ThermiTight™ is a procedure performed by our physicians at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, utilizing the ThermiRF™ Radiofrequency skin tightening technology. This is a new technology whereby a fine temperature regulated probe is inserted under the skin to deliver heat directly to the dermis and subdermis. Heating of these layers has been shown to induce skin tightening by collagen contraction and remodeling. Results are seen 2 to 12 months after a single treatment. The ideal candidate has loose skin, with limited excess fat, although it is possible to combine this procedure with liposuction if desired. The most commonly treated areas are the jawline and neck, upper arms, abdominal wall, thighs, and knees. Our plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Surgery Center are proud to be the first to offer this exciting new technology in the Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island area.
How ThermiTight™ works
This procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. A small volume of anesthetic solution is injected into the treatment area. The tiny ThermiRF™ probe is inserted under the skin through a small needle opening and the target skin is then heated to the desired level (42-44°C). The probe is able to measure internal temperature under the skin, while simultaneous monitoring of external skin temperature is performed with real time feedback from an infrared camera system. Most procedures take about one hour. A gentle wrap is applied to the treatment area for 24 hours, after which the patient may resume normal activities. Mild swelling and/or bruising may last up to one week. This procedure can be performed on any skin type.
How is ThermiRF™ different from existing skin heating devices?
Most skin heating devices seek to improve laxity of the skin and skin wrinkling by applying heat externally to the skin. The goal is to reach a target tissue temperature of 42-44°C, which has been shown to induce collagen remodeling and contraction. The problem with other devices lies in the inconsistency of results. There are some individuals who attain a subtle improvement, but there are also a large percentage of “non-responders” (those individuals who achieve no improvement). Elasticity of the skin, patient age, and other intrinsic patient factors can play a role, making patient selection a critical component to success of the procedure. However, there are also device specific limitations. In the opinion of our plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, ThermiRF™ is an advance in technology compared to all other skin heating devices. The heat is more precisely delivered to the target area with real time feedback from the ThermalImageGuidance™ system, lending to consistency of results.
ThermiTight™ FAQs
There is mild discomfort during the injection of local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Pre-operative pain medication is also administered to minimize pain. Once the treatment area is numb, the patient feels warmth but not pain. After the procedure, the treatment areas can feel sore up to one week.
The goal of ThermiTight™ is to tighten the skin laxity and turn back the clock. However, the result is not frozen in time. The aging process will gradually progress and you may choose to repeat the procedure in a few years to attain a sequential benefit.
Patients should expect mild to moderate bruising which can last 2 days to 1 week on average. There can be mild swelling during this period. Normal physical activities can be resumed in 2-3 days for most patients.
The cost of this treatment varies depending on the areas to be treated. Please call our office at 239-594-9100 to schedule your consultation.
All ThermiTight™ procedures are performed by one of our plastic surgeons: Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Maloney, or Dr. Ross. Our plastic surgeons will personally use their skills and expertise in ensuring the best outcome possible for you.
ThermiTight™ is a procedure that meets a certain need and is best suited for those individuals with loose skin, without excess fat. It will not offer a surgical type of result, but has very low downtime and is an office based procedure performed with local anesthetic. For those patients who are not ready for surgery, or those who have had surgery previously but are looking for additional skin tightening, ThermiTight™ is a wonderful option.
In most cases, surgery or ablative laser resurfacing of the face will offer a superior result. However, ThermiTight™ is the next step down from surgery. There is minimal down time but there is a moderate improvement in skin looseness.