ThermiTight

ThermiTight Frequently Asked Questions

What is ThermiTight?
 ThermiTight is a minimally invasive, non-surgical method to tighten loose skin and deeper tissues. It is commonly used in the neck and lower face to lift the jowls and the neck.

 

How does ThermiTight work?
 ThermiTight is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the deep tissues of the neck and lower face. Radiofrequency (RF) energy has been used for a decade to tighten skin and deeper tissues of the face and neck.

 

In the past, the RF energy was delivered through transducers over the skin. Since the skin is very sensitive to heat, the amount of energy that can be delivered is limited. ThermiTight is innovative in that it completely bypasses the outer portion of the skin and delivers the RF energy from below. This allows for optimal heating of the deep tissues without causing any damage to the overlying skin.  Temperatures to the deep tissue can be reached that were never possible before with older technology. ThermiTight can thus produce some of the best non-surgical face and neck lifting results.  

 

Are there any incisions?
No. ThermiTight is performed through small needle punctures by the ears and under the chin. The ThermiTight probe is inserted through these areas and threaded underneath the skin.  Sutures are not necessary. For this reason, ThermiTight is often referred to injectable RF.  

 

Does ThermiTight hurt?
 No. ThermiTight is commonly performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Steiger will perform an anesthetic block of the area to be treated and you will be comfortable throughout the procedure.  Some patients take a mild sedative to relax them during the procedure.  IV sedation is also available upon request. 

 

What makes ThermiTight safe?
During the procedure the ThermiRF device has an internal thermistor that monitors the temperature and maintains it at the level set by Dr. Steiger. This varies depending upon the area being treated.  In addition to the internal temperature, an infrared thermal camera is used to monitor the temperature of your skin.  This allows for effective treatment of the skin and also serves as a safety mechanism. If the temperature starts to rise above the desired levels, the machine is shut off.  This makes ThermiTight very safe.  

 

How long will it take to see my results?
ThermiTight works by heating the skin and deeper tissues.  This induces your body to create tightening in those area. Most patients start to see results in 30 days after the procedure but the results will continue over the next several months.  In about 3 months most of the results are seen, but they can continue to improve for about one year after the procedure.  

 

How many treatments will I need?
 ThermiTight only requires one treatment. 

 

How long will my ThermiTight results last?
ThermiTight causes permanent tightening to the areas being treated. While, the results are permanent, the aging process is not stopped. 

 

Is ThermiTight a substitute for a facelift?
ThermiTight is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift/necklift, but at this time there is no equivalent non-surgical substitute for a facelift. The best treatment to correct loose jowls and a hanging neck is a facelift and neck lift surgery. ThermiTight is an in-between procedure performed on patients that may not yet be ready for a facelift/necklift or patients that do not want to have a surgical procedure. 

 

Will I have pain after the procedure?
Most patients have minimal to no discomfort after the procedure.  Any discomfort can be treated with Tylenol (Acetaminophen). Rarely will any stronger pain medications be necessary.   

 

How long will I be swollen?
This varies on the area being treated and how loose the skin is.  Generally, swelling lasts from 3 to 7 days after the procedure.  

 

 

Dr. Jacob D Steiger MD is ThermiTight expert board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery. He practices in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida treating patients from Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, as well as patients from all over the US and from around the world.