Dr. Michele S. Green is a board-certified dermatologist. Upper East Side patients and those from the surrounding areas of New York City flock to her practice for a variety of cosmetic dermatology treatments. A graduate from Yale University, with an MD from Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC, Dr. Green treats some of the most discerning, demanding women and men in the world, with issues ranging from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, and skin cancer. Haute Beauty sits down with New York City-based Dermatologist Dr. Green to learn about her favorite non-invasive treatment that addresses loose skin on the face and body.Photo Credit: Shutterstock

HB: What is Thermage FLX?

Thermage FLX is a non-invasive FDA approved face and body skin tightening treatment that utilizes radio-frequency energy to stimulate collagen formation to tighten, smooth, and contour the skin to create an overall younger appearance. Thermage FLX is approved to treat most body parts including the face, neck, upper arms, buttocks, under eyes, hands, knees and thighs. Thermage FLX targets the collagen-rich dermis as well as the fiber septae in the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer by bulk-heating and uniformly distributing heat energy to denature and then remodel collagen. The result is an immediate collagen contraction from the heat as well as a progressive collagen remodeling from the body’s natural immune response to addressing the controlled trauma that the heat from Thermage FLX creates.
Thermage FLX is ideal for patients who are not good candidates for a facelift or surgical skin tightening. It effectively targets and treats skin laxity, and cellulite to achieve a tighter, smoother skin texture with no downtime. Can be used to effectively treat all skin types and skin color and can be used on the face and body. It is not advised to do Thermage FLX if you have an implantable pacemaker, cardioverter, defibrillator, or any electronic implantable device.

HB: How does it work to address the signs of aging?

With Thermage FLX, the tip of the handpiece is directed on the skin above the area to be treated. The radiofrequency energy delivers heat to the dermis which stimulates the production and regeneration of collagen. When this happens, the skin and its layers become firmer, smoother and tighter. The newly designed tips with Thermage FLX creates an even delivery of RF energy. It is also able to deliver more energy per pulse.

HB: What is the treatment process like?

There is no preparation prior to doing Thermage FLX. There is no pre-medication and no topical or systemic anesthesia required however some patients may require taking Valium or Advil prior to having the procedure done. The entire procedure is non-invasive with no downtime. During the procedure, the Thermage FLX handpiece is placed flat on the targeted treatment area. The Thermage FLX handpiece generally takes 45 minutes to treat the face and up to an hour for other parts of the body, depending on the size and location of the treatment area. During the treatment using the FLX handpiece, you will feel a gentle vibrating sensation with intervals of a heating sensation on your skin as the radiofrequency heat (RF) penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. There is no downtime and immediately after the treatment, you will see a notable improvement from the initial treatment. Optimal results can be seen four to six months post-treatment.

HB: Are multiple treatments necessary?

The results of skin tightening for Thermage FLX are long-lasting and full effects of the treatment can last up to two years depending on the skin condition. You will notice an immediate tightening after the treatment however, the full results can be seen 4-6 months after the treatment. It is recommended to repeat the treatment approximately every 1 to 2 years to maintain optimal results.

Photo Credit: Office of Dr. Michele Green

HB: What is recovery/aftercare like?

There is no downtime, the treated area is slightly pink for an hour after treatment. This is not an issue and does not hinder the patient from resuming normal activities after the treatment.

HB: What is the cost per treatment?

The cost per treatment ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on the treatment area.