps Heather? I do tricep dips etc at the gym, but that area just will not tighten up!

free skin care · Mon Dec 11, 2006 5:34 pm

Heather Colorado, You are my new hero! Four times!!! Wow! Have you ever blistered? Did you get local anesthesia & did that cost extra? How did you choose your doctor? Would you do it again? I know, a lot of questions, but I don't know anyone who's done it that many times on different body parts.

free skin care · Mon Dec 11, 2006 6:20 pm

thermage benefits for many are doubtful, it can also permanently damage your face and leave dents,I have seen them dont do it it is dangerous.

free skin care · Tue Dec 12, 2006 2:35 am

Hi Fifi & C4ward!

Well, I go to a place here in Denver called Lasair...(they have a website but I can't seem to post links because I'm new and might be trying to sell stuff!)

Anyway, the first Thermage on the face was before it was totally FDA approved for the whole face, so the md did something called "vectors" I think it refers to zapping certain areas for a strategic lift?

The second time was whole face, I think, by a different md. Almost ZERO results, but then again he was a "we adjust the settings for your comfort" zapper.

Phooey! If I want "comfort" I'll curl up at home in a fuzzy robe with some mashed potatoes! Thermage isn't comfortable, it hurts like nobody's business, but it's supposed to! It's zapping your innermost tissue, for chrissakes! And you're paying tons of money for it!

Stomach was six months ago, with my dear Dr. Alexis. Years ago, I had been talked into getting liposuction and ended up with a horizontal bellybutton and a cellulite-covered tummy! The Thermage made my stomach about 80% better. Yes, it seems to really help cellulite look not as lumpy. I'm saving up for thighs, and will let you know how that goes!

Triceps were three weeks ago, and it's too early to tell. Dr. Alexis had all brand-new office staff, and the dear, sweet new girls had FORGOTTEN ALL MY PAIN MEDS!

I called my best friend Brandy and she went to my house, dug a single Percocet out of my couch (left over from wisdom teeth and hidden for emergencies) and raced over to hold my hand while my poor triceps were getting zapped.

Poor girl has little half-moon scars from my nails digging into her! Yowza, Thermage is one mean laser!

Triceps were really, really saggy...if I wore a tanktop and went dancing, I could cool my dance partner just by flapping them at him!

They're not tight like an eighteen-year-old's triceps (still hoping--five months of hope!)
but even this soon, they're no longer an obvious embarrassment. At least, no one's yelled "Hey, Batwing Girl!" at me in weeks!

BTW I'm thirty-eight, slender, blonde, fair olive skinned (Scottish, Hungarian, and Cherokee) and really not as hideous as I joke about. Thank you both SO much for being so friendly! Very Happy

free skin care · Tue Dec 12, 2006 5:21 am

A lot of PS do not approve of thermage,they have seen the damage and tried to repair the damage with expensive fat grafting. Whatever effects you see sometimes are temporary skin tightening.The titan, thermage are a ripoff,dont do it. Thermage can melt the fat in your face and leave you with huge dents,I have seen the tragic results!Its incredibly expensive too, might as well have plastic surgery where you know you will actually see a difference for sure.

free skin care · Tue Dec 12, 2006 7:46 am

Tanks for sharing this with us Heather - I hope you get great results and I'll look forward to a triceps update in the future Very Happy

. Maybe by then there'll be someone in the UK doing this procedure too. I'm kind of a wimp though, would need to be heavily medicated!

free skin care · Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:10 pm

Heather, thanks so much for the info. I'm so glad it helped a botched procedure. I only got topical lotion for the procedure & would definitely suggest something stronger for anyone looking into it. Did you have eye thermage?

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