Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

Great news for those wanting to improve their appearance and take years off their face (without surgery)! This will appeal to the guys, I'll tell you why in a minute.

Have you considered a face lift, S lift or even contour threads but been put off by what people will say or think when you walk back into the office after your "holiday"?

"Wow you're looking good, have you had a face lift?" Squirm while everyone turns around to stare!

I mean this is embarrassing enough for us ladies! I can't imagine how you guys must feel. We shouldn't be embarrassed by these things if we're confident self assured human beings - but that's probably a subject for another article.....

The Thermacool (Thermage, Thermalift) Face Lift (the gradual face lift - yes really!)

First let me say that the Thermacool is not for those with heavily wrinkled skin. Those are best treated with laser or chemical peels. However Thermacool can be successfully combined with these and other procedures.

Thermacool is mainly for sagging skin. It is the only completely non-surgical option which has long term effects. How long term is not really known as the procedure is relatively new, but you can expect at least two years and probably up to five, depending on sun exposure and skin care after treatment. Repeat procedures can be done as needed.

The Technicalities

Radio frequency energy is delivered to the deeper skin layers heating the collagen and surrounding tissue. This causes the collagen to shrink and tighten. At the same time, the surface of the skin is cooled to protect it and minimize any discomfort. Thermacool doesn't require an anaesthetic although a local anaesthetic cream may be used. The sensation while probably not entirely pleasant, is not painful. The process can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The areas that can be treated are cheeks, neck, jowls and eyelids. Other parts of the body are being trialled, but it's expected the results would be as good.

Downtime is minimal, you can return to work the next day. There is some instant improvement due to the tightened collagen, but the greater effect will develop gradually over 2 - 3 months.

Add to this the low risks - no anaesthetic, no cutting, compatible with any medication and Thermacool becomes a very attractive option for us older guys and girls!
Oh! and did I mention it's cheaper than a face lift?

The Downside

Thermacool won't work miracles on seriously sagging skin. A face lift would still be the best option for this. As I've already mentioned it's not a wrinkle treatment, although increased collagen would probably plump out minor wrinkles.

Aussies please note - while Thermacool is now available in Sydney and Melbourne, it is not in Brisbane at the time of writing. A local cosmetic sugeon has told me it's not far away. Neither is Christmas - sigh!

Those with heart pacemakers should not use Thermacool as the radio frequencies may affect them. Apart from that it seems to be one of the safest anti aging procedures now available!