Thermage Treatments In Singapore: The How, What, When And Who!

Gwnyeth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston are both nearly 50 years old, but they look half their age and claim that they’ve never had any surgery at all. Their anti-ageing secret? Thermage: a face and body treatment that tightens and lifts the skin by stimulating collagen.

The Beauty Insider platform does not promote or support any specific treatment. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and we strongly advise all readers to thoroughly research and consult with a doctor accredited by the Ministry of Health before undergoing any aesthetic or medical procedures.

What is Thermage, and how does it work?

It takes our body months to produce collagen, and as we grow older, we produce even less. Thermage uses radiofrequency waves to speed up the process.

Here’s how it works. Our skin is made of several skin layers: the epidermis (surface) and the dermis (thicker, collagen-rich layer). Collagen are parallel layers of fiber that hold the skin together. When the fibers weaken, the skin starts to sag.

The radiofrequency waves create heat energy that makes the collagen fibers contract and thicken. That already makes the skin look immediately tighter, but there’s more: the body thinks the collagen is damaged, and starts making new (and stronger) collage. That’s why you’ll reap the full benefits of a session after a few months. Your skin looks toned, lifted, and younger-looking.

What can Thermage treat?

It has been cleared by the FDA for use on the face and body. It can help tighten the skin texture and smoothen out the skin surface, and reduce or soften wrinkles.

• Lift the eye and brow area to make you look younger and refreshed
• Treat heavy hoods or fine lines on the eyelids
• Soften nasolabial folds (frown lines)
• Minimize the appearance of forehead wrinkles
• Tone the jawline and reduce the appearance of a double chin

Many doctors say Thermage is particularly effective for younger looking eyes, because it can be used on both the upper and lower eye area.

Thermage body treatments can target the neck, hands, arms, stomach, thighs, and buttocks. It’s generally used for toning and tightening loose skin.

Can I use Thermage for slimming and contouring?

Thermage’s ability to penetrate into the deeper skin layers also allows it to melt some fat cells and help the area look more defined.

However, it can’t break down stubborn fat deposits as effectively as other body contouring treatments like CoolSculpting, VelaShape or Zerona. These are specifically designed to break down fat cells and help your body flush it out. If you want to smoothen out the skin and slim down, your doctor may combine radiofrequency with other body contouring treatments to help you achieve your desired results.

Can Thermage reduce cellulite?

Some of the more advanced machines have a special attachment called the ThermaTip CL, which can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. The treatment is cleared by the FDA, and clinical trials proved that you can see results after the first treatment. However, you may need to wait a few weeks to see improvement, and depending on your case, your doctor may combine it with other cellulite treatments. Results last about 18 months.

Can Thermage be used to treat acne scars?

Since Thermage stimulates collagen and improves skin tone and texture, it can help correct indented acne scars or icepick scars. However, this is an off-label use and not approved by the FDA. That means doctors may choose to use Thermage as part of their acne scar treatment, but that’s not what the machine is really designed for.

How many sessions do I need?

Just ONE. “Thermage is the only RF device that can be done with a single treatment as shown in peer-reviewed studies, histology and long-term results,” says Dr. Vic Narurkar, M.D., founder and director of the Bay Area Laser Institute, chairman of dermatology at California Pacific Medical Center (Dermatology Times)

This makes it stand out among other treatments that may require four or more sessions. However, you do need a follow-up or touch-up treatment after about a year to maintain the results.

What happens during (and after) a Thermage session?

• Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the treatment area
• Procedure: The doctor will apply a numbing cream, and draw a grid to guide the handpiece. This guarantees that the radiofrequency waves are delivered exactly where they’re needed, with no overlapping or missed sections.

Pain and Side Effects

Most people say Thermage isn’t as painful as microneedling, because the radiofrequency waves don’t damage the skin surface. And unlike laser treatments, which can feel very hot, Thermage has a cooling function that keeps your skin at comfortable temperatures.

However, you will feel a little discomfort. You’ll feel a brief heating sensation as the handheld device touches your skin, followed by a cooling sensation. Don’t worry: you’ll be given a numbing cream, and the pain won’t increase or spike to unbearable levels. However, if you’re sensitive to pain you may ask your doctor if you need to take an OTC pain reliever before the session.

After treatment, your face will looked a little flushed and slightly swollen. However, this subsides after 2 or 3 days — or even the same day, if you’re not the type who gets red easily.

What’s the difference between Thermage and Ultherapy?

Thermage and Ultherapy give very similar benefits, so it’s common for people to ask which one is better.

• Technology: Thermage uses radiofrequency waves, while Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound waves. Both stimulate collagen production to lift and tone the skin.
• Duration of session: Both Thermage and Ultherapy can take about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the treatment area.
• Discomfort: Both treatments will create a warm, tingling sensation. While patient accounts vary, Thermage treatments (especially those using new machine, Thermage FLX) seems to be less uncomfortable because it emits less heat.
• Results. Thermage claims to give results starting at 6 weeks, and Ultherapy starting at 8 weeks. However, both will need about 6 months to give you the full results.
• Downtime. Both can cause redness and swelling, but Thermage may create less because of the lower heat levels. Severity depends on the length of exposure/session and the sensitivity of the area you’re treating.
• Cost. Ultherapy is generally less expensive than Thermage, but ask your doctor for a personalized quote for both treatments to get a clearer idea.

Am I good candidate for Thermage?

Thermage is recommended for people with mild to medium skin laxity. There is some sagging, and you want to tone or lift the skin. It’s not effective for very deep wrinkles or adding volume to “sunken” areas. Your doctor can recommend a more effective non-invasive treatment, like fillers or Botox.

Thermage is not safe for pregnant women, but it is suitable for breastfeeding or nursing mothers because it doesn’t need a topical anesthetic.

What is the cost of Thermage in Singapore?

The Thermage Singapore price ranges from $2800 to $4500, depending on the treatment area. That’s slightly more expensive than Ultherapy, which can start at $1,000 for small treatment areas.

However, you only need one Thermage session, so you may save more than other radiofrequency treatments that require multiple sessions.

Where to Get Thermage Treatment in Sngapore

1. Sozo Aesthetic Clinic

Sozo Aesthetic Clinic is an aesthetic clinic located in Singapore that offers a variety of aesthetics treatments. One of their treatments is Thermage, a non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency technology to tighten and contour the skin.

They use a handheld device to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy while ensuring patient comfort with a cooling mechanism. Thermage provides results with minimal downtime, as any temporary redness or swelling typically subsides within hours to days.

2. David Loh Surgery (Orchard Road)

David Loh Surgery is an aesthetic clinic located on Orchard Road in Singapore. The clinic offers several different services of aesthetic treatments, including Thermage, a non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency technology to tighten and rejuvenate the skin. 

Thermage stimulates collagen production to target sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. David Loh Surgery maintains hygiene and utilises equipment throughout all of the treatments to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.

3. Vidaskin Medical Aesthetic Clinic

Vidaskin Medical Aesthetic Clinic in Singapore is also one of the clinics on the island that offer non-invasive Thermage treatment. Just like David Loh Surgery and Sozo, Vidaskin also uses radiofrequency technology in the treatment, targeting sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines by stimulating collagen production.

The clinic provides personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals. The treatment willleave you with minimal downtime.

Check Beauty Insider’s directory of Singapore aesthetic clinics to find the Thermage Singapore treatment nearest you.