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.
