Skin is made up of two layers, the visible outer layer called the epidermis, and the deeper layer called the dermis. The main structural component of the dermis is a protein called collagen, which provides the skin its strength. As we age, the body produces less collagen resulting in wrinkles and laxity. The Thermage procedure causes the collagen in the dermal layers of the skin and its underlying tissue to tighten, thereby reducing skin laxity and wrinkles and renewing facial contours.

The Thermage procedure for skin tightening uses patented radiofrequency technology to create a precisely controlled zone of heating in the dermis and the underlying tissue. At the same time the epidermis is protected with continual cooling. Heating of the collagen to critical temperatures, initiates a natural biological reaction that causes the collagen to contract and thicken. This process, called denaturation, provides the initial results of tighter, smoother looking skin.

In addition, the body also initiates a second response to heating within the dermis and underlying tissue. This response is part of the body's natural wound-healing response and initiates new collagen creation providing long-term tightening of the skin. The combination of these two processes, provide immediate skin tightening and long-term tightening effects.

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