ThermiRF® Skin Tightening in New Orleans, LA

For patients who do not need or want a surgical lift to correct loose, sagging skin on the body and face, radio frequency (RF) skin rejuvenation can tighten the skin without the time and expense of surgery. Best for mild to moderate skin looseness, RF skin rejuvenation using specific energies to target the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the body's natural collagen production. As the collagen in the skin increases, patients usually see healthier skin with better elasticity, fewer wrinkles, and less damage. At Khoobehi and Associates in New Orleans and Metairie, the plastic surgeons use the ThermiRF system with applications for specific treatments, including:

• ThermiSmooth® Face: noninvasive skin tightening for the face
• ThermiSmooth® Body: noninvasive skin tightening for the body
• ThermiTight®: minimally invasive skin tightening

RF skin rejuvenation uses controlled heat to target underlying skin tissues to help with collagen production. The doctor will use a machine, which generates the sound waves, and guides it over the marked areas. Numbing creams and coupling gel may be applied to act as another layer of protection for the skin surface. In some cases, a cold blast or cooling gel is applied to the patient’s skin to ease any discomfort. This treatment is most effective with skin irregularities such as wrinkles, stretch marks or cellulite on areas of the face, neck, tummy, arms, legs and buttocks.

RF skin treatment sessions may be uncomfortable for the patient because of the heating sensation. Pain is limited, and some machines have built-in cooling sprays to ease any discomfort. Some redness and swelling may appear on the treated area which will subside after a few weeks. Tightening sensations may be felt right immediately after the treatment, and will progress as the weeks pass to result in smoother and more supple skin. The positive effects can last for 2 years or longer. It is important for the patient to follow the post-treatment care prescribed by the surgeon.

Those who have skin irregularities, such as wrinkles, stretchmarks or cellulite, and are looking for non-surgical cosmetic treatments may be good candidates for an RF skin rejuvenation treatment. Generally, it is a safe approach with no downtime and minimal risks. If the skin shows signs of laxity, it is understood that there is a significant loss of collagen or fat tissues which help keep the skin tight. RF rejuvenation helps reproduce these substances to bring back the skin’s youthful shape.

The results may be long term since the treatment is not superficially limited and multiplies collagen. The improved skin can last up to 2 years. It is important for the patient to understand before undergoing the procedure that this treatment does not stop the skin’s aging. There are cases in which an RF treatment is repeated when the patient or doctor deems it necessary.

It depends. The number of treatments is proportional to the extent of the skin condition. For a full regional treatment of the face, it may take a minimum of 4 treatments spaced out for several weeks. For larger areas, it may take up to 15 sessions. There are also cases when patients undergo regularly scheduled treatments for long-term results.

A lift is an invasive procedure in which excess skin is excised and the cut is sutured up. This may be the best approach for excessive sagging because an RF treatment may not be able to fully correct sagging skin. The RF approach is beneficial for those who have mild to moderate cases of wrinkles or creases. In some cases, the doctor may recommend RF prior to a lift to stimulate collagen, which will also help the healing process once the patient undergoes surgery.